If you’re planning a staycation this summer, taking a train to Cornwall has been a favourite for generations. There’s plenty to do in Cornwall for holiday makers. From Aquariums and zoos to woodland walks and strawberry picking, the county is bursting at the seams with fun for the whole family. However, Cornwall is best known for its beaches, so if you’re looking for some coastal fun, we’ve rounded up a list of our favourite beaches for you to visit.
Best family beaches in Cornwall
Towan Beach
Nearest Train Station: Newquay
Why we love it: Less than 10 minutes’ walk from Newquay station, even the shortest legs will make it to Towan Beach. With lots to do nearby, including family favourite Blue Reef Aquarium, if your little ones get bored of the beach, you needn’t go far.
Porthpean Beach
Nearest Train Station: St Austell
Why we love it: This is one of the best beaches near St Austell, and if you’re visiting the area with your family, you’ll want to visit this beach. Sheltered in a little cove between high cliffs with beautifully clear water and clean sand, and with a great café to boot, there’s nowhere better for miles.
Porthcurno Beach
Nearest Train Station: Penzance
Why we love it: Although you have to get a bus from the station to this beach, trust us, it’ll be worth it when you get there. It’s easy to see why this beach has been described as a paradise. This sheltered cove is lined with the softest white sand and clearest turquoise waters. A popular beach with families, you’ll quickly see why.
Best surfing beaches in Cornwall
Great Western Beach
Nearest Train Station: Newquay
Why we love it: Not only can you all but see it from the station, there’s also an equipment hire location on the beach, meaning you don’t even need to lug heavy stuff with you. Perfect if you’ve not done much surfing or don’t have access to your own kit.
Fistral Beach
Nearest Train Station: Newquay
Why we love it: This is a great spot with a few different surf options. As one of the world’s top surfing destinations, this isn’t a quiet beach, and you’ll have to share your waves with the pros and beginners alike. However, the waves are incredible, there’s lifeguard cover, and there are loads of cafes, surf shops, and lessons nearby.
Porth Beach
Nearest Train Station: Newquay
Why we love it: There’s a reason why Newquay is the surfer’s capital of England, and it’s due to the incredible surfing to be had here. Porth Beach is actually popular with both families and surfers. Porth tends to be a little quieter than our other picks, although it’ll still be busy when the surf is good.
Best sandy beaches in Cornwall
Marazion Beach
Nearest Train Station: Penzance
Why we love it: This really is one of the most unique beaches in Cornwall. It links the mainland to St Michael’s Mount during low tide, giving beautiful views of this amazing attraction. Take your time to enjoy exploring this incredible location.
Porthgwidden Beach
Nearest Train Station: St Ives
Why we love it: Although this beach is just off the CrossCountry Network, we can’t deny this is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. With turquoise waters fringed by golden sands, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in the Caribbean not Cornwall.
Crantock Beach
Nearest Train Station: Newquay
Why we love it: Crantock is a National Trust beach and is a beautiful unspoiled area. The beautiful sands are popular with tourists and locals alike, and so it can get busy on hot days, but it’s worth braving the crowds. We also recommend visiting when the weather is less than perfect, because the views are still spectacular.
Best dog friendly beaches in Cornwall
Watergate Bay Beach
Nearest Station: Newquay
Why we love it: This beach gives you plenty of space to walk your dog, but also play fetch. There are no restrictions on dogs throughout the year, so you and your pooch can make the most of the golden sands and the surf.
Long Rock Beach
Nearest Station: Penzance
Why we love it: One of our favourite beaches in the UK, this beach has to be seen to be believed. With great views of St Michael’s Mount, Long Rock hits all our beach wishes: dog friendly, big enough to not feel busy, beautiful sand and safe swimming.
St Austell Bay
Nearest Station: Par
Why we love it: Par isn’t as popular with tourists as other areas on our network, which means that the beaches here tend to be slightly quieter. This dog-friendly beach has everything you could want, including loads of space to run around and explore.
Best quiet beaches in Cornwall
Trenow Cove
Nearest Station: Penzance
Why we love it: This beach is only accessible by foot meaning you’ll need to walk round from the more popular Marazion Beach. Here you’ll find a mix of sand and rock pools which older kids will love poking around in.
Whipsiderry Beach
Nearest Station: Newquay
Why we love it: A slightly difficult and steep access point means that this beach tends to be quieter than the main tourist spots. It’s tucked away a little further from the popular beaches but isn’t too far from the station.
Carlyon Beach
Nearest Train Station: St Austell
Why we love it: For one thing, the incredible location, for another, the incredible food. The offbeat Bar & Kitchen might look unassuming but trust us, the quality of the food will blow you away! Slightly outside of the town centre, this beach also tends to be relatively quiet.
If you’re planning a holiday to Cornwall check out our Staycation Blog posts for inspiration. Wherever you decide to go, make sure you take advantage of great savings with CrossCountry Advance train tickets.
Written by Julia