For me, there’s just one downside to Cornwall – I reside 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 most effective 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 seaside (a number of seashores!) at all times characteristic – and to comply with 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 a number of the UK’s prettiest seashores. So if you happen to’re as huge a fan as my mini traveller, listed below are my greatest seashores in Cornwall with children to your checklist.
For my seaside 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 a number of the hottest vacationer places, it’s additionally bought a number of the county’s greatest seashores.
For extra concepts of issues to do in north Cornwall with children, take a look at my suggestions
Crantock Seaside
Clear white sand, grassy dunes and turquoise water – no marvel Crantock was voted Greatest British Seaside by BBC Coast a number of years in the past.
The Nationwide Belief web site has lifeguards at instances throughout peak season, and a few fabulous walks to benefit from the unspoiled dunes. At one finish there’s additionally a niche within the cliffs the place you’ll be able to 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 Seaside
Fistral Seaside is without doubt one of the hottest seashores in Cornwall, identified for its world-famous browsing competitions. However even when browsing isn’t your loved ones’s factor, the seaside remains to be an important spot to go to with kids.
The seaside is extensive and sandy, and the waves are excellent for swimming and bodyboarding. You’ll additionally discover lifeguards on responsibility from 10am each day between early April and late October, so you’ll be able to chill out understanding your children are protected.
There are additionally loads of cafes and eating places close by, making it straightforward so that you can seize a chew 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 seaside.
Polzeath Seaside
Identified for its lovely advantageous sand, clear blue waters, and wonderful browsing and bodyboarding circumstances, Polzeath is one other of the most effective seashores in Cornwall for households.
The massive Blue Flag seaside is patrolled by lifeguards through the peak summer season 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 seaside, 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 straightforward one to succeed in as nicely.
Canine are banned from the seaside from mid Might to the top of September between 10am and 6pm nevertheless it’s dog-friendly exterior these instances.
Perranporth
This three miles of beautiful seaside is ideal if you’d like one thing extra lively than sandcastles – snorkelling, browsing, you’ll be able to even trip on the seaside, whereas the South West Coast Path runs by way of 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 seaside.
Canine allowed year-round, though throughout July and August they’re required to be on a lead on the primary seaside space between 10am and 5pm (there are different sections of seaside and dunes the place they’ll let off their leads).
The Seven Bays
These seven lovely golden seashores and bays on Cornwall’s north coast are all situated only a brief distance from each other. They’re linked by scenic coastal paths – so if you happen to’re up for one thing a bit of extra lively, you’ll be able to 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 seaside has its distinctive character and attraction, 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 a number of the most dog-friendly seashores in Cornwall, as six of them permit canine all 12 months spherical. Trevone is the one seaside that has a canine ban from Might 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 Seaside – if you happen to’re staying round Bude, it is a nice seaside in Cornwall with children
- Nice Western Seaside – one among a number of seashores to decide on between in Newquay itself
- Holywell Bay – an alternative 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 a number of others) – plus a number of 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 because of its seashores, with a number of across the city.
At Porthminster seaside, watch the boats bobbing within the harbour and benefit from the legendary mild if you happen to’re inventive (smartphone or easel).
No canine are allowed from 10am to 6pm between Might 15 and September 30, however they’re welcome on the seaside exterior these instances.
Porthgwidden Seaside is without doubt one of the smaller ones, lined with brightly colored seaside huts (and a café), plus rocks to clamber over between sandcastles.
Or head to Porthmeor Seaside, not removed from Tate St Ives. Among the finest locations to be taught to surf (extra on that beneath), it’s an extended stretch of golden sand with rockpools and a incredible 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 Seaside within the city that’s canine pleasant all day, in addition to Carbis Bay only a few minutes from St Ives.
I’ve bought 16 different concepts for nice issues to do in St Ives with children if you happen to’re in search of greater than making sandcastles
Gwithian Towans Seaside
One other of the most effective household seashores close to St Ives is Gwithian Seaside. Positioned on the east of St Ives Bay, the seaside types a part of three miles of seaside referred to as The Towans.
The lengthy stretch of golden sand is surrounded by massive 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 plenty of rock swimming pools to discover. And if you happen to’re fortunate, it’s possible you’ll even spot some Atlantic gray seals out within the bay – simply ensure to not method them.
On the northernmost level of the bay, you’ll discover Godrevy Level and Godrevy Lighthouse. The scenic cliff is a superb spot to observe the sundown over the water on the finish of the day.
The northern part of Gwithian Seaside, near Godrevy, has restrictions on canine from Might 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 big rocky cliff, golden sand and unimaginable clear turquoise sea is unbeatable by itself, however this seaside 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 advantageous by the waves over tens of millions of years, which provides the seaside it’s distinctive color.
There’s additionally a stream which flows down one aspect of the seaside which is one other bonus for any seaside in Cornwall with children, and offers a great choice to paddle for youthful kids. The waves will be highly effective, so whereas there are lifeguards through the summer season months, swimming is best for older children.
At low tide you’ll be able to stroll all the best way to Pedn Vounder subsequent door, however ensure to not get minimize off (although there’s a means out up the steep cliff path).
Canine are welcome on Porthcurno seaside from September 1 to June 30, in addition to earlier than 10am or after 6pm throughout July and August.
