Top 15 North Cornwall beaches

The beaches in North Cornwall are legendary, offering mile after mile of beautiful bays with soft sand and glistening waters backed by rugged cliffs and rolling sand dunes. Internationally renowned for their huge waves, North Cornwall beaches are popular with surfers all year round, but also draw families with young children seeking sandcastles and ice cream in the sunshine.

Whether you are looking for dog-friendly beaches with plenty of facilities for the whole family, or wild and unspoilt coves tucked away from the crowds, there is something for everyone.

From the gentle waves of St Ives to the dramatic breakers of Newquay, we’ve put together the very best of North Cornwall beaches to help you choose your next Cornish escape. 

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Crantock Beach

Backed by grassy sand dunes at one end and towering cliffs at the other, the beautiful stretch of soft sand at Crantock Beach is popular with families and keen surfers alike. When the tide is out, huge rock pools are revealed, perfect for exploring and paddling. For the more adventurous, surfboards and canoes are available for hire at the beach.

Perranporth Beach

With its glorious expanse of sand, Perranporth is a spectacular beach. From surfing and snorkelling to kite-flying and rock pooling, it is truly one of North Cornwall’s best beaches. The promenade allows for easy access to the beach and a particular highlight is Chapel Rock Tidal Pool, perfect for a swim at low tide or a sunset paddle.

Polzeath Beach

This exposed and sweeping stretch of sand just north of Padstow was recently awarded both Blue Flag status and the Seaside Award. A hugely popular surfing and body boarding destination due to its consistent long waves, Polzeath has a surf school and shop by the beach with boards and wetsuits to rent or buy.

Fistral Beach

This famous North Cornwall beach, situated on the west side of Newquay, is the true home of British surfing and frequently hosts international surfing competitions. The water sports centre located at the south end of the beach offers a wealth of activities for all ages and abilities, including SUP, surfing, kayaking and coasteering.

Harlyn Bay Beach

This lovely, family-friendly beach, not far from Padstow, has it all. Surf, bodyboard and wetsuit hire, and lessons are available on the beach. A freshwater stream runs down onto the beach and there are numerous rock pools to explore at low tide. With plenty of parking, two cafes and dogs welcome all year round, it is a North Cornwall gem.

Daymer Bay Beach

Located at the mouth of the River Camel, Daymer Bay has a lovely, sheltered and sandy beach that is ideal for swimming and gentle water sports such as paddleboarding. Its protected location also makes it popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing. At low tide it links up to neighbouring Rock Beach. Dogs are always welcome and will love exploring Brae Hill that overlooks the beach.

Crooklets Beach

Holder of both a Blue Flag and Seaside Award, Crooklets is the smaller sibling of neighbouring Summerleaze. This very family-friendly beach has level access, making it ideal for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are cafes and a skate park adjacent to the beach as well as bodyboards, surfboards and wetsuits for hire. 

Summerleaze Beach

Backed by a row of brightly coloured beach huts available for hire, Summerleaze Beach is perfect for families of all ages and home to one of the best beach cafes in North Cornwall – appropriately called Life’s a Beach. The Bude Sea Pool, accessed by steep steps, offers calm water for any swimmers not chasing the waves, while fishing trips are available for those less keen on water sports. 

Porthtowan Beach

With its turquoise water, white sand and rugged cliffs, Porthtowan is without doubt one of the best beaches in North Cornwall. There are rock pools to explore and fabulous waves for all levels of surfers. Situated along the St Agnes Heritage Coast, it is particularly picturesque. The 100-year-old tidal pool beneath the cliffs on the east side of the beach is a popular spot for a dip when the tide goes out.

Gwithian Towans Beach

Part of St Ives Bay, Gwithian Towans is a beautiful open stretch of beach backed by extensive sand dunes popular with walkers. Godrevy Lighthouse, perched on a rocky islet, is visible towards the north east, and wildlife lovers may be lucky enough to spot a seal or dolphin playing in the water off the coast. Surf schools are available on the beach for lessons and equipment hire.

Porthcothan Bay Beach

Situated on the stunning Trevose Head Heritage Coast, and one of St Merryn’s Seven Bays, Porthcothan sits in a protected inlet and offers a safe beach for families, with calm water perfect for paddling and shallow swimming. The South West Coast Path cuts right through the beach, so walkers can cool their feet with a paddle.

Carbis Bay Beach

This truly glorious beach, with its white sand and verdant hillsides, could almost be mistaken for tropical. Overlooked and owned by the prestigious Carbis Bay Hotel, the beach is popular with families for its beautiful calm water. Due to its sheltered location, paddleboarding rather than surfing is the primary water sport, with boards and wetsuits available for hire on the beach.

Polly Joke Beach

If you love a wild, unspoilt beach, then Polly Joke is for you. Accessed by a path that runs from the car park through glorious poppy fields above the beach, Polly Joke offers a breathtaking stretch of sand and blue sea framed by lush green cliffs. Managed by the National Trust, there are no facilities at the beach, but there are a couple of cafes and eateries in nearby Crantock.

Treyarnon Bay Beach

This protected bay sits in a little inlet just south of the beautiful Trevose Headland. Whether you want good surfing or a protected beach for children, this lovely bay offers both. Small rock pools offer hours of fun looking for crabs and starfish, and the large Treyarnon Rock Pool – a natural tidal pool – is popular with adults and children alike.

Holywell Bay Beach

Claimed by many to be better than Newquay, the wide and sandy sweep of Holywell Bay is a paradise for surfers and bodyboarders, with large swells providing a constant supply of waves. Other activities at this fabulous North Cornwall beach include coasteering, paddleboarding and scuba diving. There are also sea caves and large rock pools to explore, making this spectacular beach popular with families too. 

North Cornwall beaches map

Find all the best beaches in North Cornwall mentioned above with the help of our handy map.

Book your next North Cornwall holiday

This is just a small selection of what we think are some of the best beaches in North Cornwall, but with so many others to explore along Cornwall’s glorious coastline, you are guaranteed to find at least one that will capture your heart. 

Whether you’re after a relaxing family break or an adrenaline-filled surfing holiday, we have a wide selection of properties to create your perfect stay. Also, be sure to check out our guide on the top things to do in North Cornwall before your stay too!