If you’re heading down to North Cornwall for a seaside escape, you’ll really be spoiled for choice. Cornwall is home to no less than 400 different beaches, and the Atlantic coast on the north side of the county is where you’ll find the best of Cornwall’s dramatic surfing swells, rugged coastline and wild natural beauty.
But all those glorious stretches of sand and sea pose a dilemma of their own – how to choose where to go? We believe that anywhere by the sea is always a good place to be, but if you only have a limited time to spend here, it’s probably helpful to narrow down the options.
To help you out, we’ve put together this guide on the best beaches North Cornwall has to offer and what you can find at each of them.
What makes North Cornwall’s beaches so great?
One of the things about North Cornwall’s array of beaches is their variety. Whether you want a surfing haven with epic swell, an Instagrammable walk steeped in nature and local folklore, or a secluded sea view spot to top up your tan and read a book, the North Cornwall coast has more than got you covered.
There’s also the fact that almost all of the North Cornwall coast falls into the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – including many of the beaches around Padstow, St Agnes, the Camel Estuary and Trevose Head.
The best beaches around Padstow
If we’re going to take you through the best beaches North Cornwall has to offer, we should probably start with what’s on our own front door.
Our home town of Padstow might be best known for its roster of high-profile chefs and incredible local seafood, but Padstow doesn’t begin and end with restaurants. If it’s golden sands and turquoise waters you’re after, you won’t have far to travel from Kilden Mor.
Constantine Bay
One of the four Cornish beaches named in the Times’ list of the best in the UK, Constantine Bay has a bit of everything. It’s known as one of the best surfing spots in Cornwall, and when the tide goes out you’ll find an array of shimmering rock pools just waiting to be paddled or swam in.
If you’ve got a taste for Cornish folklore and history, there’s plenty to discover at Constantine Bay – from medieval church ruins to a link with King Arthur himself.
Mother Ivey’s Bay
While we’re on the subject of folklore, we can’t not mention Mother Ivey’s Bay. According to legend, this bay was named after a 16th century witch named Mother Ivey, who laid a curse on the nearby fields to punish a wealthy family who neglected starving locals. We can’t say whether the legends are true, but we can say that this soft, sandy haven is well worth a visit while you’re nearby.
Trevone Bay
If you’re looking to take a dip in the sparkling waters of North Cornwall, there aren’t many better places to do it than in and around Trevone Bay. The bay itself is home to several rock pools ripe for exploring, while at nearby Newtrain Bay you can find the Rocky Beach tidal pool – a perfect place to cool off in the water.
Porthcothan
If you’re a Poldark fan, Porthcothan should be a familiar name. This once-hidden gem found fame 10 years ago when it served as one of the filming locations for Ross Poldark’s estate, Nampara.
Even if you’re not following in Aidan Turner’s footsteps, there are plenty of reasons to visit Porthcothan – not least of which are the dramatic cliff tops towering over the secluded beach, and the sea that’s perfect for ocean swimmers.
The best beaches for walks and sightseeing
Rugged cliffs. Stunning sea stacks. Buildings and ruins steeped in history. Wherever you look on North Cornwall’s beaches, there’s always something to explore, uncover and snap away in holiday photos that’ll make everyone back home jealous.
Hawkers Cove
A true hidden gem that’s right on the South West Coastal Path? If that sounds too good to be true, it’s time we introduced you to Hawkers Cove. Starting from the beach itself, you can take a gentle stroll past pretty coastguard cottages and up to nearby Stepper Point and Pepper Hole, all while enjoying views across the River Camel estuary towards Trebetherick village.
To learn more about the history and folklore around Hawkers Cove, read our article on the sirens of Tregudda Gorge.
Harbour Cove
Harbour Cove is a quiet, sheltered beach that lies less than 10 minutes’ walk away from Hawkers Cove. And when we say walk, we mean it – when the tide is out, you can walk between the two beaches without ever leaving the golden sand and sea view behind.
While you’re in the area, you can also check the historic Gun Point, as well as the Doom Bar – the sandbar that’s said to have been created by a legendary mermaid, and which gives its name to the famous ale from the local Sharp’s Brewery.
St George’s Cove
Just a 15 minute walk from Padstow, St George’s Cove is another one of North Cornwall’s treasures on the South West Coastal Path. St George’s Cove can feel a little crowded in the summer, especially when the tide comes in, but if anything that’s just a good excuse to explore the shady trees, lush green fields and River Camel views all around you.
The best North Cornwall surfing beaches
If there’s anything Cornwall’s Atlantic coast is best known for, it’s surfing. From world-famous beaches and surfing festivals to surf schools and beginner bays, there are plenty of places to hit the waves in North Cornwall.
Newquay’s surfing paradise
When it comes to surfing in North Cornwall, there’s one place we have to start, and that’s Newquay. Newquay is obviously a town and not a beach, but when we put together our list of the 7 best surfing beaches in North Cornwall, more than half of them were in the Newquay area.
First of all, there’s Fistral Beach – home to the International Surfing Centre and the annual Boardmasters Festival. And while Fistral Beach is known worldwide for competitive surfing, its waves are open to anyone – even beginners can try out the sport with group taster sessions, and private lessons for individuals, families and kids.
Another favourite spot for professional and amateur surfers alike is Watergate Bay Beach, which hosts the UK Pro Surf Tour every May. Watergate Bay is open to beginners, but it’s also a regular haunt for experienced surfers and those who love a Dawn Patrol surf first thing in the morning.
If you’re a beginner surfer wanting to get started away from the crowds at Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay, head down to Crantock Beach or Holywell Bay Beach a little further south. Both have surf schools offering lessons to get you started, and Crantock generally has smaller waves than Fistral or Watergate, making it perfect if you’re still finding your surf legs.
Harlyn Bay
Newquay might be Cornwall’s surfing hotspot but it’s not the last word on catching the waves in North Cornwall. Harlyn Bay near our very own Padstow is also an excellent option for novice surfers as well as paddleboarders, with a surf school and rental shop ready to get you going.
And if you’re looking for more ways to explore Harlyn Bay besides on a surfboard, the area is also a perfect spot for some coasteering – featuring sea lagoons, a submerged cave, and some classic rugged Cornish coastline.
Chapel Porth Beach
Chapel Porth Beach near St Agnes is another great beach for beginners to try out surfing and build their confidence, although the swell can bring in larger waves from time to time.
When you’re not out on the waves, Chapel Porth Beach is also dog-friendly all year round, and the Chapel Porth Beach Café is on hand for hot food, drinks, cakes and ice creams. Overlooking the beach is also the famous Wheal Coates Engine House – one of the most photogenic buildings in North Cornwall.
If any of these beaches have piqued your interest in visiting North Cornwall, take a look at our other guides to Padstow and the rest of Cornwall, or check out the accommodation at Kilden Mor.
