If you’re searching for the Cornwall best beaches and coastal viewpoints, this guide covers 20 spectacular spots — from world-famous sandy bays to dramatic clifftop panoramas and hidden coves. Whether you’re planning a summer swim, a storm-watching walk, or golden-hour photography, Cornwall’s coastline offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK.
1. Kynance Cove
Why go: Turquoise water, serpentine rock stacks, white sand at low tide.
Parking: National Trust car park (Lizard village overflow in peak season).
Walk: 10–15 minutes downhill; moderate return climb.
Facilities: Café, toilets (seasonal).
Tip: Visit at low tide to explore caves. Extremely busy in summer.
2. Land’s End
Why go: Iconic cliffs and Atlantic views.
Parking: Large paid car park on-site.
Walk: Very easy from car park; coastal paths nearby.
Facilities: Visitor centre, café, toilets.
Tip: Walk 20–30 minutes along the coast path to escape crowds.
3. Fistral Beach
Why go: Cornwall’s most famous surf beach.
Parking: Headland Road car park or Esplanade Road.
Walk: Flat and easy.
Facilities: Surf schools, cafés, toilets.
Tip: Best for experienced surfers when swell is large.
4. St Michael’s Mount
Why go: Fairytale tidal island and castle views.
Parking: Marazion town car parks.
Walk: 5–10 mins across causeway (low tide).
Facilities: Toilets, cafés in Marazion.
Tip: Check tide times before visiting.
5. Porthcurno Beach
Why go: Caribbean-style sand and turquoise water.
Parking: Cliff-top car park.
Walk: 5–10 minute steep path.
Facilities: Toilets, seasonal café.
Tip: Combine with a visit to Minack Theatre above the beach.
6. Bedruthan Steps
Why go: Dramatic sea stacks and cliff views.
Parking: National Trust car park.
Walk: Viewpoints are easy; beach access steep and seasonal.
Facilities: Café and toilets (seasonal).
Tip: One of the best sunset spots in Cornwall.
7. Porthminster Beach
Why go: Sheltered, calm water with harbour views.
Parking: St Ives station car park.
Walk: Easy and flat.
Facilities: Toilets, beach café.
Tip: Ideal for families and paddleboarding.
8. Holywell Bay
Why go: Expansive dunes and sea caves.
Parking: National Trust car park.
Walk: 10-minute flat walk.
Facilities: Toilets, seasonal café.
Tip: Explore caves only at low tide.
9. Tintagel Castle
Why go: Legendary King Arthur setting.
Parking: Tintagel village.
Walk: Steep steps; moderate difficulty.
Facilities: Café, toilets.
Tip: Visit early to avoid queues.
10. Polzeath Beach
Why go: Wide sandy beach, beginner surfing.
Parking: Several paid car parks in village.
Walk: Very easy.
Facilities: Toilets, shops, cafés.
Tip: Good year-round dog access (check seasonal rules).
11. Porthgwarra
Why go: Tiny hidden cove and filming location.
Parking: Small car park (fills fast).
Walk: 5-minute path.
Facilities: Seasonal café.
Tip: Great for snorkelling on calm days.
12. Rame Head
Why go: Panoramic coastal views, fewer crowds.
Parking: Penlee Point or Cawsand.
Walk: 1–2 miles; moderate incline.
Facilities: None at headland.
Tip: Bring water and sturdy shoes.
13. Gwithian Towans
Why go: Miles of dunes and Godrevy lighthouse views.
Parking: Gwithian Beach car park.
Walk: 5–15 minutes across dunes.
Facilities: Café, toilets (seasonal).
Tip: Excellent sunset photography.
14. Boscastle Harbour
Why go: Charming harbour and cliff walks.
Parking: Village car park.
Walk: Easy harbour stroll; steep cliff path optional.
Facilities: Cafés, toilets.
Tip: Walk up to the headland for dramatic views.
15. Pedn Vounder Beach
Why go: Secluded, crystal-clear water.
Parking: Treen village car park.
Walk: 20–30 mins; steep and uneven.
Facilities: None on beach.
Tip: Check tide times; access can disappear at high tide.
16. Portheras Cove
Why go: Peaceful hidden gem.
Parking: Pendeen Watch area.
Walk: 15–20 mins downhill.
Facilities: None.
Tip: Best in calm conditions.
17. Harlyn Bay
Why go: Sheltered beautiful sandy beach.
Parking: Beach car park.
Walk: Very short and flat.
Facilities: Café, toilets.
Tip: Popular with families and bodyboarders.
18. Godrevy Lighthouse
Why go: Iconic lighthouse views and seal spotting.
Parking: National Trust Godrevy car park.
Walk: 15–30 minutes; mostly easy.
Facilities: Café van (seasonal), toilets.
Tip: Bring binoculars for seals below the cliffs.
19. Crantock Beach
Why go: Sweeping sand and river estuary.
Parking: National Trust car park.
Walk: 5–10 mins.
Facilities: Toilets, café.
Tip: Kayak along the Gannel estuary at high tide.
20. Chapel Porth
Why go: Rugged cliffs and mining heritage.
Parking: National Trust car park.
Walk: Easy to beach; cliff paths moderate.
Facilities: Café, toilets (seasonal).
Tip: Famous for “hedgehog” ice cream.
🌤 Planning Tips for Visiting Cornwall’s Coast
- Check tide times daily (especially for coves like Pedn Vounder).
- Arrive early in summer — car parks fill by 9–10am.
- Bring layers — weather changes quickly.
- Download offline maps — signal can be limited.
- Respect cliff edges — erosion is common.
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