Summer in Cornwall means one thing: beach days. And there’s no shortage of stunning stretches of sand to explore here. From tranquil swimming bays to the favourite spots for finding surf, here’s our pick of the best beaches in Cornwall, what makes each one unique, and what to know before you go.
Readymoney Cove, Fowey
Best for: Peace and quiet
Tucked at the mouth of the River Fowey and overlooked by the ruins of St Catherine’s Castle, Readymoney Cove is a sheltered, southeast-facing beach just a short walk from Fowey. Framed by high cliffs, it’s a popular spot for swimmers and sailing boats, thanks to its calm waters and protection from prevailing winds.
Swimming is usually possible year-round, but be aware of spring tides every couple of weeks, which can completely cover the beach.
Facilities are limited – there are public toilets nearby and a long-stay car park a short walk away. The beach is not lifeguarded, and a seasonal dog ban is in place during July and August.
Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth
Best for: Wild swimming
Gyllyngvase is Falmouth’s largest and most popular beach, loved by locals and visitors for its wide sand, calm waters, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s a year-round favourite for swimmers, paddleboarders, kayakers, and dog-walkers, whatever the tide.
Backed by the lush Queen Mary Gardens, Gylly offers a mix of relaxation and activity – from admiring the subtropical flora and reading to watersports. The gently sloping shore and sheltered location make it ideal for families and it’s rarely a surfing spot.
The beach is lifeguarded in summer, with dogs allowed year-round (time restrictions apply from May to September). Amenities include public toilets, two beachfront cafés, and a watersports hire shop. Access is easy via multiple footpaths, with parking available just behind the gardens.
Kynance Cove, The Lizard Peninsula
Best for: Coastal photography
With its white sand, turquoise waters, and rugged rocks protruding from the ocean, Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most famous beaches. At low tide, caves and rocky crevices emerge, inviting exploration, but be careful of rising tides cutting you off. In summer, the sea is relatively calm, but for much of the year, conditions can be wild and unpredictable.
Now a hotspot for photographers, wild swimmers, and Poldark fans, Kynance has become one of the most visited stops along the South West Coast Path.
Above the beach, Kynance Cove Beach Café has served visitors for nearly a century. Facilities are basic, with public toilets and a National Trust car park about ten minutes away – though it gets busy in high season. There are no lifeguards, and dogs are not permitted in summer due to a seasonal ban.
Sennen Beach, Penwith
Best for: Summer surfing
A sweeping stretch of bright white sand and vivid blue sea, Sennen is one of Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches. As the final sandy bay before the land meets the vast Atlantic, it’s naturally exposed – making it a magnet for surfers. In calmer summer months, it’s also popular with swimmers, though strong rip currents can occur, so always stay between the red and yellow flags and swim only when lifeguards are on duty.
Family-friendly and spacious, Sennen is backed by the Surf Beach Bar, where you’ll also find toilets and surf hire. The beach is lifeguarded in summer and easily accessible from several nearby car parks. Dogs are welcome outside of summer but are restricted during peak months.
Carbis Bay, St Ives
Best for: Young families
Just a short walk from St Ives along the coastal path, Carbis Bay is a beautiful stretch of white sand backed by lush green cliffs. A small waterfall trickles down the eastern side – ideal for rinsing off after a swim. Sheltered and serene, the bay’s calm, turquoise waters and gently sloping sand make it perfect for swimming, especially for families.
Unlike other St Ives beaches, Carbis Bay rarely sees surf. It’s backed by the Carbis Bay Hotel, with cafés, toilets, and a car park just above – though parking is pricey. For a more scenic and cost-effective option, hop on the train from St Erth and enjoy the coastal views. The beach is lifeguarded in summer, and a partial dog ban is in place during peak months.
Perranporth Beach, Perranporth
Best for: Full day on the beach
At low tide, Perranporth reveals one of Cornwall's longest stretches of sand, extending 3 miles from Droskyn to Penhale. The soft, fine sand makes it a top choice for families, while its exposure to Atlantic swell attracts surfers year-round. Swimming is also popular, especially in the summer when the waves are calmer.
