Planning a trip to Falmouth with some luxury accommodation in Cornwall? If so, your mind has probably wandered to the numerous beach days you will experience – soaking up the sun, splashing around in the sea and having a fun-filled break is what awaits in Cornwall.
We’ve compiled a list of the best beaches to visit around Falmouth to ensure your trip is a memorable one!
Gyllyngvase Beach
Location: TR11 4NA (0.7 miles from Falmouth Quay)
Facilities: Cafe, Shops & Public Toilets
Dogs: Seasonal Restrictions
Surf: Small
Great for: Families and Paddleboarders
Gyllyngvase Beach, commonly referred to as Gylly Beach, is a ten-minute walk from the main town centre, making it the perfect beach to visit after you have wandered around the shops.
The white sands and crystal waters will remind you of something from a holiday resort abroad. The beach can get quite busy on a nice day, so make sure you get there early to secure your spot. Views from the beach include the many shipping boats that leave the docks, and the grand Pendennis Castle that overlooks the bay.
The waters at Gylly tend to be quite flat, which isn’t great for surfing but makes it a very popular beach for swimmers and paddleboarders.
There is an ice-cream and refreshments hut right on the beach if you fancy a nibble, or alternatively, right next door is the Gylly Beach Café that features a delicious menu, a stocked bar and a decking with seating.
Swanpool Beach
Location: Falmouth, TR11 5BG (1.2 miles from Falmouth Quay)
Facilities: Public Toilets, Cafe, Parking
Dogs: Seasonal Restrictions
Surf: Small
Great for: Families
Either put on your walking boots to walk from Gylly beach along the coastal path, or pop in the car for five minutes, to make your way to Swanpool beach. Popular with dog-walkers, Swanpool beach is a beautiful sand and shingle beach with easy parking.
This beautiful beach has great little places to get a bite to eat including an ice-cream hut where you are greeted with an array of options to personalise your treat with sweets, chocolates, fruits and nuts! The outdoor Swanpool beach cafe is also a great place to stop.
Swanpool beach gives you the opportunity to experience new activities such as crazy golf, water-sports and kayaking, which is available to hire for everyone to enjoy. Note, however, that there are no lifeguards at this beach.
Maenporth Beach
Location: TR11 5HN (2.8 miles from Falmouth Quay)
Facilities: Cafe, Parking, Public Toilets, Shops
Dogs: Seasonal Restrictions
Surf: Small
Great for: Relaxing and Exploring
A true hidden gem just around the corner from Swanpool beach, nestled in-between rolling hill countryside, is Maenporth beach. The golden sands lead down to the rich blue waters.
Maenporth beach is brilliant for families due to the shallow water, rockpools and a variety of marine life to explore. It’s a great alternative if Gylly and Swanpool are crowded on sunny summer days.
If you are feeling adventurous, there are many activities to enjoy, such as sailing, kayaking, diving and even sea safaris, although bear in mind that there are no lifeguards at this beach. Just outside of town, it’s also a wonderful spot to enjoy coastal walking and views of the Cornish coast and countryside along the South-West Coast Path.
Loe Beach
Location: Feock, TR3 6SH (10 miles from Falmouth Quay)
Facilities: Cafe, Toilets, Watersports hire
Dogs: Year-round
Surf: None
Great for: Watersports
The sheltered sand and shingles of Loe Beach, located near Falmouth and Truro, is a popular spot for all manner of watersports.
You can rent out motor boats, kayaks, rowing boats and sailing dinghies from Loe Beach Watersports if you want to have more of an adventurous beach day. They also offer lessons to help you pick up or develop your skills in sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and more.
Summers Beach
Location: St Mawes, TR2 5AN (3 miles from Falmouth Quay)
Facilities: Low – Toilets, Shops in Village
Dogs: Seasonal Restrictions
Surf: None
Great for: Peace and quiet
The historic fishing village of St Mawes is a pleasant day out for all the family. You can reach St Mawes on a ferry that regularly runs from Falmouth. There are a few beaches in St Mawes, but the biggest and most popular is Summers Beach.
Summers Beach is a popular choice for visitors and locals alike. It is an ideal location for swimming or kayaking as it often has very still waters.
Of course, this list only scratches the surface when it comes to beaches in Cornwall to discover. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate family holiday destination or a quiet, secret escape, our accommodation at the Vallewy is perfectly located to help you explore to your heart’s content.