Rock Beach

A great beach known as Rock or Brea Beach. Rock has earned a reputation as a upmarket destination, just on the eastern shore of the Camel Estuary, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a haven for birds and wildlife, all just a ferry ride from Padstow. Rock is popular with those who sail – you may even spot a celebrity or a royal. The beach itself is sheltered and long with golden sand but there is no lifeguard service so take care. Rock Beach is the perfect place for a gentle stroll, to just relax and sunbathe, take a swim, or for something more active head to the Rock pontoon to try your hand at some water sports.

Polzeath Beach

This is one of our favourites for its beauty (great sunsets!) but also the facilities on offer. Whether you want to chill with a drink, some tasty food and a great view or get active and learn to surf – Polzeath has it covered. The beach has lots of car parking and great family friendly facilities like toilets and a lifeguard in the summer months. The beach itself is huge and definitely a surfer’s haven, the water is rated excellent quality and you may even spot a dolphin or two!

Daymer Bay

No matter the season this is a gorgeous beach. For a wonderful Winter walk consider Daymer Bay. At very low tide the beach joins with Rock and has superb soft sand along with great rock pools for big kids and small. Parking and toilets are close to the beach and dogs can come all year round. Golden sand dunes back this beautiful beach with superb views across Camel Estuary. An excellent spot for swimming, windsurfing, boating or canoeing. The beach is very sheltered and perfect for families, a jewel in the North Coast crown.

Greenaways Beach

Often overlooked because of its more famous neighbours, Daymer Bay and Rock beach, Greenaways is a peaceful spot to escape the crowds and enjoy the view. Only accessible at low tides, this little cove boasts many rock pools and low dramatic rocky cliffs. You can find it off the coastal path, down some steep steps but it is worth the detour. The colourful rocks are inspiring for an amateur geologist or just kick back and relax and while away a few hours. The neighbouring beach is a bit of a mouthful – Broadagogue Cove!

Lundy Bay

This beach takes a little getting too, and you have to catch it at low tide – but if you play it right you are treated to a beautiful sheltered spot with oodles of rock pools. You access the bay through a kissing gate that opens onto a field, then follow a gently sloping footpath that winds down to the beach via a lovely wooded valley. Close to both Polzeath and Port Isaac, Lundy Bay is often over looked, but if you take the coastal path you’re in for a treat – views of caves and cliffs and turquoise sea awaits!

Bossiney Cove Beach

This hidden gem is just beyond Tintagel, a sandy beach and a great spot for swimming and snorkeling complete with a cave to explore. To access the cove there is a steep half a mile walk and some steps, so this is not for pushchairs and small children. There are toilets at the car park but the beach itself is off the beaten track. The beach is only revealed at low tide, and you can see Elephant Rock hidden in the cliff face.

Port Gaverne

This is one of the closest beaches to Port Isaac and is a nice sheltered cove, safe for kids, and dogs are allowed all year round. Ideal for rock pooling and exploring caves. Parking is very limited, you can park in near by Port Isaac or there are some along the road. On a sunny day it can get busy but a great place to explore. Why not then walk some of the coastal path or venture to Port Isaac for some delicious food.

Trebarwith Strand

A little bit off the beaten track, Trebarwith Strand is great for families and for surfing. It has toilets, a cafe and a shop. Don’t forget to check the tide times but at low tide this can be a great location. Its rugged beauty sets Trebarwith apart, caves to explore and soft sand underfoot. One we recommend. Oh, and dogs can visit all year round!

Tregirls Beach

Also known as Harbour beach, this sandy spot is a lovely escape. Opposite Dammer Bay on the West Coast of the Camel Estuary, Tregirls at low tide has golden sand stretching for one and a half miles! Part of the beach is submerged and is known as the Doom Bar – the cause of many a shipwreck. Although this lovely beach is close to Padstow, Tregirls is a world away from the bustle of this popular town. Silky sand dunes provide shelter and the beach is dog friendly too. No onsite facilities and no lifeguards, but a real delight of a beach none the less.

Trevone Bay

Another great beach for you to explore! Trevone Bay is located just 2 miles west of Padstow and boasts golden sands and some great rock pools. Popular with both surfers and families this lovely beach has a lifeguard in the summer months and swimming is general quite safe. The rocks in this area have been awarded Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status. Particularly the blow-hole known as Round Hole, an 25m deep hole in the cliffs formed from a collapsed cave.

Harlyn Bay

Another great family beach. Here you will find a car park, toilets, shop and surf school! You can even book a beach wheelchair if needed. Dogs are welcome all year and in the summer lifeguards watch over the beach. Harlyn is a brilliant beach for surfing and family fun. Plenty of space, interesting rock pools and dunes and it has a great reputation for safety.

Bedruthan Steps

Just such a spectacular beach – but as you could probably guess by the name, it has many, many steps! You can’t swim or surf here as the sea is quite unpredictable, but park at the National Trust car park at Carnewas and enjoy breathtaking views across the waters and cliffs, make the decent and find the most golden sands. Up top is a charming cafe with pasties, ice creams and the quintessential cream tea. The ‘steps’ are known as the Giants stepping stones, and when the sun is low streaming through the granite rocks, there is no place better!

Mawgan Porth

This beach is a lovely spot, whether watching a breathtaking sunset or digging into a romantic picnic, Mawgan Porth is a winner. It is an impressive beach with a pretty village in between Newquay and Padstow. There are also some great rock pools and caves to explore. The fantastic Atlantic breakers make for great surfing. There are RNLI lifeguards who operate on the beach every day between April and September so you feel safe too. It is also a year round dog friendly beach and Mawgan Porth has been voted by The Times as one of their top 10 beaches, so what are you waiting for!!