Guide to Beaches in South Cornwall

Between the countless golden beaches, glorious views and fantastic surfing spots, it’s easy to see why Cornwall’s coastline is one of its biggest draws. However, with so much choice it can be hard to narrow down your options.
We’ve decided to try and give you a little bit of a hand by tracking down the best beaches in South Cornwall for you to visit. So, no matter whether you’re taking a romantic break, going on a fun-filled family trip or treating the pooch to a week away, you’ll be able to find something for you.

Best beach for families

Swanpool Beach by Tim Green – CC BY 2.0

Swanpool Beach: Situated just outside of Falmouth, Swanpool is one of the most popular family-orientated beaches in all of South Cornwall. Complete with a crazy golf course, bouncy castle, beach café and watersports school in the summer months, there will always be something to keep the little ones entertained!

Best beach for couples

Lantic Bay by RaGeBE – CC BY-ND 2.0

Lantic Bay: As one of South East Cornwall’s best kept secrets, Lantic Bay is the perfect place if you’re after a bit of peace and quiet. Granted, it’s a bit of a walk from the National Trust car park up the road near Fowey but it’s well worth it when you reach the bay! With its sand and shingle beach nicely sheltered on three sides by the surrounding hills, you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy each other’s company away from the crowds.

Best beach for dogs

Whitsand Bay by rich_f28 – CC BY-ND 2.0

Whitsand Bay: If you’re taking a trip down to Cornwall with your four-legged friend, you’ll want somewhere where they can stretch their legs and there’s nowhere better for that than Whitsand Bay. Welcoming dogs all year round, this three mile long stretch of coastline is actually made up of four golden beaches where the pooch will be able to let off a bit of steam.

Best beach for watersports

Maenporth by Tim Green – CC BY 2.0

Maenporth Beach: Yet another beach found just outside of Falmouth, Maenporth has garnered a bit of a reputation for being both family friendly and great for watersports. There’s plenty of opportunity to book lessons or rent some gear. If you’re bringing your own board, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s a car park right by the beach so you won’t have to carry it too far.

Best beach for walking

Image by Lamerie – CC BY 2.0

Lansallos Beach: Found just a couple of miles west of Polperro, Lansallos Beach is often considered one of Cornwall’s finest beaches. With a sweeping crescent of pale sands, the beach is surrounded by steep cliffs that keep it nice and sheltered from any chilly breezes that might be around. Happily for any ramblers that might be around, Lansallos features on a few of the more scenic routes in the area from a Coastal and Woodland walk through to a circular route starting and ending at the nearby Frogmore car park.

Our guide to the beaches in Cornwall offers even more ideas on how best to experience the coastal magnificence of the area.