The best family beaches in Cornwall

For me, there’s only one drawback to Cornwall – I live too far away to visit every few weeks, exploring all my favourite spots and working on my life goal of checking out all the best family beaches in Cornwall.

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But after repeated trips including to Newquay and Falmouth, and long weekends like our break on the coast north of St Ives, I’m doing my best to ensure that the beach (several beaches!) always feature – and to follow my daughter’s stern instructions right from toddler days, not to forget her ‘sand things’ as she calls her extensive collection of buckets, spades and sand toys.

Because while there are golden sweeps of sand which were perfect when she was younger, there are also more dramatic coves (Tintagel, I mean you), places to surf and some of the UK’s prettiest beaches. So if you’re as big a fan as my mini traveller, here are my best beaches in Cornwall with kids for your list.

For my beach essentials with kids, check out my top picks for fun on the sand

North Cornwall beaches with kids

The north Cornwall coast is famously wilder than the south, but as well as some of the most popular tourist locations, it’s also got some of the county’s best beaches.

For more ideas of things to do in north Cornwall with kids, check out my tips

Crantock Beach

Clean white sand, grassy dunes and turquoise water – no wonder Crantock was voted Best British Beach by BBC Coast a few years ago.

The National Trust site has lifeguards at times during peak season, and some fabulous walks to make the most of the unspoiled dunes. At one end there’s also a gap in the cliffs where you can explore the Piper’s Hole cave at low tide,

Not far from Newquay, it is often quieter than the busier beaches close to the popular town. It’s also dog-friendly year-round.

Fistral Beach

Fistral Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Cornwall, known for its world-famous surfing competitions. But even if surfing isn’t your family’s thing, the beach is still a great spot to visit with children. 

The beach is wide and sandy, and the waves are perfect for swimming and bodyboarding. You’ll also find lifeguards on duty from 10am daily between early April and late October, so you can relax knowing your kids are safe. 

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, making it easy for you to grab a bite to eat. Rick Stein’s Fistral Restaurant is a lovely casual spot to enjoy lunch with views over the water or to grab some fish and chips to take away and eat on the beach.

Polzeath Beach

Known for its beautiful fine sand, clear blue waters, and excellent surfing and bodyboarding conditions, Polzeath is another of the best beaches in Cornwall for families. 

The huge Blue Flag beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the peak summer months, making it a safe place for little ones to swim and play. During low tide, there are several rock pools along the beach, so kids can explore and discover crabs, small fish, and other marine creatures. 

Polzeath has a lovely relaxed vibe, with plenty of cafes and shops close by. There are also public toilets (albeit very basic). Set between Padstow, Port Isaac and Wadebridge, it’s an easy one to reach as well.

Dogs are banned from the beach from mid May to the end of September between 10am and 6pm but it’s dog-friendly outside these times.

Perranporth

This three miles of gorgeous beach is perfect if you want something more active than sandcastles – snorkelling, surfing, you can even ride on the beach, while the South West Coast Path runs through it.

Part of the St Agnes heritage coastline, it’s around eight miles south of Newquay in case you fancy a hike to the beach.

Dogs allowed year-round, although during July and August they’re required to be on a lead on the main beach area between 10am and 5pm (there are other sections of beach and dunes where they can let off their leads).

The Seven Bays

These seven beautiful golden beaches and bays on Cornwall’s north coast are all located just a short distance from one another. They’re linked by scenic coastal paths – so if you’re up for something a little more active, you can walk between two or three beaches in a day.

Set near to the town of Padstow, the group of seven is made up of Porthcothan Bay, Treyarnon Bay, Constantine Bay, Booby’s Bay, Mother Ivey’s Bay, Harlyn, and Trevone Bay.

Each beach has its unique character and charm, and all of them have plenty of fun activities for children of all ages to enjoy. Treyarnon Bay has a large natural tidal pool, Harlyn and Constantine are great surfing and watersport spots (both have schools and board hire), while Booby’s Bay is perfect for rock pooling.

The Seven Bays are also some of the most dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall, as six of them allow dogs all year round. Trevone is the only beach that has a dog ban from May 15 to September 30 (10am to 6pm).

More North Cornwall beaches with kids

Want more inspiration? Check out these other family-friendly beaches in Cornwall

• Summerleaze Beach – if you’re staying around Bude, this is a great beach in Cornwall with kids
• Great Western Beach – one of several beaches to choose between in Newquay itself
• Holywell Bay – another option near Newquay, it’s between Perranporth and Crantock beaches

West Cornwall beaches with kids

The westernmost part of Cornwall is home to St Ives and Penzance, as well as Land’s End (plus Hayle and Helston to mention a few others) – plus some of the loveliest turquoise waters around Cornwall.

