Some of the most beautiful beaches in England are found along South Cornwall’s winding coastline. South Cornwall’s beaches are a delight for those who love rock pools, sandy expanses, and clambering rocks. This coast here is generally a lot calmer than on the North and Western coasts of Cornwall. Cornwall’s South West is an excellent place to spend your holiday. Whether you are a sun-lover, a budding palaeontologist, a geologist, or a sandcastle-maker extraordinaire, you will find the adventures you are looking for in this incredible region. From the border with Devon at its eastern end, traced by the banks of the River Tamar all the way to Land’s End at its westernmost tip, our ultimate guide to Cornwall’s South Coast beaches is for you – we’ll cover all the best South Cornwall Beaches.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER
The Best 13 Beaches of South Cornwall
Cornwall’s south coast, unlike its wild, wavy northern shore at the mercy of Atlantic waves, is more protected and overlooks the somewhat calmer waters of the English Channel. South Cornwall’s beaches are often called the “Cornish Riviera” because of their warm microclimate, hidden bays, and sometimes turquoise waters.
Cornwall has more than 400 beaches, which offer a wide range of experiences, from secluded coves to sand-coloured beaches to more intimate and tranquil coves. We love all of them, whether they are dog-friendly, family-friendly, or bustling with activity. Some beaches are well-known, while others are hidden gems that do not receive the attention they deserve. Keep reading to learn why South Cornwall is a great place to hang out, relax or enjoy watersports.
If you need to rent a car in Cornwall, we recommend Discover Cars for car hire. You can search, compare and save up to 70%, with no hidden fees and free cancellation, what have you got to lose? Get a price for a rental car in Cornwall here.
1. Praa Sands Beach, South Cornwall
Praa Sands is a small sandy beach on the south coast, between Porthleven and Marazion. This beach attracts surfers from everywhere because of its favourable weather conditions. Praa Sands Beach is also an excellent choice for swimmers and children in the summer when the sea state is generally flat. You will find plenty of facilities such as shops, cafes, toilets, and campsites within easy reach of the beach.
- What type of beach is Praa Sands, South Cornwall? Sandy beach
- Is Praa Sands Beach, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Yes. However, there’s a seasonal dog ban. Dogs are not allowed on the beach between the 1st and 31st of August / 10 am – 6 pm.
- Is there a Car Park at Praa Sands Beach, South Cornwall? Yes, there are two car parks here.
- What’s the postcode of Praa Sands Beach, South Cornwall? TR20 9TQ
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Praa Sands Beach, South Cornwall? RNLI’s lifeguard coverage – every day from 5 May through 30 September, Easter bank holiday, and weekends during April
2. Lantic Bay, South Cornwall
Lantic Bay is a beautiful gem in South Cornwall. The steep 20-minute walk to the beach is challenging, but the breathtaking coastal views and rural landscapes make it worthwhile. This beach offers tranquillity and a peaceful environment. You will need to bring plenty of food and drinks for the day as there are no facilities or services down there. Visiting Lantic Bay is one of the best things to do in Fowey, read about others here.
- What type of beach is Lantic Bay, South Cornwall? Sandy
- Is Lantic Bay, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Yes.
- Is there a Car Park at Lantic Bay, South Cornwall? Yes. The National Trust parking lot is on the main road into Polruan. The car park is free to National Trust members, but there is a charge if you are not a member. (Join. It’s seriously worth it for the free car parking alone here in Cornwall!)
- What’s the postcode of Lantic Bay, South Cornwall? PL23 1NP
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Lantic Bay, South Cornwall? No
3. Kennack Sands, South Cornwall
Kennack Sands has a variety of landscapes around with lots of soft sand and shingle, rock pools, and cliffs. Because Kennack is oriented south-easterly, the waters are relatively calm and protected in times when conditions can get pretty hairy up on Cornwall’s north coast. If you want to catch a wave, there is a surf school right at the beach. If you plan to spend a day on the beach, please keep your valuables safe – use a portable travel safe.
- What type of beach is Kennack Sands, South Cornwall? Sandy
- Is Kennack Sands, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Dogs are not allowed on Kennack Sands West Beach between 1 July and 31 August (10 am – 6 pm). Kennack Sands East allows dogs all year.
