10 Secret Beaches in Cornwall you need to see

It’s no secret that Cornwall’s coastline is blessed with golden sands, crystal blue waters and a sub-tropical climate. But did you know that there are secret beaches in Cornwall that are well off the beaten track?

Cornwall’s coastline stretches over 400 miles and is famous for the likes of Kynance Cove and Fistral Beach. But if you are an intrepid beachcomber and looking to escape the madding crowds, there are plenty of hidden beaches in Cornwall that are rarely busy!

Discover secret beaches in Cornwall below…

1. Nanjizal Beach

Escape the crowds when you spend the day at this secret beach in Cornwall, positioned one mile southeast of Land’s End. Reach this piece of paradise by walking along the South West Coast Path, which has remained untouched and rarely busy.

Look forward to crystal clear waters, with fantastic snorkelling and seal spotting opportunities. The sands are golden and soft, making it an ideal spot to relax, while the rock pools and caves are great for the younger explorers. There’s plenty of wildlife here too, with chiffchaff, whitethroat and blackcap breeding here.

This is one of the quiet beaches in Cornwall that benefits from naturally occurring stone structures, making it a real gem. Find the famous Diamond Horse at the northern end of the beach. At the south side of the beach, the magnificent rock arch, Zawn Pyg, also known as the Song of the Sea creates a breath-taking site as the sun shines through.

This secret beach in Cornwall is often referred to as Mill Bay, as it was once the site of a watermill. Today, the stream that once powered the mill cascades across the beach and empties into the sea in front of the Song of the Sea.

The often-deserted beach of Nanjizal is one of the best beaches in Cornwall that you probably haven’t heard of!

Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes – Land’s End, TR19 7AA (approx. 30-minute walk away)
Dog friendly: Yes
Postcode: TR19 6JJ

2. Pedn Vounder Beach

Next on our guide to secret beaches in Cornwall is an oasis of calm, positioned among the cliffs of Treryn Dinas. This is certainly one of Cornwall’s most remote spots and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK.

Part of Pedn Vounder’s charm is that it’s not easy to get to! To access the beach, you must walk along a rugged cliff path and then navigate a cliff face to get onto the sands. It is therefore advised to pack lightly and wear sensible shoes.

If you’re up to the challenge, look forward to immaculately clear blue waters, white sands and the famous Logan Rock. This is a 70-tone block of granite that can be rocked back and forth by one person!

Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes – Village of Treen
Dog friendly: Yes
Postcode: TR19 6LF

3. Portheras Cove

Portheras Cove is amongst the quietest beaches in Cornwall, located on one of the wildest stretches of the Land’s End Peninsula.

Positioned between Morvah and Pendeen, this isolated cove is north facing and is backed by high cliffs. With its superb position and secludedness, the beach is a good place to catch glimpses of seals.

The beach can only be accessed by walking and swimming is not advised here, due to powerful rip currents. Bodyboarding however is popular and there are a few rockpools at the western end of the beach to explore.

There are no facilities at this hidden beach in Cornwall, so come fully prepared for a day by the sea!

Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes – Lower Chypraze
Dog friendly: Yes
Postcode: TR19 7TU

4. Pentire Steps

Next on our guide to secret beaches in Cornwall is Pentire Steps, hidden away between Newquay and Padstow.

This quiet beach in Cornwall is off the beaten track and access is not for the faint-hearted. Accessing the sands requires following a narrow and twisty path before a scramble down the cliffs. So more often than not, you will have this beach to yourself!

This photogenic spot comprises a sandy bay, backed by imposing cliffs and a towering rock stack. This landmark is Diggory’s Island, boasting a small arch and a permanent covering of grass atop.

Take a couple of moments to admire the azure waters and golden sands, but be cautious that the beach disappears completely when the tide is in. Swimming is not advised here, as there are treacherous rip currents along this coastline and no lifeguard service.

Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes – Park Head, National Trust
Dog friendly: Yes
Postcode: PL27 7UU

5. Lantic Bay

Lantic Bay is a not-so-secret beach in Cornwall, boasting captivating coastal views infused with rural landscapes to admire.

This hidden beach in the UK has a steep 20-minute walk down to the beach and the path is more a less impossible to stumble upon. Therefore, you are promised a scenic spot to hide away from the crowds and enjoy the sub-tropical climate that Cornwall is known for.

Following the journey to the beach, you will be rewarded by turquoise waters, a moon-shaped beach, with plunging cliffs as a backdrop. Dip your toes into the crystal clear waters or meander the surroundings that are preserved by the National Trust.

