Best Cornwall Beaches to Visit in 2025: Hidden Gems & Popular Spots

Discover Cornwall’s Most Stunning Beaches This Year

Cornwall is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the UK, drawing visitors from around the world with its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and rugged cliffs. Whether you’re looking for thrilling surf, peaceful hidden coves, or family-friendly spots, Cornwall’s coastline has something for everyone.

As we head into 2025, now is the perfect time to explore Cornwall’s most breathtaking beaches, from the famous surf of Fistral Beach to the Caribbean-like beauty of Pedn Vounder. This guide covers the must-visit beaches for the year ahead, including iconic favourites and hidden gems you might not have discovered yet.

What You’ll Find in This Guide

🏄‍♂️ Best surf beaches – Where to catch the biggest waves
🏖 Secluded paradises – The hidden coves only locals know about
🐶 Dog-friendly beaches – Where your furry friend is welcome all year
🌅 Breathtaking sunset spots – Perfect for an evening stroll

No matter your reason for visiting, Cornwall’s beaches promise adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable views. Ready to plan your perfect beach trip? Let’s dive into Cornwall’s top 10 must-visit beaches in 2025! 🌊✨

1. Porthcurno Beach – A Postcard-Perfect Paradise

📍 Location: Near Land’s End

🏖 Best For: Stunning scenery, families, and photographers

Porthcurno is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall, with soft white sand, turquoise waters, and towering cliffs. It’s ideal for families, with shallow waters in summer and plenty of space for sunbathing.

Why Visit Porthcurno?

✅ Caribbean-like Waters – Crystal-clear and ideal for swimming
✅ Minack Theatre Overlooking the Beach – A spectacular open-air theatre carved into the cliffs
✅ Rock Pooling & Exploring – Great for kids

Things to Know Before You Go

• Parking: Paid car park a short walk away
• Dogs: Not allowed from 1st July to 31st August (10am-6pm)
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset for fewer crowds

2. Kynance Cove – Cornwall’s Most Dramatic Beach

📍 Location: Lizard Peninsula

🏖 Best For: Scenic views, photographers, and explorers

Kynance Cove is famous for its rugged beauty, featuring turquoise waters, white sand, and striking rock formations. This National Trust beach is one of Cornwall’s most photographed locations.

Why Visit Kynance Cove?

✅ Stunning Rock Formations – A must-see natural wonder
✅ Crystal-Clear Waters – Great for paddling and photography
✅ Coastal Walks – Spectacular trails along the Lizard Peninsula

Things to Know Before You Go

• Parking: National Trust car park (15-minute walk)
• Dogs: Restricted from 1st July to 31st August (10am-6pm)
• Best Time to Visit: Low tide for exploring caves and rock formations

3. Fistral Beach – The UK’s Surfing Capital

📍 Location: Newquay

🏖 Best For: Surfing, watersports, and beach bars

Fistral Beach is the most famous surf spot in the UK, offering powerful waves and a buzzing atmosphere. If you want to experience Cornwall’s surf culture, this is the place to be.

Why Visit Fistral Beach?

✅ World-Class Surfing – Home to international surf competitions
✅ Surf Schools & Equipment Hire – Perfect for beginners and pros
✅ Beachfront Bars & Restaurants – Rick Stein’s Fistral and The Stable offer great food with sea views

Things to Know Before You Go

• Parking: Large car park near the beach
• Dogs: Allowed all year round
• Best Time to Visit: Any time, but it gets busy in summer

4. Watergate Bay – A Stunning Two-Mile Beach

📍 Location: Near Newquay

🏖 Best For: Watersports, beach walks, and dog owners

Watergate Bay is a huge, open beach with rolling waves and golden sand. While it’s a great surf spot, it’s also ideal for kite surfing, paddleboarding, and long beach walks.

Why Visit Watergate Bay?

✅ Perfect for Watersports – Great waves for all skill levels
✅ Dog-Friendly – One of the best year-round dog beaches in Cornwall
✅ Great Restaurants – Visit The Beach Hut for a meal with sea views

Things to Know Before You Go

• Parking: Large car park available
• Dogs: Allowed all year round
• Best Time to Visit: Morning for fewer crowds

5. Pedn Vounder – Cornwall’s Secret Caribbean

📍 Location: Near Porthcurno

🏖 Best For: Wild swimming, peaceful vibes, and stunning views

Pedn Vounder is a hidden paradise, offering crystal-clear waters and golden sand. The access path is steep, but the effort is well worth it for those seeking a secluded, untouched beach.

Why Visit Pedn Vounder?

✅ Unspoiled Natural Beauty – No tourist facilities, just pure nature
✅ Incredible Views – Beneath the famous Logan Rock
✅ Perfect for Wild Swimming – Crystal-clear water

Things to Know Before You Go

• Parking: Park at Treen and walk 20 minutes
• Dogs: Allowed, but be cautious of strong currents
• Best Time to Visit: Low tide for easier access

6. Perranporth Beach – A Beach with a Pub on the Sand

📍 Location: Perranporth

🏖 Best For: Beach walks, surfing, and pub lovers

Perranporth is one of the largest beaches in Cornwall, featuring three miles of golden sand and the famous Watering Hole pub, which is the UK’s only beach bar on the sand.

