Our favourite west Cornwall beaches

The county of Cornwall is shaped by the sea with over 300 beaches and coves to explore. Lying on a narrow peninsula, no inland area is ever more than 20 miles from the sea with each of west Cornwall’s beaches holding a lure of its own.

Our ideal location provides easy access to discover both coasts. Swimmers and dippers should head to the powder soft sands of Carbis Bay or Porthminster Beach, both close to St Ives. The crystal clear waters here are calm and sheltered with lifeguards during the summer. The dazzlingly turquoise waters here are a favourite with photographers with local seals or dolphins often popping in to say hi.

If surfing is your thing then nearby Sennen Cove is a must. Arguably one of the finest surfing spots in Cornwall there are several surf schools here for novices whilst the more experienced can hang ten with the locals. If you’re holidaying as a family then spend the day at stunning Kynance Cove, managed by the National Trust and well worth the steep walk down. Incredible azure waters surround impressive rock stacks which become accessible at low tide. Soft golden sands unfold into deep rock pools with the cafe serving up tempting ice creams plus an array of food and drink.

Those with dogs will find a great choice of west Cornwall beaches available to them too. Some do operate a seasonal dog ban but fans of early mornings can experience deserted beaches before 8am, when the daily restrictions begin. There’s Bamaluz in St Ives, Cot Valley, Gwenver, Keneggy, Porthkidney and Long Rock to name a few.