For me, there’s just one disadvantage to Cornwall – I dwell too far-off to go to each few weeks, exploring all my favorite spots and dealing on my life purpose of trying out all the very best household seashores in Cornwall.
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However after repeated journeys together with to Newquay and Falmouth, and lengthy weekends like our break on the coast north of St Ives, I’m doing my greatest to make sure that the seashore (a number of seashores!) at all times characteristic – and to observe my daughter’s stern directions proper from toddler days, to not overlook her ‘sand issues’ as she calls her in depth assortment of buckets, spades and sand toys.
As a result of whereas there are golden sweeps of sand which have been excellent when she was youthful, there are additionally extra dramatic coves (Tintagel, I imply you), locations to surf and among the UK’s prettiest seashores. So in case you’re as large a fan as my mini traveller, listed below are my greatest seashores in Cornwall with children to your record.
For my seashore necessities with children, take a look at my high picks for enjoyable on the sand
North Cornwall seashores with children
The north Cornwall coast is famously wilder than the south, however in addition to among the hottest vacationer places, it’s additionally obtained among the county’s greatest seashores.
For extra concepts of issues to do in north Cornwall with children, take a look at my suggestions
Crantock Seashore
Clear white sand, grassy dunes and turquoise water – no surprise Crantock was voted Finest British Seashore by BBC Coast just a few years in the past.
The Nationwide Belief web site has lifeguards at occasions throughout peak season, and a few fabulous walks to profit from the unspoiled dunes. At one finish there’s additionally a niche within the cliffs the place you possibly can discover the Piper’s Gap cave at low tide,
Not removed from Newquay, it’s typically quieter than the busier seashores near the favored city. It’s additionally dog-friendly year-round.
Fistral Seashore
Fistral Seashore is among the hottest seashores in Cornwall, recognized for its world-famous browsing competitions. However even when browsing isn’t your loved ones’s factor, the seashore continues to be an incredible spot to go to with youngsters.
The seashore is broad and sandy, and the waves are excellent for swimming and bodyboarding. You’ll additionally discover lifeguards on obligation from 10am every day between early April and late October, so you possibly can chill out understanding your children are protected.
There are additionally loads of cafes and eating places close by, making it simple so that you can seize a chunk to eat. Rick Stein’s Fistral Restaurant is a stunning informal spot to take pleasure in lunch with views over the water or to seize some fish and chips to remove and eat on the seashore.
Polzeath Seashore
Recognized for its stunning superb sand, clear blue waters, and wonderful browsing and bodyboarding situations, Polzeath is one other of the very best seashores in Cornwall for households.
The massive Blue Flag seashore is patrolled by lifeguards through the peak summer time months, making it a protected place for little ones to swim and play. Throughout low tide, there are a number of rock swimming pools alongside the seashore, so children can discover and uncover crabs, small fish, and different marine creatures.
Polzeath has a stunning relaxed vibe, with loads of cafes and retailers shut by. There are additionally public bathrooms (albeit very primary). Set between Padstow, Port Isaac and Wadebridge, it’s a simple one to succeed in as effectively.
Canines are banned from the seashore from mid Could to the tip of September between 10am and 6pm nevertheless it’s dog-friendly outdoors these occasions.
Perranporth
This three miles of attractive seashore is ideal if you would like one thing extra energetic than sandcastles – snorkelling, browsing, you possibly can even experience on the seashore, whereas the South West Coast Path runs by it.
A part of the St Agnes heritage shoreline, it’s round eight miles south of Newquay in case you fancy a hike to the seashore.
Canines allowed year-round, though throughout July and August they’re required to be on a lead on the primary seashore space between 10am and 5pm (there are different sections of seashore and dunes the place they’ll let off their leads).
The Seven Bays
These seven stunning golden seashores and bays on Cornwall’s north coast are all positioned only a quick distance from each other. They’re linked by scenic coastal paths – so in case you’re up for one thing a little bit extra energetic, you possibly can stroll between two or three seashores in a day.
Set close to to the city of Padstow, the group of seven is made up of Porthcothan Bay, Treyarnon Bay, Constantine Bay, Booby’s Bay, Mom Ivey’s Bay, Harlyn, and Trevone Bay.
Every seashore has its distinctive character and allure, and all of them have loads of enjoyable actions for kids of all ages to take pleasure in. Treyarnon Bay has a big pure tidal pool, Harlyn and Constantine are nice browsing and watersport spots (each have faculties and board rent), whereas Booby’s Bay is ideal for rock pooling.
The Seven Bays are additionally among the most dog-friendly seashores in Cornwall, as six of them permit canines all 12 months spherical. Trevone is the one seashore that has a canine ban from Could 15 to September 30 (10am to 6pm).
Extra North Cornwall seashores with children
Need extra inspiration? Try these different family-friendly seashores in Cornwall
- Summerleaze Seashore – in case you’re staying round Bude, this can be a nice seashore in Cornwall with children
- Nice Western Seashore – certainly one of a number of seashores to decide on between in Newquay itself
- Holywell Bay – another choice close to Newquay, it’s between Perranporth and Crantock seashores
West Cornwall seashores with children
The westernmost a part of Cornwall is residence to St Ives and Penzance, in addition to Land’s Finish (plus Hayle and Helston to say just a few others) – plus among the loveliest turquoise waters round Cornwall.
