Best Beaches in Cornwall 2026 - Beside The Wave

Best Beaches in Cornwall 2026

Cornwall is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK... perhaps even the world (we're a little biased!). But with over 300 beaches to choose from, deciding where to visit can feel overwhelming. North coast or south coast? Hidden coves or long stretches of sand?

Luckily, our artists spend countless hours walking, painting and exploring Cornwall's coastline. Many of the places that inspire their paintings are the very beaches we return to time and time again. So we thought we'd share our favourites...

Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth (South Cornwall)

Just a short 10-min walk from the vibrant and buzzy town of Falmouth, this beach is a perfect spot for families and anyone who wants to relax after a day of mooching. Anyone looking for a dog-friendly beach, dogs aren't allowed on the beach from May to September, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Best For: Calm water, morning coffees, sea dips, Gylly Beach Cafe, paddleboarding.

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Grebe Beach, The Helford (South Cornwall)

No trip to South Cornwall is complete without going to the idyllic, Helford. An enchanting, unspoilt village that is home to the most beautiful coved-beaches.

Best For: quiet beach-days, The Ferryboat Inn, boat-trips, calm sea swimming.

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Kynance Cove, The Lizard  Peninsular (West Cornwall)

Nestled amongst the earthy and rugged hills of Lizard Peninsular this breathtaking cove is one of the best you'll find in Cornwall. Turquoise waters, white sand and serpentine rock formations await you. It's quite a hike down, so go prepared!

Best For: The adventurous, full beach-day picnics, coast-path walkers.

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Porthcurno Beach (West Cornwall)

Porthcurno beach is like something out or a film or the Caribbean. It's a breathtaking, white-shell sand cove that you have to get on your Cornwall bucket list. On a Summers day, there is nowhere else you need to be.

Best For: Paddle boarding, watersports, full beach-days, the full Cornish experience.

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Godrevy Beach (North Cornwall)

One of North Cornwalls best beaches. Loved by surfers globally its a stretch of Cornwalls finest sand that connects Gwithian Beach. Once there, you'll be able to spot the iconic views of Godrevy Lighthouse.

Best For: Surfers, families, low-effort beach days.

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