The 15 Best Beaches in West Cornwall

Cornwall is home to more than 400 beaches, more than 250 miles (400km) of coastline, stunning cliffs, amazing wildlife, secret coves, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. There’s no doubt why this part of the country is synonymous with the perfect English holiday, and down here in West Cornwall there are a wide variety of beaches to explore. Marazion and Porthcurno are popular among families because they are spacious, sheltered, and easily accessible. Porthchapel is a more remote spot that requires steep, rocky descents. Porthmeor is one of the few spots that offer shelter from the south-westerly winds. Porthcurno’s and Porthchapel’s heavy close-outs are great for bodyboarding.  You’ll be spoiled for choice here so we’ve compiled our list of the best beaches in West Cornwall to help you plan your trip for your next trip.

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER

The 15 Best Beaches of West Cornwall

A day at the beach, rain or shine is something unbeatable. Luckily, Cornwall has many beaches for you to choose from. And with more than 400 beaches around Cornwall, you’ll always be able to find the perfect piece of sand, rock pool, or a spot to swim in the sea.

Cornwall is known for its quality and variety of beaches and West Cornwall has them all: family-friendly beaches, dog-friendly beaches, quiet, tranquil, bustling beaches, and golden, pebbly beaches.  Come on down to Cornwall’s West and explore our beaches!

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. Carbis Bay, West Cornwall

Carbis Bay is located less than a mile from St Ives. It is a sandy beach with excellent facilities, making it a popular choice for families. It’s protected to a certain extent from both wind and waves. It is possible to surf in Carbis Bay on rare occasions. However, this requires a huge northerly swell and that’s when you’ll find the bodyboarders who love powerful, swelling waves choose here. Our guide to the best things to do in St Ives is here.

• What type of beach is Carbis Bay, West Cornwall?: Sandy
• Is Carbis Bay, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes, but there’s a seasonal dog ban. May 15th to September 30th / 10 am to 6:30 pm.
• What’s the postcode of  Carbis Bay, West Cornwall?: TR26 2NW
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Carbis Bay, West Cornwall?: Daily RNLI lifeguards are on duty from July 7th – September 2nd
• Is there a Car Park at Carbis Bay, West Cornwall? Yes, there is a small private car park located at Carbis Bay beach. There’s another car park on the road to Carbis Bay. This car park is much larger and cheaper than the beach one, but it is a steep 5-10 minute walk to the beach.

2. Sennen Cove, West Cornwall

Sennen is a charming fishing village with a sandy beach that offers great surfing and excellent swimming. The beach is known for its consistent blue waves and has been voted Cornwall’s most famous surf spot. The beach is one of the most beautiful locations in West Cornwall, with its golden sands and stunning blue waters. Sennen Cove is close to Land’s End – and you can read our guide on what to do at Land’s End here.

• What type of beach is Sennen Cove, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Sennen Cove, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes, but there’s a seasonal dog ban between 15th May and 30th September (10 am – 6:30 pm)
• What’s the postcode of Sennen Cove, West Cornwall? TR19 7DG
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Sennen Cove, West Cornwall? Yes. RNLI lifeguards are on duty at all times during the holiday season.
• Is there a Car Park at Sennen Cove, West Cornwall? Yes. There are three car parks near the beach at Sennen.

3. Cot Valley Beach, West Cornwall

About half a mile from St Just, the pretty Cot Valley descends gently towards the sea. There are a few small coves at its end, of which Porth Nanven is the most accessible.  I love the Cot Valley Cove because of the smooth, round granite rocks that line the shore, it’s great for photos. There are also many beautiful coves between here and Cape Cornwall, including Priest’s Cove. Looking for other things to do at St Just? Here you go.

• What type of beach is Cot Valley Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Cot Valley Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes
• What’s the postcode of Cot Valley Beach, West Cornwall? TR19 7NT
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Cot Valley Beach, West Cornwall? No
• Is there a Car Park at Cot Valley Beach, West Cornwall? Yes, there are two car parks lots at the end of Cot Valley and one at Ballowall Barrow.

4. Gurnards Head Beach, West Cornwall

This is not an area for families with small children, it’s a wild and glorious area and the cliffs are dangerous. Treen Cove, located just east of the headland and overlooked by the crumbling Chapel Jane, is a short drive away. Good food and coffee are available at the nearby (and rather lovely Gurnard’s Head Hotel).  Gurnards Head Beach has a unique atmosphere that is best appreciated when the sea crashes on the rocks.