St Ives

St Ives is hardly a hidden gem, but there’s a reason it’s so beloved – not least thanks to its beaches, with several around the town.

At Porthminster beach, watch the boats bobbing in the harbour and make the most of the legendary light if you’re artistic (smartphone or easel).

No dogs are allowed from 10am to 6pm between May 15 and September 30, but they’re welcome on the beach outside these times.

Porthgwidden Beach is one of the smaller ones, lined with brightly coloured beach huts (and a café), plus rocks to clamber over between sandcastles.

Or head to Porthmeor Beach, not far from Tate St Ives. One of the best places to learn to surf (more on that below), it’s a longer stretch of golden sand with rockpools and a fantastic café above the sands with activity books to entertain kids and a fabulous chocolate tart on the menu.

Plus there are smaller coves too, including tiny Bamaluz Beach in the town that is dog friendly all day, as well as Carbis Bay just a few minutes from St Ives.

I’ve got 16 other ideas for great things to do in St Ives with kids if you’re looking for more than making sandcastles

Gwithian Towans Beach

Another of the best family beaches near St Ives is Gwithian Beach. Located on the east of St Ives Bay, the beach forms part of three miles of beach called The Towans.

The long stretch of golden sand is surrounded by large sand dunes and has plenty of space for children to run around, play, and build sandcastles. 

The shallow waters are also perfect for paddling and swimming, with lots of rock pools to explore. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot some Atlantic grey seals out in the bay – just make sure not to approach them.

At the northernmost point of the bay, you’ll find Godrevy Point and Godrevy Lighthouse. The scenic cliff is a great spot to watch the sunset over the water at the end of the day.

The northern section of Gwithian Beach, close to Godrevy, has restrictions on dogs from May 15 to and September 30 (10am to 6pm), but the southern stretch of the bay (aka Mexico Towans) is dog friendly year round.

Porthcurno

The contrast of huge rocky cliff, golden sand and incredible clear turquoise sea is unbeatable on its own, but this beach has the bonus of the Minack Theatre, a dramatic open-air setting built into the rock.

The sand itself is made up of seashells ground down fine by the waves over millions of years, which gives the beach it’s unique colour.

There’s also a stream which flows down one side of the beach which is another bonus for any beach in Cornwall with kids, and gives a good option to paddle for younger children. The waves can be powerful, so while there are lifeguards during the summer months, swimming is better for older kids.

At low tide you can walk all the way to Pedn Vounder next door, but make sure not to get cut off (though there is a way out up the steep cliff path).

Dogs are welcome on Porthcurno beach from September 1 to June 30, as well as before 10am or after 6pm during July and August.

Sennen Cove Beach (Whitesands Bay)

Located below the small coastal village of Sennen Cove, the most westerly point in England, Whitesands Bay is a long stretch of stunning white sand and turquoise waters.

It’s a perfect place to visit with kids as it has a vast sandy beach, rock pools, and plenty of fun activities to keep little ones entertained. The popular beach is sheltered and safe for swimming and surfing, with lifeguards on duty from Easter through to October. There’s also a cafe, ice cream stall, and surf shop right on the beach itself.

There are three main car parks to choose butween but opt for the beach or harbour car parks if you can. The third (larger) car park is on top of a steep cliff and the hike down may be too much for younger children.

Dogs are banned on Sennen Cove Beach between May 15 and September 30 from 10am to 6pm, but they are are allowed on Gwynver Beach at the northern end of the bay.

Porthgwarra

Porthgwarra is a lovely little beach located in a secluded cove just 3 miles southeast of Lands End. Once a hidden gem, the beach has increased in popularity in recent years after being featured in BBC drama Poldark.

The picturesque sand and pebble beach is sheltered by towering cliffs and has lots of interesting rock pools and caves for kids to discover.

You can reach the beach via a steep slipway that leads down from the car park or a small tunnel carved into the rock. The tunnel is probably the safer route with toddlers and younger kids, but it can still be pretty slippery so make sure to hold onto the rope.

The beach doesn’t have any amenities, but there is a small cafe and convenience shop in the local village.

Praa Sands

Praa Sands is a large white sand beach on Cornwall’s south coast, close to some of the area’s popular tourist areas and attractions such as ​​Penzance, St Michael’s Mount, and the Lizard Peninsula.

The 1.5-mile-long beach is backed by sand dunes with beautiful towering cliffs at each end. The water is shallow enough for young children and lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer.