- Is there a Car Park at Kennack Sands, South Cornwall? Yes
- What’s the postcode of Kennack Sands, South Cornwall? TR12 7LT
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Kennack Sands, South Cornwall? Seasonal RNLI coverage for lifeguards – weekends 19 May – 6 July, and daily 7 July –2 September
4. Kynance Cove, South Cornwall
Kynance Cove is a popular spot on Cornwall’s coast. And it is glorious! It is known for its white sand, turquoise water, stunning serpentine rock formations, and islands. This South Cornwall beach, which has been popular since Victorian times, is accessed from the National Trust Car Park. It’s one of our best views in Cornwall.
- What type of beach is Kynance Cove, South Cornwall? Sandy
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Kynance Cove, South Cornwall? No
- Is Kynance Cove, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Yes. However, there’s a seasonal ban on dogs in July and August, 10 am-6 pm
- Is there a Car Park at Kynance Cove, South Cornwall? Yes, there’s the National Trust car park 10 minutes from the beach
- What’s the postcode of Kynance Cove, South Cornwall? TR12 7PJ
5. Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth, South Cornwall
Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth’s sandy jewel, is a safe, sheltered Blue Flag beach with clear turquoise waters. Gylly is a popular spot for sea swimming all year. Visiting Gylly Beach is one of our favourite things to do in Falmouth
- What type of beach is Gyllyngvase Beach, South Cornwall? Sandy
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Gyllyngvase Beach, South Cornwall? Yes, this service is available from May 19 to September 30, 10 am-6 pm
- Is Gyllyngvase Beach, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Yes, it is dog friendly from May 15 to September 30, 2010 (10 am-6 pm).
- Is there a Car Park at Gyllyngvase Beach, South Cornwall? Yes. Free road parking along Cliff Road is also available.
- What’s the postcode of Gyllyngvase Beach, South Cornwall? TR11 4PA
6. Pendower Beach, South Cornwall
Pendower, a sandy beach with a south-facing view that measures approximately a mile in length, is popular with families because of the stunning views along its coastline. At low tide, the beach merges with Carne Beach to its east. There are many activities here including swimming, surfing, canoeing and sailing, windsurfing and fishing. You can also find coffee, tea, and lunch options in the hotels at each end of the beach.
- What type of beach is Pendower Beach, South Cornwall? Sandy
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Pendower Beach, South Cornwall? No
- Is Pendower Beach, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Yes
- Is there a Car Park at Pendower Beach, South Cornwall? Yes. There’s a free car park.
- What’s the postcode of Pendower Beach, South Cornwall? TR2 5PE
7. Lansallos Beach, South Cornwall
Lansallos Beach is a beautiful and deceptive beach. You might even believe you are on an island in the Mediterranean. People sit on the flat rocks to enjoy the sun while yachts anchor off the coast and swimmers play in the deep water. This stunning beach is ideal for sunbathing, swimming in the sea, and lazy afternoons.
- What type of beach is Lansallos Beach, South Cornwall? Sandy and shingle
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Lansallos Beach, South Cornwall? No
- Is Lansallos Beach, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Yes
- Is there a Car Park at Lansallos Beach, South Cornwall? Yes.
- What’s the postcode of Lansallos Beach, South Cornwall? PL13 2PX
8. Seaton Beach, South Cornwall
Seaton Beach is a lovely family beach just to the east of Looe. It’s located at the entrance to the Seaton Valley Country Park. There’s good surfing here, and the beach is popular with fishermen and dog owners. Paddling in the river that runs across the beach is recommended.
- What type of beach is Seaton Beach, South Cornwall? Sandy
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Seaton Beach, South Cornwall? No
- Is Seaton Beach, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Yes. However, dogs are not allowed in the middle section between May 1 and September 30.
- Is there a Car Park at Seaton Beach, South Cornwall? Yes. There are two car parks in the area.
- What’s the postcode of Seaton Beach, South Cornwall? PL11 3JQ
9. Trebah Gardens, Polgwidden Cove – South Cornwall
Polgwidden Cove is a great place to boat or explore the coastal scenery. This privately-owned beach can be found at the valley’s base, where Trebah Gardens is located. It is important to note that Trebah Gardens is the only way to get to the beach.
- What type of beach is Trebah Gardens, Polgwidden Cove – South Cornwall? Shingle beach
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Trebah Gardens, Polgwidden Cove – South Cornwall? No
- Is Polgwidden Beach, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Yes. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a lead.