The beach offers surfboard and equipment rentals. Treat yourself to a meal, coffee or cake at The Watering Hole, the UK’s only pub on the beach. Perranporth is lifeguarded during the summer, and a partial dog ban is in place. There are two car parks – one behind the beach and one on the cliff above – along with public toilets. Access is easy via a path leading from the rear car park across a bridge to the sand. Don’t forget to stop off for ice creams at Cornish Dairy Ice Cream.
Pentewan Sands, St Austell
Best for: Shell collecting
Pentewan Sands is a wide beach with mushroom coloured sand, owned by the Pentewan Sands Holiday Park, though open to the public. Quieter than many of Cornwall's other beaches, it’s perfect for family exploration and shell collecting. Backed by tall, grass-covered cliffs and with a river flowing into the ocean, it offers a picturesque and sheltered setting. Swimming is possible here most of the year, with stunning views across St Austell Bay.
While there are no lifeguards, the safest swimming area is marked by buoys. The holiday park provides food, watersports equipment rentals, and toilets. A car park sits behind the beach, and access is easy via a path leading down from it.
Summerleaze Beach, Bude
Best for: Tidal pool swims
Summerleaze Beach in Bude is a stunning, sandy stretch perfect for sunbathing, beach games, and surfing. On calmer days, the beach also offers a great spot for swimming, though the surf can get large, making it best suited for more experienced swimmers.
For those seeking a calmer swim, Bude Sea Pool, one of Cornwall’s largest tidal pools, offers a natural yet man-made sanctuary in the rocks – best visited during mid to low tide.
Toilets, café, shops and Bude town centre are five minutes walk away. A car park with level access sits behind the sand. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months and dogs are permitted year round, but with restrictions between May and September.
Pedn Vounder
Best for: Adventure seekers
Tucked beneath towering cliffs near Treen, Pedn Vounder is one of Cornwall’s most breathtaking beaches. At low tide, a golden sandbar connects it to the nearby Logan Rock headland, while the clear turquoise water creates a near-tropical feel. It’s a favourite for wild swimmers and adventurous beachgoers, though reaching it requires a steep scramble down the cliff path – so it’s best suited for the sure-footed.
The beach is backed by rugged cliffs and is completely tidal, meaning it all but disappears at high tide. Swimming is magical here on calm days, but there are no lifeguards, and currents can be strong, so caution is needed. Pedn Vounder is also known as an unofficial naturist beach, and its remote beauty adds to its peacefulness. Park at Treen and walk for twenty minutes to reach the top of the cliff. There are no facilities, so come prepared.
Daymer Bay
Best for: Four-legged friends
Nestled between Polzeath and Rock, Daymer Bay is a wide, sheltered beach that’s perfect for families, swimmers, and paddleboarders. Backed by dunes and with calm, shallow waters, it offers a more peaceful alternative to the nearby surf-heavy spots. The beach is spacious at low tide, revealing golden sand and gentle access to the water – ideal for a relaxed dip or a paddle with little ones.
While it’s not a surf hotspot, windsurfers and kayakers often enjoy the bay’s steady breezes. There's a car park just behind the beach, along with public toilets and a small shop in season. Dogs are welcome year-round, making it a great pick for four-legged beachgoers too. With stunning views across the Camel Estuary, Daymer Bay is a laid-back, scenic choice for those on Cornwall’s north coast.
The best spots for wild swimming
As the days grow longer and the sea settles into summer calm, Cornwall becomes a dream destination for wild swimmers. Whether you're chasing the stillness of a sunrise dip or the golden glow of a sunset swim, the coast is brimming with breathtaking places to take the plunge.
Need additional inspiration? A Guide to Wild Swimming in Cornwall features 54 handpicked swimming spots including some of the county’s best tidal pools. Plus, safety tips, ideal tidal times, and practical info on parking and local amenities. Get 20% off with code CL20 at wildswimmingcornwall.co.uk