• What type of beach is Gurnards Head Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Gurnards Head Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes
• What’s the postcode of Gurnards Head Beach, West Cornwall? TR26 3DE
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Gurnards Head Beach, West Cornwall? No, there’s no lifeguard cover here.
• Is there a Car Park at Gurnards Head Beach, West Cornwall? You’ll need to park in the layby on the side of the road, or if you’re a customer at the Gurnards Head Hotel.

5. Gwenver Beach, West Cornwall

Gwenver Beach is located at the base of a grassy cliff and is quite private. It is also inaccessible enough that it doesn’t get too crowded. This sandy beach is approximately 150m long and at low tide, it joins up with Sennen Cove beach.  High tide can cause a steep drop off into the sea, making it quite dangerous.

• What type of beach is Gwenver Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Gwenver Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes
• What’s the postcode of Gwenver Beach, West Cornwall? TR19 6JB
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Gwenver Beach, West Cornwall? A full-time lifeguard service is available from 10 am – 6 pm during the summer (19 May-30 September)
• Is there a Car Park at Gwenver Beach, West Cornwall? Yes, there’s parking above the beach or at Sennen.

6. Lamorna Cove, West Cornwall

Lamorna Cove has a small, rocky beach with a bay and some sand at low water. The coast path to the west offers spectacular views. The cove can be found on the South West Coast Path, between Porthcurno & Mousehole. It is a quiet spot for swimming and an excellent location for scuba diving. 

• What type of beach is Lamorna Cove, West Cornwall? Rocky
• Is Lamorna Cove, West Cornwall dog-friendly? No
• What’s the postcode of Lamorna Cove, West Cornwall? TR19 6XJ
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Lamorna Cove, West Cornwall? No
• Is there a Car Park at Lamorna Cove, West Cornwall? Yes. There’s a small car park at Lamorna Cove.

7. Marazion Beach, West Cornwall

Marazion Beach is located at the end of a long stretch of pebbles and sandy beach that runs all the way back from Penzance. It can be calm and sheltered, but it can also receive strong southerly winds, making it a popular spot for windsurfers. The town is at the end of the beach and you’ll find all the usual facilities of a seaside Cornish town here. 

• What type of beach is Marazion Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Marazion Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes. However, there’s a seasonal dog ban. Easter to 1 October.
• What’s the postcode of Marazion Beach, West Cornwall? TR17 0EG
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Marazion Beach, West Cornwall? Yes, available during summer months (7 July – 2 September)
• Is there a Car Park at Marazion Beach, West Cornwall? Yes, there are several car parks along the beachfront to the west of town.

8. Mousehole Beach, West Cornwall

Although it is one of the most beautiful fishing villages in Cornwall, Mousehole is not known for its beaches. There are two beaches in this area: a pebbly/rocky beach on the Newlyn side, right in front of Old Coastguard Hotel, and a small section of sand at the harbour.

• What type of beach is Mousehole Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Mousehole Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes, but there’s a seasonal dog ban from 1 July to 31 August (10:00 – 6 pm)
• What’s the postcode of Mousehole Beach, West Cornwall? TR19 6PL
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Mousehole Beach, West Cornwall? No lifeguard cover
• Is there a Car Park at Mousehole Beach, West Cornwall? Because of the narrow streets and high summer traffic, there are 3-4 car parks around the outskirts of Mousehole.

9. Pedn Vounder Beach, West Cornwall

Pedn Vounder Beach is one of West Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches. It is set below the breathtaking Treryn Dinas cliffs and has a beautiful white sandy beach. Also, it is important to keep in mind that Pedn Vounder is an unofficial naturist 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 Pedn Vounder Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Pedn Vounder Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes
• What’s the postcode of Pedn Vounder Beach, West Cornwall? TR19 6LF
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Pedn Vounder Beach, West Cornwall? No lifeguard cover
• Is there a Car Park at Pedn Vounder Beach, West Cornwall? A car park is located in Treen, about 10 minutes away. You can also walk from one of the Porthcurno parking lots.

10. Porthchapel Beach, West Cornwall

Although it is quiet, this sandy beach is a favorite with local families. Access to the beach is restricted due to its location. The narrow path along the cliffs winds through a beautiful valley and leads to the beach.  Seals frequent the beach and can often be seen swimming just offshore.

• What type of beach is Porthchapel Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Porthchapel Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes, but there’s a seasonal dog ban. Easter to 1 October (applicable only above the high-water mark).
• What’s the postcode of Porthchapel Beach, West Cornwall? TR19 6JS
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Porthchapel Beach, West Cornwall? No lifeguard cover
• Is there a Car Park at Porthchapel Beach, West Cornwall? A small field car park is located next to St Levan’s church. Only 5-10 minutes walk to the beach.

