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Cornish Beaches

    According to the Times and Sunday Times’ annual best beaches guide, The Towans, Hayle in Cornwall has been named the top beach in Great Britain.

    Why? It takes top place thanks to the quality of its water, its cleanliness, its dog-friendly credentials and its sheer breathtaking beauty.

    The beautiful golden sandy beach at Hayle Towans in St Ives Bay Cornwall England UK Europe

    And the accolades for Cornwall don’t end there. Three more Cornish beaches appeared in the top 10 best beaches, including Summerleaze, recognised for its accessibility, water quality, and fantastic tidal swimming pool. Porthcurno was also singled out for its beautiful setting and is home to the famous Minack Theatre and Kynance Cove, known for its white sands, turquoise waters, and outstanding views.

    Where’s Your Best Beach?

    Footpath through sand dunes leading to the beach. Sandbanks beach, Poole, Dorset.

    Everyone has a different favourite beach for obvious reasons. If you’re a keen surfer, then you’re going to go for a windswept beach where the waves promise happy surfing, whereas if you want a beach that appeals to families, then you’ll be looking for long stretches of golden sands with sand dunes and rock pools to explore.
    For dog owners, you’ll be in the market for dog-friendly beaches, and couples will be after secluded sandy coves, where you can enjoy romantic walks and picnics in peace.

    Cornish Beaches And Your Pup

    Beautiful playful golden retriever on the beach

    You can’t beat a walk on the beach to blow the cobwebs away, and our four-legged friends like nothing more than chasing a ball along the sand, having a paddle in the water and a good sniff in the sand dunes.
    Cornwall prides itself on its dog-friendly credentials, with many beaches dog-friendly all year round and others having some summertime restrictions. It’s always worth checking local guidelines before hitting the beach with your pup.
    Here are the pick of Cornish dog-friendly beaches as a starting point:
    • Porthkidney
    • Daymer Bay
    • Watergate Bay
    • Crantock
    • Trebarwith Strand
    • Harlyn Bay
    • Sandymouth
    • Mawgan Porth

    Family Days At The Beach In Cornwall

    rear view of baby girl playing at the beach

    A perennial British favourite is a family day out at the seaside, and when the sun is shining, there is nowhere better to be than on the beach with a picnic, a bucket, and a spade. Kids just love exploring rock pools, making sandcastles, splashing in the water, and running through sand dunes while the adults relax and soak up the beautiful seaside surroundings.
    Here are just a few Cornish family-friendly beaches:
    • Perranporth
    • Gyllyngvase
    • Summerleaze
    • Porthminster
    • Praa Sands
    • Mawgan Porth
    • Porthcurno
    • Harlyn

    Watersports At The Beach

    Two Children Wearing Wetsuits Playing In Sea With Bodyboards On  Summer Beach Vacation

    For some, going to the beach is all about relaxing and chilling out, whereas, for others, it’s about undertaking challenging, adrenaline-fuelled activities to make the most of the great outdoors.
    Here are some of the best Cornish beaches for watersports:
    • Fistral
    • Crantock
    • Polkerris
    • Newquay
    • Watergate Bay
    • Carbis Bay
    • Sennen Cove
    • Harlyn

    Peace And Quiet On The Sand

    orthcurno Beach is tucked away on the south coast of the Penwith peninsula in Cornwall, with crystal clear water and golden sand spanning the beach. It is simply stunning.

    If you want to get away from the madding crowd and are looking for more secluded beaches and coves where you can enjoy a romantic walk with that special someone or an intimate picnic for two, then if you’re willing to go off the beaten track, you will always be able to find a quiet beach perfect for two in Cornwall.
    Here are a few romantic beaches ideal for a sunset stroll:
    • Bedruthan Steps
    • Kynance Cove
    • Hemmick Beach
    • Porthmeor
    • Crantock
    • Looe Bay
    • Carbis Bay
    • Porthgwarra Cove

    Caravan Parks Near the Beach In Cornwall

    You’re in luck. Cornwall has many caravan parks and sites offering everything from action-packed parks with on-site facilities and amenities to quiet, secluded sites where the scenery and surroundings provide all the needed entertainment.
    Here are just a few Cornish holiday parks:
    Par Sands Holiday Park
    Newquay Bay Resort
    Chy Carne Holiday Park
    Harlyn Sands
    Liskey Hill Caravan Park
    Lizard Point Holiday Park
    Looe Bay Holiday Park
    Perran Sands
    Book a caravan break to Cornwall today and see why its beaches are considered amongst the best in the world. Once you’re there, consider beach activities for a day packed full of fun!