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Best beaches in Cornwall

For Cornwall, one of the best features of the county has to be its beaches.

Some of Cornwall's most popular beaches include Fistral, in Newquay, St Ives Bay, and Summerleaze, in Bude. We’ve detailed a few below but there are far too many to mention here, for a full list of all the beaches in Cornwall you can visit the dedicated beaches page of Visit Cornwall.

Fistral is quite possibly the most famous Cornish beach, the home of British surfing and the place to come for watersports and activity. The beach has a choice of cafés and restaurants, too.

St Ives Bay is a crescent-shaped expanse stretching for over four miles and backed in places by grassy dunes. And less than five minutes’ walk from Bude, Summerleaze beach is special due to the unique sea pool. Part man-made and part natural rock pool, this saltwater pool is refreshed daily by the tide.

A special mention needs making for the beach at Pentewan, too. This Cornish beach is somewhat unique – it is privately owned by the holiday park that sits behind it. The sands stretch for over half a mile, and Cornwall Watersports, on the beach, offers expert tuition in everything from paddleboarding and kayaking to windsurfing and wildlife boat tours.

Things to do in Cornwall

The attractions in Cornwall are not all just the beaches, though; there are plenty of other places to visit, from world-famous attractions, to pretty towns and villages like Polperro, Port Isaac and Mousehole.

The Eden Project is probably the most well-known of Cornwall’s attractions and one that is world famous. The impressive, jaw-dropping set of domed ‘greenhouses’ each holds a self-contained climate and ecosystem.

Serving as a remnant of Cornwall’s mining heritage, the ruins of Wheal Coates tin mine sits alongside the South West Coast Path and stands dramatically above the golden sands of Chapel Porth beach.

Hidden by the wilderness since the outbreak of World War I, the Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered in 1990 and have become Europe’s largest garden restoration project. Heligan’s 200 acres are a paradise for the explorer, garden lover and wildlife fan.

Another unique attraction to Cornwall is the Minack Theatre. Perched on the cliffs above the sea, this outdoor theatre was a labour of love, hand-built by Rowena Cade in 1930.

If you’re one for myth and legend, head to Tintagel Castle on the north Cornwall coast. This ruined coastal castle has links to the legend of King Arthur.

For a break from the main attractions in Cornwall, why not head to Truro, the county’s only city which is great for shopping? Check out markets that are regularly held on Lemon Quay, including an indoor pannier market and a selection of food, jewellery, crafts and homewares outlets.

Campsites in Cornwall near the beach

Situated on its own private beach overlooking Mevagissey Bay, teamed with countryside views, it is no wonder that Pentewan Sands Holiday Park is rated five stars. For authentic camping, but with the luxury of top facilities, pitch a tent or bring your touring caravan and motorhome – you even get to pick your ideal spot. Facilities include The Seahorse, home to a children's pool and length pool, free WiFi and bar and restaurant with sea views.

Pick up a racket and head to the tennis courts, jump on a bike or visit the children’s play area, set right on the beach. Boat launching and water sports are also available on the beach.

Elsewhere on site, you will find four large modern toilet blocks, baby changing and accessible facilities, a launderette and much more!

Find out more: Pentewan Sands Holiday Park  

This beautiful, family-run campsite abounds with exotic flowers, palms, and other trees on manicured lawns set in 30 acres of mature woodlands and meadow. This high-quality site is one of only a few in Cornwall to be awarded the AA Platinum Park grading. There’s an on-site shop, outdoor heated pools, and free unlimited WiFi.

From the site, Carlyon Bay beach is just a 10-minute walk, while 1½ miles further along the scenic coastal footpath is the historic port of Charlestown, home to working tall ships. The world-famous Eden Project is just over two miles away. Set in the 35-acre grounds of an old china clay quarry, this giant 'greenhouse' creation is very much at the top of the ‘must see’ list of attractions.

Find out more: Carlyon Bay Caravan & Camping Park  

Campsites near Newquay

Relax and unwind at Carvynick Holiday Park, nestled away in the Cornish countryside. The holiday park is the ideal place for either a couples retreat or a quiet family holiday. Carvynick is set in a perfect location with easy access to Newquay’s famous beaches, picturesque Padstow and historic Truro. Enjoy the on site pub/restaurant. Dogs and pets very welcome.

Find out more: Carvynick Holiday Park  

Campsites near Bude

Wooda Farm Holiday Park is set in 40 acres of parkland with stunning views of Bude Bay and countryside inland, with many safe, sandy beaches within two miles. The campsite caters for motorhomes, caravans and tents and has excellent facilities with plenty of open space, colourful flower beds, well-kept lawns and peace and quiet. There is also the option to hire a luxury lodge, holiday cottage or caravan, too.

On the campsite is the Courtyard Bar and Lodge Takeaway, shop, children’s play area, tennis and badminton courts, fishing lakes and a caravan servicing and accessory shop.

You can also enjoy the wellness barn, yoga sessions and The Loft Cocktail Bar. WiFi is available throughout the campsite. An ideal base for exploring the delights of Devon and Cornwall.

Find out more: Wooda Farm Holiday Park  

Campsites near St Austell

On Cornwall’s south coast, perched above picturesque Mevagissey Bay, lies the five-star Heligan Caravan and Camping Park. Within the original Heligan Estate, surrounded by natural beauty, this park is a magical destination. Bring your tent to this secluded campsite – you’ll have a choice of pitches, as well as a number of hardstanding gravel pitches for your motorhome or caravan.

The new state-of-the-art facilities block includes toilets, showers, private bathrooms, an accessible wet room, a launderette and a drying room. Canine campers can even wash off their muddy paws with the brand-new dog shower!

From breathtaking coastal path walks, a number of beautiful beaches and the world-class Lost Gardens of Heligan right next door, this is an excellent base for this part of Cornwall.

Find out more: Heligan Caravan & Camping Park  

Meadow Lakes is set within 56 acres of beautiful Cornish countryside, between the town of St Austell and the pretty fishing village of Mevagissey. There is a wide range of holiday accommodation (including pet friendly) available. Choose from camping and touring pitches, camping pods and cabins, garden cottages, caravans, lodges (some with hot tubs) or the family farmhouse for larger getaways.

Amenities include: four stunning coarse fishing lakes (free for staying guests), heated outdoor swimming pool (open end May – early September), licensed shop, Cosy Café, plus indoor and outdoor play areas. The campsite is surrounded by picturesque meadows, woodlands and lakes, with a large dog exercise field, and farm animals, too! 

Find out more: Meadow Lakes  

Campsites near Redruth

Globe Vale Holiday Park is a family-run countryside campsite, open all year, accredited with an AA Five Pennant Platinum Award. It is set in 20 acres with far-reaching views across rolling fields to the coast. Mature trees and shrubs characterise the park, with plenty of open space for walking. There is a selection of luxury static caravans for hire, plus a Spa Lodge with sauna and whirlpool bath.

There are excellent modern facilities – including fully serviced hardstanding pitches, all with great views. There are modern shower facilities and a launderette, and a bar/restaurant (open during peak periods). For little ones there is a play area, a dedicated dog exercise field, and nearby there is a nine hole golf course, pubs, shops, plus local beaches just 10 minutes’ drive away. The campsite is within easy reach of many of Cornwall’s major attractions such as the world-famous Eden Project and St Ives.

Find out more: Globe Vale Holiday Park