Cath Coad
07 March 2023
Cornwall is famous for its beautiful scenery, relaxed atmosphere and stunning coastline. There are literally hundreds of beaches in Cornwall, so even at the height of the season, it’s still possible to find a space to yourself.
There is a beautiful coastline facing in all directions and shelter is available so you can even pick your spot if it's windy. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best beaches in and around Marazion you just can’t miss during your stay.
If you'd like to browse our holiday cottages in Marazion, just click the button below, or have a read of our complete guide to Marazion for some more inspiration for things to do during your stay.
St. Michael's Bay
Aside from the gorgeous beach, there probably isn't a bigger reason to visit St. Michael's Bay than the 12th-century castle sitting atop the island in the middle of it.
Just 400 metres away from Marazion, 30 people currently boast the island as their home. Visiting the ancestral home of the St Aubyn family is a must and during low tide, it's possible to walk there across a causeway that emerges from the bay.
Postcode: TR17 0EG
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on this beach except between 1 July and 31 August, 10am-6pm, when a seasonal dog ban is in place
Lifeguard cover: RNLI Lifeguards are on duty from 8 July to 3 September, 10am–6pm (2023)
Parking: There are several car parks on the beachfront
Facilities: Marazion town, which is within easy reach, has all the shops and facilities you'll need including WCs by the beach, cafes and restaurants
Sennen Cove
Huge blue rolling waves make Sennen Cove one of Cornwall’s most western surf hot spots. The area comprises a long, sandy beach and a small harbour that is surrounded by cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Galleries and shops continue along the seafront, providing you with plenty of options for what to do whilst you’re in Sennen; all with a view of the majestic dark blue ocean.
Postcode: TR19 7DG
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on this beach except between 15 May and 30 September, 10am-6pm, when a seasonal dog ban is in place
Lifeguard cover: RNLI Lifeguards are on duty from 1 April to 29 October 10am-6pm (2023)
Parking: The main car park is located right on the beach and takes about 200 cars, and there is an overflow car park at the top of the hill
Facilities: WCs, beach cafe/restaurant, shop, surf hire nearby
Prussia Cove
Originally the home of a famous smuggler family in the 18th century, Prussia Cove is now a small, quiet and isolated section of the Cornish coast.
There are no facilities, and the nearest car park is around a ten-minute walk away which makes it the perfect secluded location to walk your dog, which is welcome on this stretch of coast all year round, and escape the hectic world.
Postcode: TR20 9BA
Dog friendly: Dogs are allowed all year round
Lifeguard cover: None
Parking: The only parking for Prussia Cove is a small private field car park at the end of the road down to the cove - from here, it takes about 10 minutes to walk down to the beach
Facilities: None
Perranuthnoe
Just a mile to the east of Marazion, this area has stunning views of St Michael’s Mount, the jewel in Cornwall’s crown.
The beach is sandy with some shingle at low tide, but at high tide is mostly claimed by the sea, making it very popular and an easily accessible surfing destination.
Postcode: TR20 9NE
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on this beach except between 1 July and 31 August, 10am-6pm, when a seasonal dog ban is in place
Lifeguard cover: RNLI Lifeguards are on duty from 8 July to 3 September 10am–6pm (2023)
Parking: 1 small car park close to Perranuthnoe Beach
Facilities: WCs close to the Perranuthnoe Beach car park
Carbis Bay
Just 1 mile east of St Ives, this beach rarely has any surf so makes it an ideal spot for families with young children as the sea here is perfect for swimming.
The beach forms just part of the greater St Ives Bay area which is listed as one of the world’s best by the Most Beautiful Bays in the World organisation.
Carbis Bay is surrounded by sub-tropical plants and turquoise waters which would make you think you were in the Mediterranean, not the south coast!
Postcode: TR26 2NW
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on this beach except between 15 May and 30 September, 10am-6pm, when a seasonal dog ban is in place
Lifeguard cover: RNLI Lifeguards are on duty from 8 July to 3 September, 10am–6pm (2023)
Parking: Plenty of parking available in the beachfront car park, also easily reached via train
Facilities: Beach shop, cafe and WCs
Porthcurno Beach
This stretch of the coast has won many awards and it’s easy to see why. Fine, soft sand, surrounded by high cliffs, washed by a sea that turns turquoise in the sun, makes Porthcurno an area of stunning natural beauty.
Porthcurno has often been described as ‘paradise’ and was used as an idyllic setting during the filming of Poldark.
You'll struggle to find a better view than the waves rolling in against the rocky cliffs; if you're only ever going to visit one beach, make it this one.
Postcode: TR19 6JX
Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on this beach except between 1 July and 31 August, 10am-6pm, when a seasonal dog ban is in place
Lifeguard cover: RNLI Lifeguards are on duty from 13 May to 24 September, 10am–6pm (2023)
Parking: Large car park above beach
Facilities: There are WCs in the car park as well cafes nearby
Stay with us in Cornwall
Have we tempted you enough to visit for yourself? We have a wide range of cottages in and around Marazion. Whether you are looking for a large period property for the whole family or a quaint, traditional dog-friendly cottage – whatever size or type of holiday accommodation you are looking for your next break – we can help! Click here to read more about our top places to stay in Cornwall here (and we'll let you in on a secret, Marazion may be in the list!).
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.