The best Cornish seaside escapes
Lansallos
A happy recent discovery, the village of Lansallos is charmingly quiet, framed by secret coves and beaches. A national trust beach and walk, through woodland and fields reveals stunning views of azure-like sea and white sand. Begin in Lansallos and follow the cliftop trail to Polruan and stop for a secluded swim in Lantic Bay.
WALK - SWIM - PICNIC
Tregirls Padstow
Padstow is a favourite tourist day out famed for its selection of pretty shops, excellent harbour side pubs and top chef restaurants. Escape the crowds and walk the 20 minutes out of town to Tregirls, a stunning unspoiled beach, perfect for sun worshipers.
SANDY BEACH - RESTAURANTS
Porthtowan
Flanked by impressive cliffs and golden sand dunes, the beach at Porthtowan is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty and is one of the best surfing beaches.
The village itself is not particularly interesting but there’s a plethora of bars and cafes ideal for capturing the apres-surf atmosphere.
SURFING - APRES-SURF - BARS
Porthcurno
White sand beaches, bright turquoise sea and high cliffs to give you shelter, Porthcurno is one of the loveliest beaches in Cornwall. Above the cove, set into the clifftop and jutting across the sea is the open air Minack Theatre, an idyllic setting for catching some Shakespeare with the sea as the backdrop.
OPEN AIR THEATRE, CULTURE AND STUNNING SCENES
Treyarnon
Treyarnon might not be quiet, but if it’s busy, it’ll be busy with locals. Unlike its better-known neighbours at Constantine, Polzeath and Rock, Treyarnon attracts those in the know who want a low-key beach day with all the trimmings. Its excellent water quality, clean white sand, teeming rock pools and fantastic surf make it a pretty perfect north Cornish beach.
LAID BACK WHITE SANDS AND SURF
Porthminster beach
Porthminster is just a short walk from the centre of St Ives, situated within a beautiful bay with an expansive crescent of sand at low tide.
Complete with palm trees and gentle waves, plus excellent beach side bars, restaurants and cafes, this beach is perfect for sun soaking and on those rare hot English summer days, glass of rose in hand - you could easily be in the South of France.
FOR SOUTH OF FRANCE VIBES IN ST IVES
Porthcurnick
The beach here is rocky and craggy, ideal for explorers and full of rockpools, but the real reason to visit is for the Hidden Hut. A tiny cafe, the place hosts wonderful feasts during summertime, where you bring your own booze and cutlery and often serve up stunning fresh fish suppers around giant firepits on the. beach.