The beach is easily accessible from the nearby car park. There are also toilets, a shop, a cafe, and a restaurant on the beach. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 1st July to 31st August between 10am and 6pm.

South Cornwall

The gentler south coast isn’t short of its own tempting beaches, including some great options if you’re staying near Falmouth.

Kynance Cove

The views as you walk down to the beach, on the Lizard Peninsula, are almost as spectacular as the beach itself – there’s a reason it’s been voted one of the best in the world.

Another National Trust site, it’s famous for its rock stacks as well as its wildlife. The red and green stone and unusual serpentine shapes, plus the caves, mean there’s plenty to explore beyond the waves too.

Watch out for the tides here as you can get cut off… There are no lifeguards so it pays to be cautious if you’re swimming as well, although it’s usually fairly came in summer.

If you’re visiting in peak season, make sure you get here early if you want to find space on the sand though.

No dogs allowed between 10am and 6pm in July and August, but Kynance Cove is dog-friendly outside these times.

Gyllyngvase Beach

Gyllyngvase (aka Gylly) Beach is the best family beach near Falmouth, located an easy 10 minute walk from the town centre. The beach has plenty of convenient facilities, including a car park, public toilets, showers, and a cafe less than 100 yards away.

It’s a great one for all the family too – known for its crystal-clear waters and rock pools (to the south), toddlers and younger kids will have plenty to entertain them.

There are also plenty of activities available for older and more adventurous children to enjoy too, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and even a beach volleyball net. Dog restrictions are in place from May 15 to September 30 between 10am and 6pm.

East Looe Beach

This beautiful sandy beach near Looe is perfect for kids, with plenty of space to run around, build sandcastles, and explore rock pools at low tide. The beach gently leads into the calm and shallow water, providing easy access for the little ones to swim and paddle.  

Don’t miss the unusually shaped Banjo Pier next to the beach where you can watch the many fishing boats come in and out. Or for something a little different, jump on a short boat trip that leaves from the town to explore the beautiful coastline and Looe Island.

The beach is located just a short distance from Looe town where you can find all the amenities you could possibly need. There’s a dog ban in place on the beach all year.

More South Cornwall beaches with kids

Want more inspiration? Check out these other family friendly beaches in Cornwall

• Swanpool beach – another option not far from Falmouth, there are watersports (and mini golf!)
• Carne beach – a short drive from St Mawe’s, it’s a lovely beach on the Roseland Heritage coast
• Gorran Haven beach – half an hour further north up the coast, the South West Coast Path passes right through this beach
• Pentewan beach – at the northern end of the south coast, it’s close to Mevagissey and St Austell, as well as the Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Isles of Scilly

Part of the county of Cornwall, you can easily spend your entire holiday on the gorgeous Isles of Scilly, hopping from island to island – don’t miss these beaches while you do.

Check out my guide to the Isles of Scilly with kids for more inspiration

St Martin’s

With so many spectacular beaches on the Isles of Scilly, it’s hard to narrow it down – even just picking one per island would give you choice galore. But the incredibly curving bays on St Martin’s are mesmerisingly beautiful.

The powdery fine white sand at Great Bay feels a lot more tropical than you’d expect in the UK, and even in August you won’t be fighting the crowds.

Or Par Beach at Higher Town Bay is closer to cafes and shops but still with its own fabulous sweep of blue sea. Not forgetting Lawrence’s Bay by Lower Town as well.

When the sun shines – which it often does on Scilly, you could almost be gazing onto the Caribbean (although the temperature is very distinctly Atlantic, ideal if you need cooling down after sunbathing!).

All three are dog-friendly year-round.

More beaches on the Isles of Scilly with kids

• St Mary’s – the main islands, Porthcressa is good for finding shells and also has a play area nearby, Porthmellon is another good spot for beachcombing plus it also has a Sailing Centre, or Pelistry is another lovely beach
• St Agnes – head to The Bar (at low tide, you can walk across to neighbouring Gugh) and the beach is a great spot for finding sea glass and shells, or Beady Pool got its name for the beads which would wash up here
• Tresco – Rushy Porth Beach and Appletree Bay both have glorious white sand while Pentle Bay is renowned for being particularly safe
• Bryher – Rushy Bay looks out to uninhabited Samson, while Green Bay is the biggest beach and Great Par is another fabulous crescent of sand

If you want more inspiration, check out my ultimate guide to Cornwall with kids, as well as my top 20 things to do in Cornwall with kids

*first published 2016, updated 2023*

PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST BEACHES IN CORNWALL

Images: Fistral beach/St Martin’s copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos

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