7 Best Cornish Beaches for Families to Visit
June 04th, 2021
Summer is here! That means lots of sunshine, sandy beaches and relaxing by the seaside with all the family.
And where better to spend those days in the sun than in Cornwall?
Home to over 300 beautiful beaches, it’s no wonder that people flock from across the country for the perfect staycation by the sea.
But with 250 miles worth of coast to explore, it’s hard to know where to begin! That’s why we’ve put together a handy guide for you.
Here are 7 of the best beaches for you and your family to visit on your luxury family holiday in Cornwall.
Newquay
Located on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast and only a 30-minute drive from The Valley, Newquay is the perfect spot to visit this summer.
This favourite seaside town is home to an array of marvellous beaches and seaside attractions. And with so many to choose from, we’ve broken this one down a little bit.
1 – Great Western Beach
This beach is popular with both surfers and families. With caves to investigate in surrounding cliffs and rockpools to explore at low time, this beach is perfect to sate a child’s curiosity.
2 – Perranporth Beach
With miles of golden sand and giant dunes, it’s easy to see the appeal of this fantastic beach. Easily accessible for those with little ones in tow and close to local amenities such as surf shops and cafes, this beach is perfect for a family visit.
3 – Towan
Towan beach is nestled right in the heart of Newquay and is the perfect place for a family day out. On one side of the beach you have the harbour, and on the other side, ‘The Island’, connected to the mainland by a suspension bridge.
What’s more, this beach has full lifeguard cover from May through September and dogs are allowed all year round!
4 – Gyllyngvase Beach
Located just 10 minutes away from Falmouth town centre, you’ll find Gyllyngvase (pronounced Gil-In-Vayse) Beach is one of only seven beaches in Cornwall to receive the Blue Flag Award 2020. This award recognises that the beach is clean, well managed and safe. So, it’s no wonder that it’s such a popular spot for families.
Buggie and wheelchair friendly, this beach is perfect for all of the family to enjoy.
Or, if you want to step away from the seaside excitement for a while, why not pop into Queen Mary Gardens? Located directly behind Gyllyngvase Beach, the garden offers an array of magnificent plants and a peaceful retreat.
5 – Portreath Beach
With its fine, soft sand, Portreath Beach is a popular spot for families while also drawing experienced surfers for the beach’s ‘vortex’ surf break.
This beach is only a short walk from the village of Portreath so you can take full advantage of local amenities. From an amusement arcade to a local supermarket as well as multiple pubs, there’s plenty of family fun to be had.
This beach has lifeguard cover from the end of March through to September but unfortunately doesn’t allow dogs during July and August.
6 – Godrevy Beach
Just a 25-minute drive from The Valley you’ll find one of the most exposed beaches of the North coast. Godrevy Beach in Hayle is a gorgeous beach owned and looked after by the National Trust.
At lower tides, Godrevy Beach joins with Gwithian beach which is a popular surf spot. With one-on-one and group lessons available, there’s the potential for some great family fun!
With three miles worth of golden sand, this beach is the perfect place to set yourself up with your bucket and spade.
With the added view of the famous Godrevy lighthouse (think Virginia Woolf’s ‘To The Lighthouse’), this beach is a stunning spot for any staycation visit.
7 – Porthcurno Beach
This last beach is a bit of a trek from us here at The Valley but it’s certainly worth the trip!
Nestled away near Land’s End, Porthcurno Beach is described by some as a paradise. With its soft white sand and surrounding cliffs offering shelter, it’s the perfect spot for any family trip.
Plus, there are plenty more attractions only a stone’s throw from the beach including:
- Porthcurno Telegraph Museum
- Minack Theatre
- Land’s End Landmark
It’s really no wonder that this beach is so popular. And we don’t just mean for day trips!
Porthcurno Beach was chosen as the set of Nampara Cove where Demelza and Ross find themselves walking during a dream sequence on BBC’s Poldark!
Cornwall is known for its spectacular countryside, but with beaches like these as well, why would you want to go abroad?
To find out more about staying at The Valley for your next family staycation, browse our cottages and facilities today!
Image credit: Visit Cornwall