BEACHES

Cornwall is known for its extensive coastline, boasting endless sandy stretches, dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. It’s the perfect destination for beach lovers and Boconnion is superbly located for easy access to them all!

Cornwall’s two coastlines are markedly different from each other; the North Coast is characterised by rugged cliffs exposed to the Atlantic, offering dramatic scenery, broad beaches and world-class surfing. In contrast, the South Coast is more sheltered, featuring charming fishing villages, tucked-away coves, hidden valleys and a gentler, more romantic landscape. It’s more suited to bathing and rock-pooling rather than surfing, but access can be more challenging. Below are a few of our favourite spots.

 

North Coast

Harlyn Bay (35 min drive)

A wide, sandy beach known for its beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. It's characterised by fine golden sand, backed by dunes and low, steep cliffs. The beach is popular for swimming, exploring rock pools and surfing (see George’s Surf School).  If you love a sauna and sea dip, Saunas by the Sea is open all year round. Book your slot and get your fix. Dog-friendly all year round.  

Daymer Bay (35 min drive)

Nestled between Rock and Polzeath, Daymer Bay is known for its long, sandy beach backed by dunes and calm, shallow waters. It’s perfect for swimming, paddling and building sandcastles. It offers a more tranquil experience compared to some of the busier beaches on the North Coast and is dog-friendly all year round.

 

Fistral Bay (40 min drive)

This west-facing beach in Newquay is the home of British Surfing, famous for its golden sands and powerful Atlantic waves. Be aware of strong currents. Head down one evening to watch the sun set from Towan Head. There are a number of casual eateries including Rick Steins Fish & Chips, as well as amenities including showers, loos, shops and a hub for all things water sports. Dog-friendly all year round.

 

Watergate Bay (35 min drive)

A vast, sandy beach (particularly impressive at low tide) stretching for over two miles and flanked by imposing cliffs. A bustling beach with lots of places to eat and drink. Book yoga on the beach, a surf lesson or even a sauna through Wavehunters.  Dog-friendly all year round.  

 

Polzeath Beach (35 min drive)

An ideal beginners’ surfing beach with long waves and good surf. Book your private lesson with George’s Surf School  and/or hire your equipment from Bustymoos. At low tide the beach reaches half a mile in all directions with beach access to Baby Bay where you can book your post-surf sauna session at Saunas by the Sea. Remember to keep an eye on the tide or it’s a coastal path walk back. Polzeath is popular with teenagers in the summer and packed with bars and cafes - it is a really vibey spot. Please note that during high season there is a seasonal ban on dogs. See this link for details.

South Coast 

Talland Bay (40 min drive)

You need to be a confident driver to get yourself down to Talland Bay through the narrow lanes and steep hills, but if you are, this little beach is a gem. The car park is right beside the beach making it ideal for families with elderly relatives or armfuls of small children and clobber. The cove is perfect for bathing, the rocks perfect for exploring, and the fabulous Talland Bay Beach Cafe hires out kayaks to mosey around the bay in. Dogs are allowed year-round but please follow the link for restrictions.

 

Polkerris Beach (30 min drive)

Surrounded by the pretty village of Polkerris in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this little south-west-facing sandy cove is a short 5 minute walk down the road from the car park. There is easy access via a slipway and a stone quay to provide shelter from the wind. This little cove is big on it’s water sports. See Polkerris Beach for information on hiring kayaks, paddleboards or even a sailing dinghy. If you’re not packing a picnic, grab a pizza or one of their speciality fish dishes at Sam’s on the Beach - an old lifeboat station dating back to 1863. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between Easter Sunday and 1st October.

 

Lantic Bay (40 min drive)

This is our favourite beach hands down, but you need to be fit to get down to it and even fitter to get out again. There are no facilities (no loo, no café, no anything) just a beautiful shingle and sand beach like something from a film. Park in the National Trust car park and follow signs down the steep cliff path. It will take about 20 minutes to get down and longer to get back out - but it will have been worth the exertion, even on a miserable day. Dogs are allowed all year round.

 

Porthcurnick Beach (55 min drive)

A lovely National Trust owned sandy beach on the Roseland Peninsula with rock pools backing on to lush green hills and sheltered cliffs. It’s a longer drive than many of our other recommendations but an absolute must for its café, The Hidden Hut.  Serving fantastic seasonal food and overlooking the sandy bay and gentle waves, it is well worth the drive. Served on a ‘Turn Up and Order’ basis, they don’t take lunch bookings. Be sure to check their opening hours - as with their food, they have a tendency to be seasonal!  Dogs are welcome at the restaurant and on the beach all year round.