Beaches in Cornwall

Beaches in Cornwall

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When you think of Cornwall, beaches have to be one of the first things that spring to mind, after the pasties of course! With more than 400 beaches across the county, there's plenty of choice in the way of rock pools, places to bathe in the sea and surfing spots. 

With a coastline stretching more than 250 miles, Cornwall has no shortage of gorgeous sandy beaches. The county is a well-known favourite spot for surfers, so its beaches are flooded with all manner of board-riding beach bums during the summer months, giving the area an energetic buzz. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t a whole host of secluded spots for those just looking to laze on the sand with a good book, or for a bit of a laid-back paddle. With temperatures reaching highs of over 20°C in the summer, whatever it is you want from your beach holiday, Cornwall is perfect for a bit of summer staycation sun.

Looking for the cream of the crop? Check out our list of the best beaches in Cornwall.

Beach walks: a selection of Britain's best

Beach walks: a selection of Britain's best
Harlyn Bay: vast and tranquil

Cornwall's walking routes makes up part of the South West Coast Path: an epic 630-mile trail, which also runs through Devon and Dorset, that has twice been voted 'Britain's Best Walking route' by readers of The Ramblers' Walk magazine. Hikers walking the coastal routes can explore Cornwall’s dramatic scenery of rugged cliffs, golden beaches, rare wildflowers, quaint fishing villages and not a little bit of history too. So, lace up the boots - you’ve got some exploring to do. 

Beach history: trade and tyranny

Beach history: trade and tyranny
Gorran Haven: glorious whatever time of day it is

The county of Cornwall has a proud tradition that’s steeped in history - some of it noble, and some of it a little more nefarious. According to legend, the Cornish village of Tintagel was the birthplace of the mythical King Arthur Pendragon, one of the most important figures in British folklore. It’s an epic story that involves sieges, magic and a bit of forbidden love too. What’s not to like? Tintagel’s just an hour’s drive from our Perran Sands Holiday Park, and it’s worth the drive just for the remains of the awesome Tintagel Castle alone. 

At the other end of the spectrum is Cornwall’s history of smuggling. During the 1700s, tax levied made the price on goods like tea, sugar and brandy up to six times more expensive in England than in Europe! This led to a boom in smuggling in the region, with contraband being landed on 

Cornwall's many secluded beaches and coves and hidden in its countless caves. Perhaps you might find a little something that was forgotten and left behind all those years ago? The smugglers and pirates of Cornwall seem to have captured the imagination of many, inspiring numerous stories like Daphne du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn

If drama is your thing, then Cornwall won’t disappoint. A number of beaches in Cornwall featured in the BBC’s Poldark, playing host to Ross and Demelza’s many adventures, break-ups and make-ups. A suitable romantic setting for such a romantic story. 

Looking for a set of beaches to tick off the bucket list? Take a peek at the best beaches in Cornwall. 

Discover breaks in Cornwall

Riviere Sands self catering holidays

Riviere Sands, Cornwall

4 nights from £49
Perran Sands self catering holidays

Perran Sands, Cornwall

4 nights from £49

Beach history: trade and tyranny

Beach history: trade and tyranny
Perranporth: just a stone's throw from our Perran Sands park

There’s no shortage of things to do in Cornwall. Naturally, we can’t talk about this area without mentioning surfing; thanks to its location, jutting out as it does into the Atlantic, the county has some of the best surfing conditions in Europe. It’s this, plus the mild climate and perfect beaches, that has made the area the surf capital of the UK. So, why not give it a go yourself and grab yourself some surf lessons at our Perran Sands or Riviere Sands holiday parks? 

If surfing’s not your thing, there’s plenty besides. If you want something a little more relaxed, why not take out a sea kayak and see if you can meet some of the area’s local sea life? The waters around Cornwall are home to a whole host of marine animals, including Bottlenose Dolphins, Leatherback Turtles, Grey Seals, Basking Sharks and Fin Whales. 

Start planning your Great British break

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