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LOTS OF GREAT BEACHES AND SECRET COVES TO DISCOVER
If you love cove hunting and beaches, then Cornwall has everything you could hope for, with a unique and magical coastline with over 400 beaches that are accessible on foot. Collectively they are the most varied in character of anywhere in the UK, and we believe in the world!
The North Coast has iconic sandy beaches backed by cliffs or sand dunes and are exposed to the Atlantic swell and wind producing some great surfing opportunities, whist here on the South Coast we have more sheltered and wonderful coves backed by a legendary coastal landscape with picturesque fishing harbours and stunning estuaries.
The Lizard Peninsula alone offers such a variety of fantastic beaches within easy reach just waiting to be explored and in some cases, discovered.
If you are looking for beaches to take your dog do have a look at THIS website.
COVERACK cove
This beach is particularly good for families. Children love fishing in the rock pools at mid-tide, creating sand sculptures at low-tide, and swimming in the clear blue sea. Windsurfing, paddle boarding and kayaking are especially popular here, and beach activities are organised by the village during the summer holidays.
This beach accessed via steps and is Dog Friendly all year round.
Parking and toilets are at North Corner.
Shops, galleries, pub, cafes and ice creams available in the village.
MEARS BEACH (PORTHBEER)
A large sandy beach is exposed here at low-tide. This beach is popular with local residents as it is only a 15 minute stroll along the coast path from Coverack.
This beach is accessed down a walk way from the coast path, and is close to the Terence Coventry Sculpture Park which is great for a visit too.
Dog Friendly all year round.
No facilities due to the remote location.
KENNACK SANDS
This beach is particularly good for families and the sand is still there at high-tide! The beach is flat with a combination of pebbles and sand. There are rock formations for rock pooling, and good access for kayaks. Lifeguards patrol this beach in the summer months.
One side of Kennack Sands is Dog Friendly.
Pay and Display car parking.
Cafe and public toilets available.
POLDHU COVE
Poldhu is as pretty as a picture with a sandy beach and cliffs either side. Families love Poldhu. There is a great surf school at the beach and Poldhu beach cafe is open all year round. Lifeguards watch over the beach during high season.
Parking and toilets available.
Dog Friendly outside of high season.
CHURCH COVE
Famed for its tiny church where Poldark married Demelza, Church Cove is owned by the National Trust and is a great beach for swimming, surfing and bodyboarding.
Cafe during busy times.
Lifeguards operate during summer.
National Trust car park and toilets.
Dogs permitted on Dollar Cove next door.
KYNANCE COVE
The most famous and perhaps the most beautiful beach on the Lizard with numerous islands and caves to explore at low-tide. Accessed via footpaths from a National Trust car park. Waters can be dangerous here, watch the tide times.
Parking, toilets and cafe available.
Dog Friendly outside of high season.
PORTHALLOW
Off the beaten track, Porthallow was once a busy fishing village with a thriving pichard fleet. The beach is pebbly and fairly sheltered, ideal for swimming. Divers are often seen setting off from here to the Manacles Reef, one of the best diving sites in the country.
Dog Friendly all year round.
Large car parking on the beach.
Toilets and Five Pilchards pub close by.
PORTHOUSTOCK
A couple of miles from St Keverne is Porthoustock beach. A working fishing cove of flat pebbles with a quarry at either end. At low tide there is an area of sand. Porthoustock is another popular spot for diving due to its close location to the Manacles Reef and the shipwrecks associated with it.
Dog Friendly all year round.
Toilets available.
MARAZION
The beach at Marazion is long, sandy and safe, with sand dunes, and rock pools around the harbour. There is a playpark just above the beach and at low tide access to St Michael's Mount is across a granite causeway once walked by pilgrims.
Lifeguards mid July to September
Cafes, toilets and shops in the village.
No dogs in high season.
LONGROCK
Lying between Marazion and Penzance, Longrock is a safe family beach with sand and pebbles. Swimming is particularly safe here as the water is shallow, and lifeguards from Marazion keep an eye on the far eastern end during the summer months.
Dogs allowed all year on the Penzance side of the car park. Seasonal ban to the left side during July and August.
Car parking on the beach.
PORTHCURNO
Tucked away in a sheltered spot in the far west of Cornwall with views of the famous Minack Theatre, Porthcurno is a delight with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters. Renowned for its beauty, this beach has won many awards and it is easy to see why. Sue's favourite beach!
Car parking available.
Lifeguards during high season.
No dogs during July and August.
SENNEN
Some days huge blue rolling waves head towards the shore making Sennen Cornwall's most westerly surfing hotspot. Other days when the tide is out, the wide golden sand provides plenty of space for everyone to enjoy. The small harbour has a lifeboat station, and you can enjoy the art galleries too.
Lifeguard cover from Easter to end Oct.
No dogs from May to September.
Toilets and refreshments available.
This is just a selection of the 300+ beaches waiting to be discovered in West Cornwall. Have a look at Visit Cornwall and Cornwall Beaches for so much more information.