Type of beach: Sand and shingle
Car park: Yes – National Trust Car Park (approx. 20-minute walk away)
Dog friendly: Yes
Postcode: PL23 1NP

6. Porth Joke

Our next quiet beach in Cornwall is Porth Joke, also known as Polly Joke Beach, an attractive north-west facing cove that is often overlooked.

Positioned just a stone’s throw away from the resort town of Newquay, this beach is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets. This is due to its no road access and the fair walk from the car park in West Pentire.

However, the rarely busy sands, glistening waters and caves promise to make the journey worthwhile! The unspoilt beach is also a great spot for an array of watersports, including surfing, swimming, bodyboarding and fishing.

Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes – National Trust car park at West Pentire
Dog friendly: Yes
Postcode: TR8 5SE

7. Bedruthan Steps

Bedruthan Steps is one of the most dramatic secret beaches in Cornwall, boasting azure waters and huge slate outcrops. You’d be forgiven for thinking that you had travelled to the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road in Australia!

The beach gets its name from the mythical giant, Bedruthan and not the inordinate steps you take to access the sands! According to folklore, the giant hopped across the rocks of the beach as if they were stepping stones!

The quiet beach is located between Padstow and Newquay and at low tide stretches for over a mile! Access to the beach can be difficult and requires walking down a narrow steep staircase.

Come here to explore a plethora of nooks and crannies of the rocks, and admire the exceedingly choppy waters. Swimming is not advised here at any time of the year.

Round off your afternoon at this quiet beach in Cornwall at the cafe located at the National Trust car park. Alternatively, pack up a picnic and find tables that overlook the bay.

Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes – National Trust, Carnewas at Bedruthan
Dog friendly: Yes
Postcode: PL27 7UW

8. Rinsey Cove

Positioned between Praa Sands and Porthleven is our next quiet beach in Cornwall, Rinsey Cove. Rinsey Cove rests behind the rugged headland of Rinsey Head and is in the shadow of the old engine house of Wheal Prosper Tin Mine.

The Wheal Prosper Mine was built in 1860 and was active for just six years. The purpose of the landmark was to mine tin and copper from the Porthcew Lode. Today, it makes a superb photo opportunity before heading down to the beach.

The hidden beach is located off the beaten track, meaning it can be a little tricky to access. However, because of the scramble down, the beach is rarely busy.

As soon as you reach the sands, follow in the footsteps of notorious smugglers who once haunted this part of Cornwall. You could walk along the coastal path to soak up the views further before refuelling at The Ship Inn.

Here, you can look forward to a perfectly poured pint in front of the open fire, before ordering a home-cooked dish!

Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes – National Trust car park at Rinsey
Dog friendly: Yes
Postcode: TR13 9TS

9. Porthchapel

Porthchapel is a secluded beach located on the south-west coast and has striking blue waters and interesting rock formations.

This secret beach in Cornwall is tucked away between Porthcurno and Porthgwarra, just three miles away from Land’s End. Despite being a firm-family favourite, the beach offers a pleasant relief from the larger beaches on the north coast.

Prepare a picnic to soak up the sunshine and be sure to keep an eye out for seals that are often spotted on this stretch of coast.

Type of beach: Sandy
Car park: Yes – near the church at St Levan
Dog friendly: Seasonal dog ban between Easter Day and 1st of October
Postcode: TR19 6JS

10. Hemmick Beach

Our final destination on our secret beaches in Cornwall guide can be found on the Roseland Peninsula, to the west of Dodman Point.

Hemmick Beach is a sandy south-west facing bay, positioned less than 10 miles away from St Austell. With its remote location, the beach remains generally quiet in the summer months and swimming here is considered safe. Making it an ideal quiet beach in Cornwall for families!

You may stumble upon this beach in Cornwall during a circular walk from Gorran Haven. Discover several points of interest along the way to keep all entertained, including wild ponies to keep you company. Use Hemmick Beach as your lunch break stop and enjoy an afternoon of sunbathing, swimming and rock pooling.

Like many of these hidden beaches in Cornwall, there are no facilities at Hemmick Beach, so bring along all your necessities.

Type of beach: Sandy
Car park:
Dog friendly: Yes
Postcode: PL26 6LL

Secret Beaches in Cornwall Map

Feeling inspired to visit these secret beaches in Cornwall? Take a look at our Cornwall travel guide to begin planning your time in a holiday cottage!