Here are some of Cornwall's offering for some of the best beaches in the southwest, in no particular order ‐ they are all good in their own unique way!
Boobys Bay, St Merryn
This gem is a wide sandy beach with great surfing and plenty of rock pool for kids to mess about in. It is close to Padstow, and within easy walking distance from Constantine Bay car park. St Merryn actually advertises itself as having “Seven bays for seven days†and Booby Bay is certainly one of the best. However, be warned that at high tide the sand almost disappears, to check your tide table before planning your day. At low tide you may see the wrecked ribs of a long-forgotten shipwreck in the bay, depending upon the currents and shifting sands,
Constantine Bay
Also in the Padstow/St Merryn area is the conservation and wildlife project in the dunes of Constantine Bay. This is one of the widest beaches in the area at low tide, with beautiful golden sands which become protective sand dunes. This beach is popular with families and is good for swimming and surfing when conditions are right. There is a small car park, so get there early, especially on summer weekends!
Crackington Haven
Situated between Widemouth Bay and Boscastle, this lovely sandy cove with pebbles above the high waterline, is an idyllic place for a family holiday, staying at one of the holiday cottages located nearby. The cliffs run down to the large sandy beach with plenty of rock pools. A car park, village pub, shops, toilets and a café mean it is easy to spend the whole day there with everything you need right on hand. The views as you drive down to the beach are spectacular and there are excellent clifftop walks nearby.
Daymer Beach, Rock
Less crowded than its famous sister, Rock, Daymer Beach is one of the jewels of North Cornwall, located at Trebetherick between Rock and Polzeath. Situated at the mouth of the Camel Estuary it is ideal for families as it lacks the rolling surf of Polzeath. The wide sandy beach is sheltered and flat so even at high tide the water depth remains waist high for a long way.
Swimming, canoeing, windsurfing and boating can all be enjoyed here with plenty of rock pools for poking around with a net. To the left of Daymer Beach you can climb up Braey Hill for great views of the Doom Bar and Stepper Point. Tucked behind the dunes (and once buried in them!) is St Enodoc Church, with the grave of poet laureate Sir John Betjeman.
Trebarwith Strand
Just south of Tintagel, Trebarwith Strand has 800 metres of sandy rock-strewn beach encircled by cliffs with caves. However, it is a challenge to get to, and impossible for pushchairs and those with walking difficulties. It is accessible from the South West Coast Path after walking through access land past old quarry workings.
You can also get there from the village of Treknow ‐ if you are prepared to descend to the stream at the south end of the village and then climb back up the other side. At high tide, the beach disappears beneath the waves. However, the surfing is excellent. Views out to sea look out to Rugged Gull Rock which enhances the view and the beach has been used in various films.
We have suggested the 5 beaches that are considered the best in North Cornwall ‐ unless you know better…? Feel free to recommend your best beach in North Cornwall, and let us know why!
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.