- Is there a Car Park at Trebah Gardens, Polgwidden Cove – South Cornwall? Yes. Parking is available.
- What’s the postcode of Trebah Gardens, Polgwidden Cove – South Cornwall? TR11 5JZ
10. Gorran Haven Beach, South Cornwall
Gorran Haven is a sandy beach that lies just outside the village of Gorran Haven. It is quite protected, as it sits in the shadow of Dodman Point, which is 400ft above sea level to the west. This beach is safe and accessible to most, despite not having lifeguard coverage.
- What type of beach is Gorran Haven Beach, South Cornwall? Sandy
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Gorran Haven Beach, South Cornwall? No
- Is Gorran Haven Beach, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Yes
- Is there a Car Park at Gorran Haven Beach, South Cornwall? Yes. Free to National Trust members, there’s a charge for everyone else.
- What’s the postcode of Gorran Haven Beach, South Cornwall? PL26 6JG
11. Readymoney Beach, South Cornwall
Readymoney Beach is stunning! This small, sandy, and protected beach with shelving is protected by cliffs near the mouth of River Fowey Estuary. The Fowey Estuary’s medieval part and St Catherine’s Castle are on each side. (don’t miss a walk to St Catherine’s Castle while you’re here!) It is safe to bathe in the cove but not in the Fowey Estuary. There can be water pollution from heavy rains and storms. It is ideal for pleasant woodland walks around St Catherine’s Point and boat trips. One of the cottages that we recommend staying at in Fowey is seriously close to Readymoney Cove, check it out here!
- What type of beach is Readymoney Beach, South Cornwall? Sandy
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Readymoney Beach, South Cornwall? There is no lifeguard service, but emergency facilities can be used as a lifebuoy stand.
- Is Readymoney Beach, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Seasonal dog ban. Dogs are not permitted on beaches between 1 July, and 31 August / 10 am – 6 pm
- Is there a Car Park at Readymoney Beach, South Cornwall? Yes, there is a car park here.
- What’s the postcode of Readymoney Beach, South Cornwall? PL23 1JD
12. Pentewan Beach, South Cornwall
Pentewan Beach is over half a mile long and offers a nice break from the crowds of the north coast beaches. You’ve come to the right place if you are looking for action! Adventurers have many options, including kayaking, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Pentewan Beach has been one of my favourite beaches in South Cornwall for many years – its one of the easy beaches to reach near St Austell.
There’s also a great holiday park here and a super traffic-free walking and cycle trail up to St Austell, as well as the Lost Gardens of Heligan nearby. You can read about the Pentewan cycle trail in our guide to St Austell here.
- What type of beach is Pentewan Beach, South Cornwall? Sandy
- Is Pentewan Beach, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Seasonal ban on dogs between 1 February and the 1st Sunday in November
- Is there a Car Park at Pentewan Beach, South Cornwall? Yes. Parking is available.
- What’s the postcode of Pentewan Beach, South Cornwall? PL26 6BT
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Pentewan Beach, South Cornwall? No
13. Perranporth Beach, South Cornwall
Perranporth Beach is a famous beach in Cornwall because of its stunning sands and access to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s easy to see why families come back year after year to enjoy the space and the benefits this beautiful beach offers to its visitors. This beach in Cornwall is a great place to surf, snorkel, or sail. There’s something for everyone!
- What type of beach is Perranporth Beach, South Cornwall? Sandy
- Is Perranporth Beach, South Cornwall Dog-Friendly? Yes
- Is there a Car Park at Perranporth Beach, South Cornwall? Yes
- What’s the postcode of Perranporth Beach, South Cornwall? TR6 0ND
- Is there a Lifeguard Service at Perranporth Beach, South Cornwall? Yes
Like Cornish beaches? You’ll love our guide to the beaches of North Cornwall and our West Cornwall Beach guide too.
Final Words on the 13 Best Beaches of South Cornwall
After exploring all the great things to do in South Cornwall sometimes you just want to find a lovely beach on which to relax, swim, and enjoy the sun. Our beach-loving experts debated long and hard over which beaches should be included in our list of the best beaches in South Cornwall. We’ve ensured that beaches from all over South Cornwall’s coastline are included, including the major names and the hidden gems along the south coast. South Cornwall is known for its beautiful beaches, deserted coves, and buzzing surf scene.
Cornwall’s Best is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
