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Surfers in wet suits leaving the water and walking up the beach at Holywell, Cornwall
Surfers on the beach at Holywell, Cornwall | © National Trust Images / Chris Lacey

Coast and beaches in Cornwall

There are miles of natural coast and beaches in Cornwall to explore with all the family.

North Cornwall coast and beaches

Discover large open beaches and hidden coves along north Cornwall. Find out where to go for coastline walks and far-reaching views.

Pentire 

A dramatic stretch of Cornish coastline just north of Polzeath with a café, play area and coastal trampers for hire.

Visitor walking along the coastal path on the Rumps at Pentire, Cornwall

Holywell 

Holywell is the largest bay on this stretch of coast. From enjoying a peaceful walk to surfing on the beach, there is plenty to explore.

Visitors running into the waves with a dog on the beach at Holywell, Cornwall

Chapel Porth 

Whether you're looking for birdlife, hunting for caves at low tide or 'bellyboarding' in the Atlantic waters, Chapel Porth beach has a lot to offer.

Two people run around in the shallow water on the sandy beach at Chapel Porth, Cornwall

Sandymouth 

At the most eastern tip of North Cornwall can be found the wide open spaces of Sandymouth offering a seasonal café, toilets and great surf.

A view of the sandy beach at Sandymouth, Cornwall, with rocks in the foreground, a cliff visible on the left and the sea in the distance

Northcott Mouth 

Discover Northcott Mouth, a small rocky beach that opens up to expansive sand and rock pools as the tide drops.

Cornwall

Fully open today
Visitors on the beach at Northcott Mouth, Cornwall

Duckpool 

Head to this remote tidal beach with rock pools overlooked by cliffs often carpeted with wild flowers. The beach is topped with pebbles and shingle with sand revealed at low tide.

Cornwall

Fully open today
A view of the beach to Warren Point and to Stowe Cliffs in the south at Duckpool, Cornwall

St Agnes Head 

Explore dramatic clifftop walking trails, discover Cornwall’s Dark Sky stargazing spots and visit a small beach that boasts its own signature ice cream.

Jagged cliffs at St Agnes Head jutting into the sea

Port Quin 

Find out the things do on a visit to Port Quin, including exploring the natural landscapes, discovering its history and spotting wildlife such as guillemots and razorbills.

A visitor enjoying the view over Port Quin Bay from the hillside, with grassy hills in the foreground and sunshine spilling through the clouds, reflecting off the water

Morwenstow 

Explore a fascinating area of coast steeped in a history dominated by local priest and poet Parson Hawker. Discover a tiny hut perched on the cliff top which is the smallest property the Trust cares for.

Cornwall

Fully open today
View of the coast from the Hawker's Hut and path at Morwenstow, Cornwall

Things to do at Trevose Head 

Head to the coastal paths of Trevose Headland to find far-reaching sea views as well as rare plants, seabirds, marine wildlife and wildflowers.

Visitor walking their dog along the coast with wildflowers in the foreground at Trevose Head, Cornwall

South West Coastal Path 

Thanks to funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, places in Cornwall have started improvements to help make the South West Coast Path a year-round experience.

Mine buildings on the edge of cliffs with sunset over the sea

South Cornwall coast and beaches

Coastal walks, hidden coves and sandy beaches make a great day out for all the family.

Lansallos 

A long stretch of unspoilt coast near Fowey, with a woodland walk from the car park. Ideal for a walk and picnic on the beach.

A person standing in the sea at Lansallos, Cornwall

Things to do at Lantic Bay 

Explore the beach, go fishing, take in the clifftop views and walks around Lantic Bay and Pencarrow Head.

Three people walking uphill with the sea in the background

Lantivet Bay 

Explore Lantivet Bay with coastal walks, wide open views and hidden coves with beaches. This unspoilt area is a peaceful haven in Cornwall.

Lanteglos by Fowey, Cornwall

Fully open today
View over Lantivet Bay, Cornwall, in the sunshine with coast path to the right.

Fowey Estuary 

There are some great walks around Fowey to suit all preferences, with stretches of the South West Coast Path weaving around creeks and woodland. Discover the best places to go and activities to do, from sailing to geocaching.

