Cornwall’s best beaches
Cornwall's beaches can feel a world away: white sand, turquoise water and secret coves tucked beneath the cliffs. From quiet sandy coves near The Vale to famous beaches further west, this is our guide to the best beaches in Cornwall, with tips for families, dog owners and anyone who just wants a good spot for a picnic.
The Vale sits near Lansallos in south east Cornwall, about 3 miles from the nearest beach and 5 miles from Looe. That puts some of the county's loveliest coastline on your doorstep.
Beaches near The Vale
Lansallos Beach
Just 3 miles from The Vale, Lansallos Beach is a hidden treasure. This secluded cove of sand and shingle has a little waterfall at the back, and you reach it on a peaceful walk through National Trust land. It feels like your own secret slice of Cornwall, and dog owners love it for a quiet beach day.
Talland Bay
About 15 minutes' drive from The Vale, midway between Looe and Polperro, Talland Bay is two small coves with rock pools to explore and calm water for paddling and swimming. The beach café serves ice cream, cream teas and crab sandwiches, and the South West Coast Path runs right past.
East Looe Beach
For a classic seaside day, East Looe Beach is around 15 minutes from The Vale. Sheltered by the Banjo Pier, it has golden sand, rock pools at low tide, and fish and chips and Cornish ice cream on the doorstep. It's one of the best family beaches in this part of Cornwall.
Millendreath Beach
Just east of Looe, Millendreath is a sheltered, south-facing cove in a wooded valley, with rock pools at low tide and a beach café. It's a lovely sun trap and a little quieter than the main town beach.
Seaton Beach
For a bigger beach day, Seaton is a long, family-friendly stretch of sand and shingle east of Looe. Pair it with a riverside walk in Seaton Valley Countryside Park, and you'll find cafés and toilets close by.
Lantic Bay
Near Polruan, across the river from Fowey, Lantic Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in south Cornwall, with pale sand and clear water facing the English Channel. It's a steep walk down from the National Trust car park, so wear good shoes, but the view from the top is worth it on its own.
Readymoney Cove, Fowey
A short walk from Fowey town, Readymoney is a small sandy cove sheltered by woodland, with the ruins of St Catherine's Castle above. It's a calm spot for a swim and a picnic before exploring Fowey's harbour.
Polkerris
A short drive west of Fowey, Polkerris is a small, sheltered sandy beach with a historic harbour wall and a beach restaurant. It's a lovely spot for a sunset supper, and the coast path runs above it towards Gribbin Head.
The best beaches in Cornwall for a day trip
If you're happy to drive, some of Cornwall's most famous beaches are an easy day out from The Vale.
Watergate Bay
On the north coast, around an hour from Looe, Watergate Bay is a long, wide beach known for surfing, space to walk and good places to eat. Livelier than the coves near The Vale, it's great for a day out with friends or older kids.
Fistral Beach, Newquay
Fistral is Cornwall's most famous surf beach, about an hour from Looe on the north coast. Book a lesson at one of the surf schools, watch the experienced surfers ride the Atlantic swell, or simply enjoy a long walk on the sandy beach and an ice cream on the headland.
Sennen Cove
Close to Land's End, around 1 hour 50 minutes from Looe, Sennen Cove is a sweeping sandy beach with white sands, crystal clear waters and a lifeguarded surf beach in season. It's one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall, with dramatic cliffs and a little harbour at the far end.
Porthcurno Beach
Roughly 1 hour 45 minutes from Looe, Porthcurno is a golden sandy beach tucked beneath the cliffs, with the Minack Theatre carved into the rocks above. Combine the two for an unforgettable day in the far west.
Kynance Cove
On the Lizard peninsula, about 1 hour 45 minutes from Looe, Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall's most photographed beaches, with clear blue water and dramatic rock stacks. Visit at low tide to explore the sand and rock pools, and stop at the café for the view.
