Catherine Arthur
29 October 2026
There’s said to be over 400 beaches in Cornwall, from vast sandy surfing beaches to Blue Flag-awarded bays and hidden coves only accessible at low tide. Whether you're an avid surfer searching for the perfect wave, a keen walker looking to explore the South West Coast Path or you’re hoping to find a beautiful spot to relax by the sea, there's a beach in Cornwall to suit everyone.
In fact, when it comes to beaches in Cornwall, the hardest part may well be deciding which one to visit first. To help, some of the team at Cornish Horizons have shared their favourites.
Holywell Bay
Images by Sherry Scully
Nestled near Newquay, Holywell Bay is a wide, sandy beach backed by grassy dunes and rugged headlands. It’s one of Cornwall’s most iconic beaches, with the twin offshore rock stacks known as Gull Rocks. Holywell Bay has been featured as a filming location for Poldark, Die Another Day, and House of the Dragon.
Sherry Scully is Head of Homeowner Account Management at Cornish Horizons and has lived in Cornwall for over 10 years. She says, “My favourite beach in Cornwall is Holywell Bay, which is, without a doubt, stunning. It has a backdrop of sand dunes and the distinctive Gull Rocks which appear out to sea just off the shoreline.
“It offers the best sunsets ever and is dog-friendly all year round. The beach is lifeguarded in the main season, which isn’t the case for all beaches, and there’s a beach bar with a beer garden at the local pub, together with a large screen to show sporting events plus films in the daytime.
“With a National Trust car park, members can park for free, while non-members can pay on the JustPark App. The beach is large and just as stunning for winter walks as it is in the summer.”
Good to know:
- Facilities: WCs in the car park, café and pub in the village
- Parking: National Trust car park is closest to the beach
- Lifeguards: In 2026, Holywell Bay was patrolled by lifeguards between 10am–6pm daily from mid-May to end of September
- Dog friendly: Dogs welcome on Holywell all year round
- Stay nearby: 4 The Rocks | sleeps 8 + 2 dogs
Polzeath
Images by Sophie Young
Polzeath is a small seaside village near Wadebridge, which is home to a sandy beach renowned for being one of the best surfing beaches in North Cornwall. The village is home to a wide variety of restaurants, shops and cafes, and known for its relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Sophie Young, New Business Manager and lifelong Cornish local says, “One of my favourite beaches is Polzeath Beach and Baby Bay. There are some amazing walking trails, and one of my favourite routes starts at The National Trust Pentire car park and leads up around The Rumps before dropping down to Polzeath. On a sunny day with a calm sea, you can be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere in Greece!
“When the surf is better, it's a great spot to take the kids on their boards to practise in the shallow waves. Baby Bay also boasts Saunas By The Sea if you fancy a sea swim and then warming up afterwards.”
Good to know:
- Facilities: WCs, shops, surf schools, cafes, restaurants on the beach or within easy walking distance
- Parking: There is Polzeath Beach car park which is on the beach itself, Sea View car park and Tristram car park which are within easy walking distance from the beach.
- Lifeguards: In 2026, Polzeath was patrolled by lifeguards between 10am–6pm daily during the Easter holidays, weekends in April, then daily from 2 May–27 September, also weekends throughout October and every day during October half term
- Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on Polzeath all year, other than between 10am–6pm between 15 May and 30 September
- Stay nearby: Driftwood | sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
Sandymouth Beach
Situated roughly 5 miles from Bude, Sandymouth Beach is a stunning stretch of golden sand backed by towering cliffs. Owned by the National Trust, Sandymouth Beach offers some spectacular coastal walks, rock pools and Atlantic views.
Charlie Boundy, Homeowner Account Manager, says “Sandymouth Beach is my favourite beach. I have fond memories of being in college and sneaking off for the afternoon with my friends for a sea swim and BBQ. This was also the first beach I took the children to when we could finally go during Covid times. I will never forget how good it felt to be outside in the sea air and jumping the waves with the children, seeing their smiles and laughter.”
Good to know:
- Facilities: WCs and café by the beach
- Parking: National Trust car park is closest to the beach
- Lifeguards: In 2026, Sandymouth was patrolled by lifeguards between 10am–6pm daily from mid-May to end of September
- Dog friendly: Dogs welcome on Sandymouth all year round
- Stay nearby: The Nook | sleeps 6 + 3 dogs
Godrevy Beach
Images by Catherine Arthur
Situated at the far end of St Ives Bay, Godrevy Beach is a sandy cove that joins with Gwithian Beach at low tide to create a 4-mile-long golden beach. Owned by the National Trust, Godrevy is popular with surfers, families, walkers and dogs.
Catherine Arthur, Regional Marketing Manager and lifelong Cornish local, says “Godrevy Beach is one of my favourite beaches in Cornwall. The coastal walks along the beach and headland are hard to beat, with incredible views of Godrevy Lighthouse. If you’re lucky, the headland is also home to a grey seal colony, and you can usually spot one or two bobbing in the water. I have very fond memories of driving down, picking up fish and chips for tea, and sitting in the car park overlooking the golden sands.”
Good to know:
- Facilities: WCs in Godrevy Point car park, surf school and café in the car park closer to the beach
- Parking: National Trust car park is closest to the beach
- Lifeguards: In 2026, Godrevy Beach was patrolled by lifeguards between 10am–6pm daily from mid-May to end of September
- Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on Godrevy Beach all year, other than between 10am–6pm between 1 July and 31 August
- Stay nearby: 2 Cannery Row | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Marazion Beach
Images by Tom Brewer
Marazion Beach is a lovely sandy beach, well known for its shallow waters and breezy conditions, which makes it a popular spot for paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, kitesurfing and kayaking. It’s also renowned for its fantastic views of St Michael's Mount, which at low tide, is accessible via a historic cobbled walkway.
Tom Brewer, Homeowner Account Manager and someone who has lived in Cornwall his whole life, says “Marazion Beach is one of my favourite beaches in Cornwall. There’s something quite magical about looking across the water to St Michael's Mount, sitting back and simply taking in the view. It never fails to make me stop and appreciate just how special Cornwall is.”
Good to know:
- Facilities: WCs, shops, cafes, restaurants within walking distance
- Parking: Several car parks in Marazion close to the beach
- Lifeguards: In 2026, Marazion Beach was patrolled by lifeguards between 10am–6pm daily from mid-July to start of September
- Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on Marazion Beach all year, other than between 10am–6pm between 1 July and 31 August
- Stay nearby: Gwyns An Mor | sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
Find your favourite beach in Cornwall with a stay in one of our holiday cottages
If our team has inspired you to visit Cornwall and discover your favourite beach for yourself, here at Cornish Horizons, we’ll have the perfect place, just for you.
We have thousands of cottages throughout Cornwall, from holiday homes with sea views to dog-friendly cottages for the whole family.
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.