The 10 best beaches in West Cornwall
I’m a beach gal. I love nothing more than lying on the sand, hearing waves crash, feeling the sun on my skin… if there’s a cold cider or pina colada in my hand then even better. So when it comes to picking the best beaches in Cornwall, I've given it some thought.
My childhood years in Cornwall consisted of spending every day on Cornish beaches. The crystal sea and boiling sun can even make you forget you’re still in the UK. So, following the direction of the South West Coast Path, here are my top 10 beaches in West Cornwall – sand only, of course!
1. Porthmeor
If you want to go to the beach in St Ives, go to Porthmeor. Still conveniently on the edge of town, it’s a longer stretch. Which means it feels far less busy than the smaller Porthgwidden and the harbour. It’s a popular spot for surfers, and the Porthmeor Cafe serves amazing food. As long as you can get a booking.
2. Portheras Cove
Just north of Pendeen, Portheras Cove and Boat Cove are stunning untouched beaches backed by cliffs. You can park at Pendeen Lighthouse and follow the coast path down past the fishing cabins onto the beaches. But be aware: there are no amenities here. So bring your own food and drink. And take everthing home with you!
3. Gwynver
A short walk from Sennen Cove you’ll find Gwynver. A beach that’s just as beautiful but a whole lot quieter. Gwynver is shorter than sprawling Whitesands Bay, and it’s a popular spot with dog walkers. It also makes it onto my list of 10 of the best walks in Cornwall.
4. Sennen
Sennen Cove is a famous surfing hotspot. But you don’t need to get in the sea to enjoy what it has to offer. Park at one of the two car parks at either end of the cove, and not on the road. This long beach attracts a lot of visitors, as do the surf schools. So in summer they’re a great place to sunbathe, and all year round they’re a fun spot to watch both amateur and seasoned surfers and body boarders catch waves.
5. Nanjizal
To get to the secluded Nanjizal beach, the best option is to park in Trevescan village at a safe lay-by or at the end of the road. If there is no safe parking available, then park at Sennen and walk about an hour west, or park at Porthcurno and walk about an hour east.
In Trevescan you’ll see the Apple Tree Cafe and, a bit further on, a bus stop. Behind this bus stop is a cluster of houses called Trevilley. Walking (respectfully) through these houses via the footpath, and following that path towards the ocean will bring you out at Nanjizal. You’ll recognise it by the famous rock arch, The Song of the Sea, on the west of the bay. This walk takes about 30 minutes.
It might sound like a faff, but beautiful and secluded beaches are that way for a reason. So while Nanjizal might not be the place to lug a packed cool bag and your collection of beach games for a long day out, it’s definitely worth a visit.
6. Porth Chapel
Porth Chapel is the beach of my childhood and it’s possible that I see it through rose-tinted glasses. But even if I do, I’ve never met another person who doesn’t love it too. So if you ask me, this is the number one in the list of best beaches in Cornwall.
Park either in the designated parking field next to Saint Levan church, which has an honesty box asking for a £2 payment, or at Porthcurno car park.
From Saint Levan the walk is less than 10 minutes. It takes you down a gravel path, through a wooded area, and over a wooden bridge that has been built to block off the old pathway which is now eroding. Though you can still go down there to sit on the bench that overlooks the beach.
From Porthcurno, you’ll walk up the cliff, across the Minack car park, and along the South West Coast Path. Follow it to the right above the cliff when you can see the wooden bridge and bench viewpoint ahead of you.
From here, there is a small and fairly easy-to-climb cliff. If you have any mobility issues this might not be the beach for you. But you definitely don’t need any climbing expertise to get up and down. It's a rocky path with plenty of spiky holding points.
The beach is split down the middle by a set of rocks which are sometimes submerged in the sea, depending on the tides. Climbing over the rocks to the right hand side of the beach you’ll find amazing rock pools and spots for crabbing.
7. Porthcurno
One of the best known beaches in West Cornwall is Porthcurno. The village was where the first undersea telegraph cables were sent out to other continents. So it was an important communication hub for the British Government during World War II.
Parking in the car park below the Telegraph Museum, you’ll walk a stony path for about 5 minutes. There is a lifeguard hut at the top of the beach, which is manned seasonally. This peaceful beach is a great place to wander, relax, and walk dogs in the off-season. But these days it can get very busy during the summer.
Like Portheras Cove, there are no amenities directly on the beach at Porthcurno. There is the Porthcurno Beach Cafe, which is open during the tourism season and an ice cream van in the car park, but these are about 10 minutes walk from where you’re probably settled down by the sea. So you might prefer to bring your own food and drink – and remember to take it all home with you.
8. Pedn Vounder
Just along the coast path from Porthcurno is Pedn Vounder. Three things to know about Pedn Vounder before you visit:
It is traditionally a nudist beach, though this is optional
The nearest car park is at least a 15 minute walk away
You have to climb down a fairly steep cliff to get to it… and back up to get out
I have been to Pedn Vounder during summer and witnessed a queue of people who were totally unprepared for the fact that they had to climb a cliff to get to this beach. So be prepared before you arrive. It’s totally doable if you’re in good health and fully mobile… But it’s not for the faint-hearted or the inappropriately dressed. I’ve done this climb more times than I can count throughout my life since childhood, and it still makes me feel a bit nervous every time!
But once you’re down there, you’d be forgiven for forgetting you’re in England. One of the best beaches in Cornwall, it's a sun-trap known for its tides. Which often create islands of sand surrounded by crystal clear waters. When the tide is low, it’s actually possible to walk or swim round from Porthcurno through shallow water. But you definitely should not plan your trip around this method as the tides are unpredictable and you could easily get stuck with no option but the cliff, or the coastguard.
Like Porthcurno, there is no shop or cafe at this beach so you will need to bring everything you need (and take it back) – but not more than you can comfortably carry in a rucksack, leaving both hands free for the climb.
9. Marazion
The long beach at Marazion is mostly populated with dog walkers and visitors to St Michael’s Mount. But it makes a great sunbathing spot too. This long beach is on the edge of Marazion village and has a designated car park as you enter the area. Don’t ignore this and try your luck at free parking in the village. It’s all reserved for residents.
Along the beach are bars, restaurants, and cafes, so you can sit and enjoy the view, take a walk with a coffee, or pop in for refreshments between sunbathing sessions.
10. Praa Sands
Praa Sands is a long white sand beach close to Prussia Cove, between Penzance and Lizard Point. Famous with holiday makers and surfers, it’s a proper English beach that enjoys plenty of sun in the summer, and is great for windy walks in the autumn and winter.
Ready to get stuck into some more activities? Read my blog: Top 15 things to do in West Cornwall.