Cornwall's Best Beaches

When it comes to beaches, Cornwall is a world-beater. There are hundreds to discover along its giant, craggy coastline, from smugglers’ coves and sheltered lagoons to immense bays. And the sand! Fine, golden and dreamily soft – it’s a beach lover’s paradise.

The rolling, wind-whipped waves that sweep in from the Atlantic make Cornwall one of the best spots in Europe for surfing. Newquay’s Fistral Beach is a particular hotspot, with its challenging conditions acting as a magnet for action-seekers, while Polzeath Beach is tailor-made for surfing amateurs. If you’ve always wanted to ride the waves, this is your chance!

Overlooked by flower-carpeted headlands and lapped by glistening seas, the idyllic beaches here are just as good for relaxation. So dip your toes in Kynance Cove’s irresistible turquoise waters, build sandcastles at Perranporth and bask on the white sands of Porthminster - the UK's most relaxing beach!