St Ives
St Ives is hardly a hidden gem, however there’s a purpose it’s so beloved – not least due to its seashores, with a number of across the city.
At Porthminster seashore, watch the boats bobbing within the harbour and profit from the legendary gentle in case you’re inventive (smartphone or easel).
No canines are allowed from 10am to 6pm between Could 15 and September 30, however they’re welcome on the seashore outdoors these occasions.
Porthgwidden Seashore is among the smaller ones, lined with brightly colored seashore huts (and a café), plus rocks to clamber over between sandcastles.
Or head to Porthmeor Seashore, not removed from Tate St Ives. Among the finest locations to study to surf (extra on that beneath), it’s an extended stretch of golden sand with rockpools and a improbable café above the sands with exercise books to entertain children and a wonderful chocolate tart on the menu.
Plus there are smaller coves too, together with tiny Bamaluz Seashore within the city that’s canine pleasant all day, in addition to Carbis Bay only a few minutes from St Ives.
I’ve obtained 16 different concepts for excellent issues to do in St Ives with children in case you’re searching for greater than making sandcastles
Gwithian Towans Seashore
One other of the very best household seashores close to St Ives is Gwithian Seashore. Situated on the east of St Ives Bay, the seashore types a part of three miles of seashore known as The Towans.
The lengthy stretch of golden sand is surrounded by giant sand dunes and has loads of house for kids to run round, play, and construct sandcastles.
The shallow waters are additionally excellent for paddling and swimming, with numerous rock swimming pools to discover. And in case you’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll even spot some Atlantic gray seals out within the bay – simply be sure to not strategy them.
On the northernmost level of the bay, you’ll discover Godrevy Level and Godrevy Lighthouse. The scenic cliff is a good spot to observe the sundown over the water on the finish of the day.
The northern part of Gwithian Seashore, near Godrevy, has restrictions on canines from Could 15 to and September 30 (10am to 6pm), however the southern stretch of the bay (aka Mexico Towans) is canine pleasant 12 months spherical.
Porthcurno
The distinction of giant rocky cliff, golden sand and unimaginable clear turquoise sea is unbeatable by itself, however this seashore has the bonus of the Minack Theatre, a dramatic open-air setting constructed into the rock.
The sand itself is made up of seashells floor down superb by the waves over tens of millions of years, which provides the seashore it’s distinctive color.
There’s additionally a stream which flows down one aspect of the seashore which is one other bonus for any seashore in Cornwall with children, and provides a superb choice to paddle for youthful youngsters. The waves could be highly effective, so whereas there are lifeguards through the summer time months, swimming is healthier for older children.
At low tide you possibly can stroll all the way in which to Pedn Vounder subsequent door, however be sure to not get lower off (although there’s a means out up the steep cliff path).
Canines are welcome on Porthcurno seashore from September 1 to June 30, in addition to earlier than 10am or after 6pm throughout July and August.
Sennen Cove Seashore (Whitesands Bay)
Situated beneath the small coastal village of Sennen Cove, essentially the most westerly level in England, Whitesands Bay is an extended stretch of beautiful white sand and turquoise waters.
It’s an ideal place to go to with children because it has an unlimited sandy seashore, rock swimming pools, and loads of enjoyable actions to maintain little ones entertained. The favored seashore is sheltered and protected for swimming and browsing, with lifeguards on obligation from Easter by to October. There’s additionally a restaurant, ice cream stall, and surf store proper on the seashore itself.
There are three fundamental automotive parks to decide on butween however go for the seashore or harbour automotive parks in case you can. The third (bigger) automotive park is on high of a steep cliff and the hike down could also be an excessive amount of for youthful youngsters.
Canines are banned on Sennen Cove Seashore between Could 15 and September 30 from 10am to 6pm, however they’re are allowed on Gwynver Seashore on the northern finish of the bay.
Porthgwarra
Porthgwarra is a stunning little seashore positioned in a secluded cove simply 3 miles southeast of Lands Finish. As soon as a hidden gem, the seashore has elevated in reputation lately after being featured in BBC drama Poldark.
The picturesque sand and pebble seashore is sheltered by towering cliffs and has numerous attention-grabbing rock swimming pools and caves for teenagers to find.
You may attain the seashore by way of a steep slipway that leads down from the automotive park or a small tunnel carved into the rock. The tunnel might be the safer route with toddlers and youthful children, however it will probably nonetheless be fairly slippery so be sure to carry onto the rope.
The seashore doesn’t have any facilities, however there’s a small cafe and comfort store within the native village.
Praa Sands
Praa Sands is a big white sand seashore on Cornwall’s south coast, near among the space’s fashionable vacationer areas and sights resembling Penzance, St Michael’s Mount, and the Lizard Peninsula.
The 1.5-mile-long seashore is backed by sand dunes with stunning towering cliffs at every finish. The water is shallow sufficient for younger youngsters and lifeguards are on obligation all through the summer time.