Pedn Vounder
Near Porthcurno, Pedn Vounder is a stunning stretch of white sand and turquoise water at low tide. The path down is steep and rocky, so it's best for confident walkers. Check access and the tide before you go.
Best Cornwall beaches by type
With more than 300 beaches, choosing can be tricky. Here's a quick guide to the best Cornwall beaches for every kind of day out.
- For surfing: Fistral Beach, Watergate Bay and Sennen Cove, all with surf schools nearby.
- For turquoise water and white sand: Kynance Cove, Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder in the far west, and Lantic Bay closer to The Vale.
- For hidden coves: Lansallos, Lantic Bay and Readymoney, each a short walk from the nearest road or National Trust car park.
- For families: East Looe Beach, Millendreath, Seaton and Polkerris, with cafés and calm water.
- For dogs: quieter coves such as Lansallos, plus long walks on the South West Coast Path.
Many beaches in Cornwall hold a Blue Flag or Seaside Award for clean water and good facilities, so look out for them when you plan your day.
Dog-friendly beaches near The Vale
Many Cornish beaches have seasonal dog restrictions on the busiest stretches, usually in the summer months, so always check local signs. Quieter coves such as Lansallos are popular with dog owners, and the coast path between Looe and Polperro is a brilliant dog walk in any season. All nine lodges and cottages at The Vale welcome up to three dogs, and there's a doggy paddock here. See our guide to dog walks near The Vale.
Family beaches in Cornwall
For young children, look for sheltered beaches with rock pools, cafés and toilets nearby. East Looe Beach, Millendreath and Seaton are all good choices close to The Vale. Pack a bucket and net for rock pooling, and check tide times so there's plenty of sand to play on.
Beach tips for Cornwall
- Check the tides: some beaches almost disappear at high tide, and rock pools are best at low tide.
- Arrive early in summer: parking near popular beaches fills up quickly.
- Swim at lifeguarded beaches: look for the RNLI flags in season and follow their advice.
- Leave no trace: take your rubbish home and help keep Cornwall's beaches beautiful.
When to visit Cornwall's beaches
The summer months bring the warmest sea and the liveliest beaches, with lifeguards on duty at the busiest spots and beach cafés open late. In July and August, arrive early to find parking and a good patch of sand.
Spring and autumn are quieter, with mild weather, fewer crowds and more beaches where dogs are welcome. Winter beach walks are wild and wonderful: wrap up warm, watch the waves and head home to a hot tub or copper bath at The Vale.
Getting there from The Vale
The beaches near Looe, Polperro and Fowey are all within about 30 minutes' drive. Some, like Lansallos and Lantic Bay, need a walk of 15 to 20 minutes from the car park, so pack light and wear sturdy shoes. For the north coast and the far west, allow a full day and set off early.
Stay near the best beaches in Cornwall
The Vale by Ohana Mua is a peaceful countryside retreat about 3 miles from the nearest beach, 5 miles from Looe and 4 miles from Polperro and Fowey. Choose from nine lodges and cottages, each with an outdoor copper bath or private hot tub, perfect after a day by the sea. For more ideas, see our guides to Looe's must-see sights and things to do in Looe, then check availability and book direct.
Cornwall beaches: good to know
What is the nearest beach to The Vale?
Lansallos Beach is about 3 miles away, reached by a short walk through National Trust land from the car park.
Which beaches near Looe are best for families?
East Looe Beach, Millendreath and Seaton all have sand, rock pools and cafés nearby.
What are the best beaches in Cornwall?
Our favourites include Kynance Cove, Porthcurno, Sennen Cove, Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay further afield, and Lansallos, Lantic Bay and Talland Bay close to The Vale.
How many beaches are there in Cornwall?
Cornwall has more than 300 beaches, from tiny hidden coves to long surfing beaches, so there's always somewhere new to explore.
Are dogs allowed on Cornwall's beaches?
Some beaches are dog friendly all year, while others have restrictions in the summer months. Always check the signs at each beach.