Sennen Cove Seaside (Whitesands Bay)
Positioned beneath the small coastal village of Sennen Cove, probably the most westerly level in England, Whitesands Bay is an extended stretch of gorgeous white sand and turquoise waters.
It’s an ideal place to go to with children because it has an enormous sandy seaside, rock swimming pools, and loads of enjoyable actions to maintain little ones entertained. The favored seaside is sheltered and protected for swimming and browsing, with lifeguards on responsibility from Easter by way of to October. There’s additionally a restaurant, ice cream stall, and surf store proper on the seaside itself.
There are three principal automotive parks to decide on butween however go for the seaside or harbour automotive parks if you happen to 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 kids.
Canine are banned on Sennen Cove Seaside between Might 15 and September 30 from 10am to 6pm, however they’re are allowed on Gwynver Seaside on the northern finish of the bay.
Porthgwarra
Porthgwarra is a stunning little seaside situated in a secluded cove simply 3 miles southeast of Lands Finish. As soon as a hidden gem, the seaside has elevated in recognition in recent times after being featured in BBC drama Poldark.
The picturesque sand and pebble seaside is sheltered by towering cliffs and has plenty of fascinating rock swimming pools and caves for youths to find.
You may attain the seaside 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 may well nonetheless be fairly slippery so ensure to carry onto the rope.
The seaside 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 seaside on Cornwall’s south coast, near a number of the space’s common vacationer areas and points of interest corresponding to Penzance, St Michael’s Mount, and the Lizard Peninsula.
The 1.5-mile-long seaside is backed by sand dunes with lovely towering cliffs at every finish. The water is shallow sufficient for younger kids and lifeguards are on responsibility all through the summer season.
The seaside is well accessible from the close by automotive park. There are additionally bathrooms, a store, a restaurant, and a restaurant on the seaside. Canine will not be allowed on the seaside from 1st July to thirty first August between 10am and 6pm.
South Cornwall
The gentler south coast isn’t wanting its personal tempting seashores, together with some nice choices if you happen to’re staying close to Falmouth.
Kynance Cove
The views as you stroll right down to the seaside, on the Lizard Peninsula, are virtually as spectacular because the seaside 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 weird 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 minimize off… There are not any lifeguards so it pays to be cautious if you happen to’re swimming as nicely, though it’s often pretty got here in summer season.
Should you’re visiting in peak season, ensure you get right here early if you wish to discover house on the sand although.
No canine allowed between 10am and 6pm in July and August, however Kynance Cove is dog-friendly exterior these instances.
Gyllyngvase Seaside
Gyllyngvase (aka Gylly) Seaside is the most effective household seaside close to Falmouth, situated a straightforward 10 minute stroll from the city centre. The seaside has loads of handy services, together with a parking lot, public bathrooms, showers, and a restaurant lower than 100 yards away.
It’s an important one for all of the household too – identified 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 accessible for older and extra adventurous kids to take pleasure in too, together with paddleboarding, kayaking, and even a seaside volleyball internet. Canine restrictions are in place from Might 15 to September 30 between 10am and 6pm.
East Looe Seaside
This lovely sandy seaside close to Looe is ideal for youths, with loads of house to run round, construct sandcastles, and discover rock swimming pools at low tide. The seaside gently leads into the calm and shallow water, offering quick access for the little ones to swim and paddle.
Don’t miss the unusually formed Banjo Pier subsequent to the seaside the place you’ll be able to watch the various fishing boats come out and in. Or for one thing a bit of completely different, leap on a brief boat journey that leaves from the city to discover the gorgeous shoreline and Looe Island.
The seaside is situated only a brief distance from Looe city the place yow will discover all of the facilities you possibly can probably want. There’s a canine ban in place on the seaside all 12 months.
Extra South Cornwall seashores with children
Need extra inspiration? Try these different household pleasant seashores in Cornwall
- Swanpool seaside – an alternative choice not removed from Falmouth, there are watersports (and mini golf!)
- Carne seaside – a brief drive from St Mawe’s, it’s a stunning seaside on the Roseland Heritage coast
- Gorran Haven seaside – half an hour additional north up the coast, the South West Coast Path passes proper by way of this seaside
- Pentewan seaside – 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’ll be able to simply spend your whole vacation on the beautiful 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 exhausting to slender it down – even simply choosing one per island would offer you alternative galore. However the extremely curving bays on St Martin’s are mesmerisingly lovely.
The powdery advantageous white sand at Nice Bay feels much more tropical than you’d anticipate within the UK, and even in August you received’t be combating the crowds.
Or Par Seaside at Greater 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 nicely.
When the solar shines – which it typically does on Scilly, you possibly can virtually be gazing onto the Caribbean (though the temperature could be very distinctly Atlantic, supreme if you happen to 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 likewise 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 pretty seaside
- St Agnes – head to The Bar (at low tide, you’ll be able to stroll throughout to neighbouring Gugh) and the seaside is a superb spot for locating sea glass and shells, or Beady Pool bought its title for the beads which might wash up right here
- Tresco – Rushy Porth Seaside and Appletree Bay each have wonderful white sand whereas Pentle Bay is famend for being significantly protected
- Bryher – Rushy Bay seems out to uninhabited Samson, whereas Inexperienced Bay is the largest seaside and Nice Par is one other fabulous crescent of sand
In order for you 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 seaside/St Martin’s copyright MummyTravels, all others courtesy of Depositphotos