Explore Cornwall’s Beaches and Surfing

The Valley is perfectly positioned to visit both the North and South coasts

Visit the dramatic North Coast renowned for its surfing beaches. If you don’t yet know how to surf, book some lessons through King Surf or Falmouth Surf School. Pete at King Surf is great at teaching young and old in the safe waters of Mawgan Porth and Spence at Falmouth Surf school.

The South Coast beaches offer calmer flatter waters and glorious scenic views. Close to The Valley there are beaches in Falmouth (10 minute journey) and slightly further away but worth a visit, St.Ives (40 minute journey). When you visit Cornwall you will find that the weather is rarely the same on both coasts; stay at The Valley and choose your coast for the day by following the direction of the blue sky.

Through staff and guest recommendations, here is a list of recommended beaches within a 20-25 mile radius of The Valley:

Perranporth, north coast

On the North Coast near Newquay, (B3285). A spectacular soft sand beach renowned for great surfing conditions and family friendly atmosphere. The beach is based by a pretty coastal town which attracts many tourists in the summer but benefits from facilities and parking nearby. There’s also ‘The Watering Hole’ boasting as the UK’s ONLY on the beach bar.

Porthcurno, nr Land’s End

The magical gem of a beach is located close to The Minack Theatre en-route to Land’s End (B3315). There is a car park just 200 yards from the beach which leads straight down to the glittering white sands and turquoise waters where dolphins and basking sharks can often be spotted from the shore. Bring your own drinks and snacks for this beach.

Portreath, north coast

Located on the North Cornish Coast between Redruth and Hayle (B3301/00). The sand and shingle beach has a stream running down to the sea, perfect for little ones to splash in. It is popular with families and surfers alike and in particular body boarders. Also it backs onto the small town offering most facilities including several shops and cafés.

Gwithian, nr Hayle

Situated on the north-west coast, close to Hayle (via the A30) this 3 mile stretch of beach is best described as beautifully rugged. There is parking on the cliff tops, and the walk is certainly worth it. This is a perfect beach for family picnics, BBQ’s and wind sports such as kiting or windsurfing. Facilities are minimal so come prepared rather than have to walk back to the car…uphill…although the National Trust Godrevy café and the Sunset Café are great places to stop!

Porthleven, nr Helston

On the south-west coast of Cornwall close to the market town of Helston, (A394) Porthleven is a charming traditional harbour town. Set in the middle of a huge sweeping bay, Porthleven is ideal for families. It has one of the most impressive harbours in Cornwall, fishing boats land their daily catch in Porthleven. The beach can be reached via a 15 minutes walk from the harbour front around the peninsular to a 3.5 mile stretch of open coast and sand.

Gyllyngvase (Gylly Beach), Falmouth

Falmouth’s most loved Blue Flag beach sits in a crescent of sand. At low tide you can go rock-pooling for winkles and shrimp. There are varied facilities nearby such as toilets and parking as well as the famous Gyllyngvase Beach Café well known for its great food and hospitality. The beach regularly hosts watersport activities for all ages.

Kynance Cove, The Lizard

Kynance Cove is a very special and unique place to the Lizard Point, the most southerly point of Britain. Kynance Cove is probably the most painted and photographed place in Cornwall. This beauty spot has been immortalised as the perfect cove by romantic poets and painters since the eighteenth century, due to the brilliant turquoise water and white sands, with islands, caves and unexpected views which are still a powerful draw today.