Aerial view of the Fowey estuary, Cornwall

Whitsand Bay 

Explore places to visit around Polperro, Looe and Whitsand Bay, from great surfing beaches to idyllic fishing villages. Find out about seaside activities, including walking, fishing and rock-pooling.

Visitors walking on the coast path between Polruan and Polperro, Cornwall

Roseland 

Explore the cliffs, creeks, woods and dog-friendly beaches of the Roseland peninsula, where there’s wildlife to discover, as well as military history and networks of coastal paths.

Woman looking out to sea from the WW2 bunker at St Anthony Head, Cornwall

West Cornwall coast and beaches

Discover long stretches of golden sands, coves with glistening waters and an abundance of wildlife on a trip to West Cornwall beaches.

Discover Zennor and Gurnards head 

Two wild, beautiful headlands on the granite cliffs of West Cornwall. Turquoise seas, rugged cliffs, wildflowers.

A view of turquoise sea and rocky cliffs.

Discover Rinsey and Trewavas 

Abundance of wildlife, waves crashing onto the beach, mining remains perched high on the cliffs, with views down to the Lizard Peninsula and West across Mounts Bay.

An engine house perched on cliffs

Discover Carn Galva and Bosigran 

Historic views steeped in ancient farming and rich mining history. Top of Carn Galva has far reaching coastal and moorland views.

A view of the sea from cliffs with a stone structure in the distance.

Tin Coast

Cornwall's newest destination for some of the oldest mines and mining landscapes in the county.

Visiting the Tin Coast 

Explore Cornwall’s heritage Tin Coast and discover mine buildings, a steam engine and walks through the mining landscape. Book the Tramper for easier access to these unique places.

Surface building remains including engine houses and chimney stacks at Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Botallack 

Explore the wild Tin Coast, part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site and see the iconic engine houses clinging to the cliff face.

A view down to the Botallack mines on the rocky coastline in springtime, Cornwall

Mayon Cliff 

Ancient monuments, wildlife and far-reaching views high up on the wind cropped heathland of Mayon Cliff, saved by the mysterious Ferguson’s Gang.

Land's End seen from Gamper, Mayon Cliff in West Penwith, Cornwall

Cape Cornwall 

From Brisons Rocks to the iconic chimney stack, coastal walks and variety of wildlife, there is lots to see and do at Cape Cornwall. See the waves of the Atlantic crash into the Tin Coast or seasonal wild flowers and meadows. Part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

A brick chimney stack at Cape Cornwall with the sea behind it

Levant Mine and Beam Engine 

Discover old mine buildings and a working steam-powered beam engine. See the wider natural landscape and wildlife that lives here.

Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Cornwall, on a sunny day

The Lizard

A vantage point for wildlife spotting with sandy beaches providing opportunity for fun days out including rock pooling at low tide.

Poldhu Cove 

Tucked away on the west side of the Lizard in Cornwall, Poldhu Cove is a favourite beach for families and surfers alike.

Sculpture on beach at Poldhu Cove, Cornwall

Things to do at Mullion Cove 

Explore Mullion Cove on the west coast of the Lizard Peninsula and you'll find a picturesque harbour, wildlife such as seals and seabirds, and the chance to go kayaking.

Fishing boats and lobster pots in the harbour in autumn at Mullion Cove, Cornwall

The Wildlife Watchpoint 

Wildlife Watchpoint is open from 1 April. Sitting at the tip of Britain's most southerly point is the volunteer-run wildlife watchpoint. Discover Atlantic grey seals, dolphins, basking sharks and Cornish choughs against the dramatic scenery of the Lizard.

Volunteers show visitors the local wildlife from the watchpoint at Lizard Point, Cornwall

Things to see and do at Gunwalloe 

Discover stories of Spanish shipwrecks and pre-historic settlements, as well as hidden coves, rare wildlife and walking trails.

Looking across Dollar Cove which is mostly sandy with large boulders

Looking after the coast and countryside

Follow the Countryside Code 

Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.

A visitor carrying a backpack and walking along a footpath at Divis and the Black Mountain with stone walls either side, the countryside visible in the background.

All coast and beaches in Cornwall

    Visitors exploring the gardens at Cotehele, Cornwall

    Discover more in Cornwall

    You can find exotic gardens, ancient houses and mining history encircled by a much-loved coastline.