The seashore is well accessible from the close by automotive park. There are additionally bathrooms, a store, a restaurant, and a restaurant on the seashore. Canines should not allowed on the seashore from 1st July to thirty first August between 10am and 6pm.
South Cornwall
The gentler south coast isn’t in need of its personal tempting seashores, together with some nice choices in case you’re staying close to Falmouth.
Kynance Cove
The views as you stroll right down to the seashore, on the Lizard Peninsula, are nearly as spectacular because the seashore itself – there’s a purpose it’s been voted top-of-the-line on the planet.
One other Nationwide Belief web site, it’s well-known for its rock stacks in addition to its wildlife. The crimson and inexperienced stone and strange serpentine shapes, plus the caves, imply there’s a lot to discover past the waves too.
Be careful for the tides right here as you will get lower off… There aren’t any lifeguards so it pays to be cautious in case you’re swimming as effectively, though it’s normally pretty got here in summer time.
In case you’re visiting in peak season, ensure you get right here early if you wish to discover house on the sand although.
No canines allowed between 10am and 6pm in July and August, however Kynance Cove is dog-friendly outdoors these occasions.
Gyllyngvase Seashore
Gyllyngvase (aka Gylly) Seashore is the very best household seashore close to Falmouth, positioned a simple 10 minute stroll from the city centre. The seashore has loads of handy services, together with a carpark, public bathrooms, showers, and a restaurant lower than 100 yards away.
It’s an incredible one for all of the household too – recognized for its crystal-clear waters and rock swimming pools (to the south), toddlers and youthful children could have a lot to entertain them.
There are additionally loads of actions out there for older and extra adventurous youngsters to take pleasure in too, together with paddleboarding, kayaking, and even a seashore volleyball internet. Canine restrictions are in place from Could 15 to September 30 between 10am and 6pm.
East Looe Seashore
This stunning sandy seashore close to Looe is ideal for teenagers, with loads of house to run round, construct sandcastles, and discover rock swimming pools at low tide. The seashore gently leads into the calm and shallow water, offering easy accessibility for the little ones to swim and paddle.
Don’t miss the unusually formed Banjo Pier subsequent to the seashore the place you possibly can watch the various fishing boats come out and in. Or for one thing a little bit completely different, leap on a brief boat journey that leaves from the city to discover the gorgeous shoreline and Looe Island.
The seashore is positioned only a quick distance from Looe city the place you’ll find all of the facilities you would probably want. There’s a canine ban in place on the seashore all 12 months.
Extra South Cornwall seashores with children
Need extra inspiration? Try these different household pleasant seashores in Cornwall
- Swanpool seashore – another choice not removed from Falmouth, there are watersports (and mini golf!)
- Carne seashore – a brief drive from St Mawe’s, it’s a stunning seashore on the Roseland Heritage coast
- Gorran Haven seashore – half an hour additional north up the coast, the South West Coast Path passes proper by this seashore
- Pentewan seashore – on the northern finish of the south coast, it’s near Mevagissey and St Austell, in addition to the Misplaced Gardens of Heligan
The Isles of Scilly
A part of the county of Cornwall, you possibly can simply spend your total vacation on the attractive Isles of Scilly, hopping from island to island – don’t miss these seashores whilst you do.
Try my information to the Isles of Scilly with children for extra inspiration
St Martin’s
With so many spectacular seashores on the Isles of Scilly, it’s laborious to slim it down – even simply choosing one per island would provide you with alternative galore. However the extremely curving bays on St Martin’s are mesmerisingly stunning.
The powdery superb white sand at Nice Bay feels much more tropical than you’d anticipate within the UK, and even in August you received’t be preventing the crowds.
Or Par Seashore at Increased City Bay is nearer to cafes and retailers however nonetheless with its personal fabulous sweep of blue sea. Not forgetting Lawrence’s Bay by Decrease City as effectively.
When the solar shines – which it typically does on Scilly, you would nearly be gazing onto the Caribbean (though the temperature could be very distinctly Atlantic, excellent in case you want cooling down after sunbathing!).
All three are dog-friendly year-round.
Extra seashores on the Isles of Scilly with children
- St Mary’s – the primary islands, Porthcressa is nice for locating shells and in addition has a play space close by, Porthmellon is one other great place for beachcombing plus it additionally has a Crusing Centre, or Pelistry is one other beautiful seashore
- St Agnes – head to The Bar (at low tide, you possibly can stroll throughout to neighbouring Gugh) and the seashore is a good spot for locating sea glass and shells, or Beady Pool obtained its title for the beads which might wash up right here
- Tresco – Rushy Porth Seashore and Appletree Bay each have wonderful white sand whereas Pentle Bay is famend for being notably protected
- Bryher – Rushy Bay appears out to uninhabited Samson, whereas Inexperienced Bay is the largest seashore and Nice Par is one other fabulous crescent of sand
If you would like extra inspiration, take a look at my final information to Cornwall with children, in addition to my high 20 issues to do in Cornwall with children
*first revealed 2016, up to date 2023*
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST BEACHES IN CORNWALL
Pictures: Fistral seashore/St Martin’s copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos
