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.

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

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

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Pentire

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

Visitors on the beach at Northcott Mouth, Cornwall

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Northcott Mouth

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

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

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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.

Jagged cliffs at St Agnes Head jutting into the sea

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

A person standing in the sea at Lansallos, Cornwall

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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.

Three people walking uphill with the sea in the background

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Things to do at Lantic Bay

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

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

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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.

Aerial view of the Fowey estuary, Cornwall

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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.

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

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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 swimming, fishing and rock-pooling.

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

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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.

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

A view of turquoise sea and rocky cliffs.

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Discover Zennor and Gurnards head

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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.

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

Sculpture on beach at Poldhu Cove, Cornwall

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Poldhu Cove

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

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

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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.

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

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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.