Why Visit Perranporth?

✅ Great for Surfing & Bodyboarding – Consistent waves
✅ The Watering Hole Pub – Enjoy drinks and live music on the beach
✅ Perfect for Long Walks – Especially at low tide

Things to Know Before You Go

• Parking: Several car parks in town
• Dogs: Allowed all year (summer restrictions apply)
• Best Time to Visit: Sunset for amazing views

7. Holywell Bay – A Star of Film & TV

📍 Location: Near Newquay

🏖 Best For: Scenic dunes, film lovers, and quiet escapes

Holywell Bay has featured in:
🎬 Poldark
🎬 House of the Dragon
🎬 James Bond: Die Another Day
🎬 Summer in February

Why Visit Holywell Bay?

✅ Huge Sand Dunes – Great for climbing and sandboarding
✅ Film & TV Connections – Recognisable from multiple productions
✅ Less Crowded – A peaceful alternative to Newquay’s busy beaches

Things to Know Before You Go

• Parking: National Trust car park
• Dogs: Allowed all year round
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peace and quiet

8. Sennen Cove – A Surfer’s Dream

📍 Location: Near Land’s End

🏖 Best For: Surfing, families, and coastal views

Sennen Cove is a stunning surf beach, offering great waves, golden sand, and breathtaking scenery. It’s a fantastic alternative to Newquay’s busier surf spots and is popular with both surfers and families.

Why Visit Sennen Cove?

✅ Consistent Surf – A favourite for both beginners and experienced surfers
✅ Picturesque Harbour & Coastal Walks – Stunning views across the Atlantic
✅ Great for Families – Lifeguarded beach in summer with plenty of space

Things to Know Before You Go

• Parking: Large car park available nearby
• Dogs: Restricted from 1st July to 31st August (10am-6pm)
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the best surf

9. Praa Sands – A Stunning Beach with Soft White Sand

📍 Location: Between Penzance and Helston

🏖 Best For: Families, swimming, and surfing

Praa Sands is a long, beautiful beach with fine white sand and clear waters, making it one of the best beaches near Penzance. It’s popular with families, swimmers, and beginner surfers, thanks to its gentle waves and lifeguard patrols in summer.

Why Visit Praa Sands?

✅ Soft, White Sand – One of Cornwall’s best for beach walks and sunbathing
✅ Great for Swimming & Surfing – Lifeguarded in peak season
✅ Easy Access & Facilities – Nearby car park, cafés, and a pub

Things to Know Before You Go

• Parking: Large car park right by the beach
• Dogs: Seasonal restrictions from 1st July to 31st August (10am-6pm)
• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peaceful walks or mid-afternoon for a surf session

10. Porthmeor Beach – St Ives’ Surfer’s Paradise

📍 Location: St Ives

🏖 Best For: Surfing, sunsets, and art lovers

Porthmeor Beach is one of Cornwall’s best beaches for both surfing and stunning sunsets. Located in the heart of St Ives, it’s right next to the famous Tate St Ives gallery, making it a great spot for beach lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

Why Visit Porthmeor Beach?

✅ Top Surfing Spot – Great waves for all skill levels
✅ Breathtaking Sunsets – One of the best sunset spots in Cornwall
✅ Close to Tate St Ives – Perfect for combining a beach day with a cultural experience

Things to Know Before You Go

• Parking: Limited parking in St Ives, best to use park-and-ride
• Dogs: Not allowed from 15th May to 30th September (10am-6pm)
• Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for an epic sunset

Final Thoughts: Cornwall’s Beaches Await in 2025

Cornwall’s coastline is a treasure trove of breathtaking beaches, each offering something unique—world-class surf, hidden coves, golden sands, and dramatic cliffs. Whether you’re looking to ride the waves at Fistral, explore secret paradises like Pedn Vounder, or unwind with a drink on Perranporth’s beachside pub, there’s a perfect beach for every visitor.

What makes Cornwall’s beaches truly special isn’t just their natural beauty—it’s the sense of adventure, tranquillity, and wonder they bring. From thrill-seekers chasing the surf to families making cherished seaside memories, these coastal gems continue to capture hearts year after year.

Plan Your Ultimate Beach Trip to Cornwall

🚗 Getting There: Many beaches have parking nearby, but during peak season, park-and-ride options in towns like St Ives are a great alternative.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Adventures: Several beaches welcome dogs year-round, making Cornwall a fantastic destination for pet owners.
🌊 Best Times to Visit: Each beach shines in different seasons—summer for lively vibes, autumn for peaceful walks, and winter for dramatic seascapes.

No matter what type of beach day you’re after, Cornwall delivers in every season. Whether you’re returning to a favourite spot or discovering a hidden gem for the first time, one thing’s for sure—Cornwall’s beaches will leave you in awe.

Which Cornwall beach is your favourite? Let us know in the comments and share this guide with fellow beach lovers! 🌊✨

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