Cornwall has over 670 miles of coastline and nowhere in the Duchy is more than 20 miles away from the sea. To most of us, this fact alone makes Cornwall the ultimate domestic holiday destination.
The north coast faces out into the Atlantic Ocean and is known for huge waves, towering granite cliffs, quaint coves and fishing villages, and some of the best surfing beaches and breaks in the realm.
The gentler, more sheltered south coast is home to some long beaches, famous harbours, and Cornwall's best-loved landmarks like St Michael's Mount. Cornwall's top beaches for rest and play include Sennen Cove, Newquay's Fistral, Perranporth, Seaton, Marazion, Hayle Towans and so many more.
The coast
10 beaches you wouldn't believe are in Cornwall
Want a taste of the Caribbean without the hustle and bustle of airport life? Check out these exotic sands you never thought would be on home turf.
Incredible Cornish beaches
10 of the best coastal walks
What better way to explore all of Cornwall’s majestic beaches than taking a stroll along the South West Coast Path and stopping off at your choice of sandy stretches en route?
Best coastal walks
Where to stay for amazing sea views
You are never far from the coast when staying in Cornwall but if you want to go one better and wake up to ocean vistas and the scent of salty sea air, read our guide below.
Cottages with great sea views
Things to do
A beach day with a difference
Explore rock pools, build a sand sculpture, get involved in a beach clean or hit the dunes and start sandboarding. There's plenty to do if you're after an alternative day at the beach.
Alternative beach activities
A guide to surfing holidays
Known as the UK’s surfing capital, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for riding the waves when holidaying in Cornwall. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been crushing barrels for a while now, find your perfect surfing beach here.
Surfing holidays
Accessible
Top accessible beaches
Whether you are a wheelchair user, have other mobility issues or want to bring a pram to the beach, don’t be put off, as Cornwall has a host of shorelines with ramps, promenades and accessible WCs.
Top accessible beaches
Dog friendly
Dog-friendly beaches
With over 600 miles of coastline, there’s more than enough space for your four-legged friends to chase their tails and leave paw prints in the sand. Explore the ten best dog-friendly beaches in our guide.
Dog-friendly beaches
Cornwall Holidays
There are so many beaches to visit and so much fun to be had in the sand and sea, that you’ll need a base to retire to at the end of a long, salty day. With family cottages, romantic getaways and dog-friendly retreats to name but a few, we’ve got the right accommodation to suit your perfect Cornish beach holiday. Click the button below to search our complete collection of Cornish cottages.
All Cornwall cottages