The Best Beaches in West Cornwall

Treloyhan sits above the world-famous St Ives Bay, one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in the world. Such an idyllic setting boasts an array of stunning local beaches; rolling turquoise blue waves meet golden sands, tides that lend themselves to thrilling ocean sports, and quiet coves perfect for building sandcastles and enjoying picnics as a family. With so many hidden gems, collated is a list of the top ten.

A quiet and sheltered haven, Carbis Bay Beach is one of only eight in Cornwall to hold Blue Flag status recognised for its excellent water quality, safety, and facilities run by the Carbis Bay Estate.

Enjoy lunch at one of the beachside restaurants, or indulge in a specialty coffee and freshly prepared sandwiches at the Deli.

It is not uncommon to spot dolphins and grey seals in the bay, especially during the winter months. In summer, visitors can enjoy a range of ocean sports and hire equipment from the Ocean Sports Centre located on the beach.

Porthkidney Beach is dog-friendly and can be accessed via Carbis Bay Beach at low tide. It offers a mile-long stretch of golden sands and an expanse of dunes, from Hawks Point in Carbis Bay to the Hayle River in Lelant. Discover the Norman church, St Uny, and access the Mount’s Bay route of the South West Coastal Path. Alternatively, if you feel the walk to Lelant was far enough, take the train home via the St Ives Bay line from Lelant back to Carbis Bay.

Nestled between two headlands beneath the Tate St Ives, Porthmeor Beach is popular amongst surfers and swimmers who flock to the waters all year round. The beach is at the intersection of art and sporting culture, start the day at the Tate St Ives enjoy a coffee in their rooftop café with panoramic views of the bay, and spend the afternoon in the water. Thrill seekers are encouraged to enroll in surfing lessons at the St Ives Surf School, highly regarded as one of the best surf schools in Cornwall. Porthmeor is a gem in St Ives with so much to offer visitors of all ages.

Just a 15-minute walk from the Manor, Porthminster Beach is an oasis of calm in the cooler months and a vibrant spot for some sunbathing in the summer months, just outside of the centre of St Ives Town. Beach facilities include a licensed Gin & Cocktail Bar, a beach shop, and a takeaway offering a range of light lunch snacks and ice cream. Enjoy a game of mini golf at the 18-hole course situated alongside the beach.

Credit: Chester Robinson

See the Bay from a unique perspective. Godrevy Beach is operated by the National Trust, set amongst high cliffs and dramatic coves, the beach borders the South West Coastal path stretch between Godrevy and Portreath. Take in the breathtaking views overlooking St Ives, explore the rockpools, and be sure to visit the Godrevy Beach Café in the National Trust Carpark.

Take a trip off the beaten track, and escape St Ives for the day. Sennen is found 1.5km from Land’s End and boasts panoramic views of Whitesand Bay. The beach has favourable surf, and visitors are encouraged to take lessons at the award-winning Sennen Surf School.

A true gem on the Cornish coast is found off the beaten track at the end of a short, shallowed valley. Nanjizal Beach is secluded and relatively inaccessible due to its remote location, meaning it rarely gets busy. For those able to venture down, expect to discover a lagoon of emerald water inside the sea cave known by locals as the “Song of the Sea." If you time your visit correctly, you see the cave flooded with the dappled light of the afternoon.

Minack Theater: Credit: Greg Blundell

Overlooked by the Minack Theater, Pend Vounder is a tidal beach on the Penwith peninsula. When the water is low, visitors can access the beach via the neighboring Porthcurno Beach, avoiding the challenging descent down the coastal path. The best time of year to visit is Spring low tide and dogs are welcome on the beach all year around.

Be aware that when the tide comes in you will have to exit the beach via the steep cliff path, or risk being cut off.

Credit: Matt Jessop

Located on the east side of Mount’s Bay, Kynance Cove, a tidal beach with infamous rock formations, is part of the National Trust. Visitors can enjoy a cream tea at the Kynance Cove Café, take in the stunning scenery from the coastal paths, or have a swim in the sea. There is on-site parking and toilet facilities. Please note that the beach runs a dog ban during the summer months.

Another National Trust spot is Poldhu Beach, a sandy sheltered beach with a surf school. It is a favorite amongst locals and visitors. Enjoy ocean sports, before warming up with a warm drink; Poldhu Beach Café serves some of the best hot chocolates in the county, served in enamel branded mugs and offering a range of novel toppings. Like most beaches in Cornwall, a seasonal dog ban runs through the summer months. Find out more about which beaches are dog-friendly in the Cornwall Beach Guide.