West Cornwall's Best Beaches

There are so many beautiful beaches in this part of Cornwall it can be difficult to choose just one. Some are more suited to families while others are ideal for watersports fans. We've compiled a list of some of our favourites

Sennen Cove in the far west is great for families and surfers

Best for Families

Porthcurno

With its clear turquoise waters, Porthcurno could be mistaken for the Mediterranean. It’s a great base for exploring the nearby Minack Theatre and Telegraph Museum. Lifeguard cover and a seasonal dog ban.

Perranuthnoe

A sandy beach a low tide, popular with families and surfers. Lifeguard cover during the summer season. It’s a short walk from the car park in the village to the beach. Nearby cafes include The Peppercorn and The Cabin.

Marazion

Spectacular views of St Michael’s Mount make this one of the most popular beaches in the area. There’s plenty of parking in Marazion although it gets very busy during the summer. There are places to eat and shop in town and a large children’s play area nearby. Lifeguard service during the summer.

Kynance Cove

Probably the best-known beach on the Lizard, Kynance is a small sandy beach surrounded by fascinating rock formations. It’s a 15-minute walk from the National Trust car park and there’s a National Trust cafe overlooking the cove. Seasonal dog ban.

Poldhu is one of West Cornwall's many surfing beaches

Best for Surfing and Bellyboarding

Praa Sands

This long stretch of golden sand is the premier surfing beach on the south coast and is just a couple of miles from Middle Colenso.

Gwithian

One of the major surfing beaches on the north coast, it's also home to a number of surf schools. The beach is part of the long stretch of sand that makes up St Ives Bay. Conditions are good for all levels. It's also worth exploring the options offered by the adjoining beaches at Godrevy to the east and Mexico Towans to the west but be warned, the trek back through the dune to the car park from Mexico Towans feels epic after an hour or two in the water.

Porthmeor, St Ives

On the right day, Porthmeor offers world class waves but its location in the heart of the town makes parking almost impossible during the summer months.

Sennen 

Sennen often serves up waves when everywhere else is flat. As you would expect, the facilities are excellent but it does get busy.

Poldhu Cove 

Situated on the picturesque Lizard peninsula, the beach is owned by The National Trust and has a nice little cafe. There's a large car park but it does get busy even though Poldhu tends to be quieter than some of the better-known beaches.

Best for Dogs

Most beaches operate a seasonal dog ban, some from May until September, others just in July and August, but usually just between 10am and 6pm. If you're visiting with a dog make sure you check the rules first. 

Long Rock

Adjoining Marazion beach, Long Rock is dog-friendly year round and popular with locals. It’s also an excellent spot for water sports including wind surfing, kite surfing and paddle boarding. Parking is at either at Long Rock or Marazion Station. No lifeguard.

Mexico Towans

Part of the long stretch of golden sand that stretches all the way from Hayle to Godrevey, it's a bit of a climb across the dunes but it’s a lovely spot. There are some steep drops so make sure you keep your dog on a lead.

Porthkidney Sands

near Lelant is a long, sandy stretch of beach where dogs are allowed all year. Take care when walking through the dunes as adders are often spotted in this area.

Hidden Gems

Porthchapel

A sheltered sandy beach between Porthcurno and Porthgwarra, Porthchapel is is good for families. The closest car park is near the church at St Levan from where it’s a five-minute walk to the beach. There are no facilities but it’s usually quieter than the neighbouring beaches.

Prussia Cove

My personal favourite and just a couple of miles from Middle Colenso, there are a number of rocky little coves which are perfect for swimming and rockpooking. At low tide, you make your way to Kenneggy Sands, a long sandy beach, which is sadly no longer accessible from the coast path. Find out more about Prussia Cove here.

Nanjizal

Situated just south of Land's End, it's a bit of a walk to reach Nanjizal but it's worth the effort. It's an unspoilt beach and boasts a beautiful sea cave known as The Song of the Sea.

A note on Pedn Vounder

When I first moved to Cornwall, Pedn Vounder was best known as a naturist beach. Since the advent of Instagram, however, it's become an internet sensation, regularly making it into lists of the world's best beaches. With its fine sand and turquoise water, it really is beautiful but it's also a victim of its own success.

Access was always dicey, a steep scramble from the coast path, and last year The National Trust closed it due to erosion. There were also concerns about safety on the beach; there are often riptides and due to its remote location, there's no lifeguard.

If you're really keen to visit, then you need to do it via kayak or paddleboard.