11. Porthcurno Beach, West Cornwall

Porthcurno Beach can’t in my opinion be beaten. This oasis of natural beauty is where culture meets the coast, with its clear turquoise water and soft white sandy sand. It is located just off from Penzance, but you’ll know it as the home of the famous Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre, which is built into the cliffs.

• What type of beach is Porthcurno Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Porthcurno Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes, however, there’s a seasonal dog ban. No dogs allowed between 1 July and 31 August / 10 am – 6 pm.
• What’s the postcode of Porthcurno Beach, West Cornwall? TR19 6JX
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Porthcurno Beach, West Cornwall? Yes. Summer lifeguard service. 10am-6pm, 19 May – 30 September
• Is there a Car Park at Porthcurno Beach, West Cornwall? Yes, there’s a private car park.

12. Porthgwidden Beach, West Cornwall

Although it is smaller than other beaches in the region, it has more protection. It is situated in the lee of the Island, which blocks most of the dominant winds. This makes Porthgwidden Beach an ideal sun trap.  There are lots of facilities available, including a row of beach huts that can be rented from the council. There’s also a good cafe here.

• What type of beach is Porthgwidden Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Porthgwidden Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? There’s a dog ban. No dogs allowed on beaches between 1 July and 31 August / 10 am – 6 pm.
• What’s the postcode of Porthgwidden Beach, West Cornwall? TR26 1PL
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Porthgwidden Beach, West Cornwall? No lifeguard cover
• Is there a Car Park at Porthgwidden Beach, West Cornwall? Yes. There’s a car park at Porthgwidden Beach, West Cornwall.

13. Porthkidney Beach, West Cornwall

Porthkidney Beach measures approximately a mile in length, and at low tide, the sea can extend a long distance leaving a vast expanse of deserted sand. Hawk’s Point is a popular surf spot at the northern end of the beach. Swimming, however, is not recommended, especially near the mouth of the River Hayle or while the tide is turning.

• What type of beach is Porthkidney Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Porthkidney Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? No dogs allowed between 1 July and 31 August / 10 am – 6 pm.
• What’s the postcode of Porthkidney Beach, West Cornwall? TR26 3DY
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Porthkidney Beach, West Cornwall? Yes. RNLI Lifeguard Summer Coverage Daily from 7 July to September
• Is there a Car Park at Porthkidney Beach, West Cornwall? No, but there is limited parking at Lelant Church.

14. Porthminster Beach, West Cornwall

This Blue Flag beach is enclosed by grassy headlands and is, therefore, more protected than other beaches in the St Ives area. It is the perfect destination for families. It’s a great place to relax on the sand and also enjoy the variety of watersports that Porthminster Beach offers.

• What type of beach is Porthminster Beach, West Cornwall? Sandy
• Is Porthminster Beach, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Dogs are not allowed
• Is there a Car Park at Porthminster Beach, West Cornwall? Yes, but it can get very crowded during the summer months (park and ride also available).
• What’s the postcode of Porthminster Beach, West Cornwall? TR26 2EB
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Porthminster Beach, West Cornwall? Yes. RNLI Lifeguard Summer Cover daily from 19 May through 30 September.

15. Porthmeor Cove, West Cornwall

Porthmeor Cove, a remote beach, is close to the South West Coast Path section that runs from Zennor to Pendeen. It is not well-known and rarely visited. However, it is a cove that retains the wild character of this stunning stretch of coastline.  This location would make a great spot to take kids if it were easier to reach, as it has many fascinating nooks and hiding places.

• What type of beach is Porthmeor Cove, West Cornwall? Sandy/Rocky
• Is there a Lifeguard Service at Porthmeor Cove, West Cornwall? No lifeguard cover
• What’s the postcode of Porthmeor Cove, West Cornwall? TR20 8YX
• Is Porthmeor Cove, West Cornwall dog-friendly? Yes
• Is there a Car Park at Porthmeor Cove, West Cornwall? There is limited parking on the roadside. You can also park at Gurnards Head, about a mile away, and at Carn Galva’s engine house.

Looking for other beaches in Cornwall? Here’s our guide to the best beaches in North Cornwall and the best beaches in South Cornwall.

Final Words on the 15 Best Beaches of West Cornwall

You will find coves and inlets along all of Cornwall’s three coastlines and no matter which beaches you find here in West Cornwall.  Regardless of whether you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches, somewhere to take the family during your holiday, or the best surfing beaches in the area you’ll be able to find a great beach to spend your holidays on here in West Cornwall.

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.