12 Best Beaches in North Cornwall
Discovering the untamed beauty of Cornwall’s north coast
The rugged beauty of North Cornwall’s Atlantic coast continues to captivate all those who walk its many clifftop trails and gaze upon its shores. From secret smuggler’s coves and soft, sandy bays to majestic headlands and towering sea stacks, it’s no wonder so many of our guests are choosing this unrivalled sweep as the setting for their holidays.
Here’s a selection of some of North Cornwall’s loveliest and lesser-known beaches for you to discover and enjoy…
Daymer Bay, Rock
The soft, golden sands and turquoise waters of Daymer Bay enchant all those who visit. With sparkling views across the Camel Estuary, this idyllic beach is backed by dunes and sandy tumps (hillocks). The beach’s gentle shelf makes it safe for bathers and the magnificent surrounding headland provides both stunning panoramas and great picnic spots. Here, you’ll have no problem whiling away the hours on a blissful, sun-kissed afternoon. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a gentle stroll further inland along the estuary to the exclusive village of Rock and pick up the Padstow – Rock passenger ferry (known locally as the ‘Black Tor’) and explore the other side of the water, all the way to Stepper Point and its incredible ocean views. East of the bay, at the foot of Brea Hill, lies the church of ‘Sinking Neddy’ (or St Enodoc) and the final resting place of English poet, Sir John Betjeman. There are no lifeguarding patrols on Daymers Bay and dogs are allowed on the sands throughout the year.
Harlyn Bay, near Padstow
Sheltered by the impressive cliffs of Cataclews Point and Big Guns Cove, Harlyn Bay is a half-mile sandy sweep backed by tufted dunes. The gleaming swells that break on this charming bay attract a loyal following of salty surfers who relish the winter rollers. Lifeguard patrols are in operation throughout the summer season, and dogs are welcome all year round. The bay can be discovered along the South West Coast Path as it weaves and undulates from the bustling harbour town of Padstow, famous for its rich maritime history and award-winning seafood restaurants. It’s also the home of the Harlyn Surf School, described by the Sunday Times as ‘the best surf school on the North Cornish Coast’, making the most out of these safe and sheltered waters and offering expert tuition in surfing, paddleboarding, coasteering and kayaking.
Tintagel Beach
Every year thousands of visitors flock (thankfully not all at once) to the dramatic clifftop ruins of Tintagel Castle to revel in Arthurian myth and legend, however, not many of them follow the ancient pathway down to the secret and mystical cove which lies at the foot of the castle cliffs. Those adventurous enough to traverse the cliff path will be able to explore Merlin’s Cave, made famous in Alfred Tennyson’s poems Idylls of the King, and the scene upon which Merlin plucked Arthur the bairn from the crashing waves and brought him ashore to safety:
“They found a naked child upon the sands, of dark Tintagil by the Cornish sea, and that was Arthur, and they fostered him, till he by miracle was approven King”.
The one-hundred- metre-long cave is the result of thousands of years of ocean erosion, and at low tide forms a sandy-floored passage between Tintagel Haven and West Cove, running all the way under the craggy headland. The shingle beach, dwarfed by the towering cliffs above, makes for an exciting escapade and during the ‘high season’ provides a memorable escape from the crowds.
Summerleaze Beach, Bude
Next, we head to the characterful coastal town of Bude and a popular family beach with all the hallmarks of a traditional seaside setting. Even at times of high water the soft sands of Summerleaze have ample space. This iconic bay invites some powerful Atlantic rollers and conjures up some exciting waves for surfers. Swimming can be challenging at times, so many beachgoers prefer the calmness of the Bude Tidal Pool, a partly man-made lagoon that was built in the 1930s and remains open to the public all year round. A ranging breakwater protects the harbour waters and parades of colourful beach huts line the downs. This much-loved setting maintains a vintage charm, it’s easy to see why such an inviting, sandy bay was once a popular destination among Victorians when sea bathing was the height of fashion.
The Strangles Beach, near Crackington Haven
This isolated cove lies amongst of some of Cornwall’s loftiest cliffs and most incredible geology. The pathway down to this lonely shore is tricky and hazardous in places but it’s well worth the effort as you’ll find yourself encompassed by dramatic scarps, smugglers caves and craggy arches. The ebbing tide reveals a sweep of smoothed pebbles and connects Strangles with a smaller adjacent beach known as Little Strand which is sometimes frequented by naturists, so be careful which way you point your binoculars! The name Strangles has its origins in the notorious local tides and currents that over the centuries have claimed the lives of many an experienced mariner and been responsible for numerous shipwrecks. But don’t be put off by the beach’s ominous history because this secret inlet encapsulates all the rugged beauty of the North Cornish Coast, and the chances are, you’ll have it all to yourselves!
Sandymouth Beach, near Bude
This long, sweeping bay lies between the picturesque harbour town of Bude and scenic parish of Morwenstow. The surrounding landscape is wild and untamed, making it popular with ramblers eager to experience the true ruggedness of Cornwall’s Atlantic coast. It’s backed by tufted sandstone cliffs that undulate between two magnificent headlands, Steeple Point and Menachurch Point. It goes without saying that the panoramas here are breathtaking. Sandymouth is considered a family beach with lots of rockpools to explore at low tide, and also some gnarly offshore swells for surfers. Set in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s easy to see why people make a habit of returning to this stunning shoreline. Dogs are welcome on the beach and there are lifeguards on patrol during the high season. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, peregrine falcons and even basking sharks (Cornwall’s gentle giants).
Welcombe Mouth Beach, Hartland Cornwall Heritage Coast
Okay, firstly we have to own up to the fact that this beach, by a geographical smidgeon, is actually part of Devon, but only just! Welcombe Mouth is a secluded cove encompassed by sheer, craggy cliffs reached by a narrow country lane. It’s been described as one of the heritage coast’s ‘hidden gems’, showcasing some fascinating geology. Tranquillity reigns at this lesser-known cove, the best-kept secret of local ramblers and surfers. The grassy cliffs above the beach are adorned by wild fox gloves, bird’s foot and pink sea thrift and a cascading waterfall forms part of its scenic backdrop. At low tide, a series of barnacled rockpools are revealed, home to all sorts of precious marine life. Nature lovers adore this unspoilt corner on the rugged ‘Cornish’ borderlands, captivated by its far-reaching vistas and dreamy sunsets. This is another of Cornwall’s many dog-friendly beaches.
Port Isaac Beach
The pretty fishing of Port Isaac is the setting for our next beach, a sandy shore backed by adorable cottages and heathered clifftops. Port Isaac is also known by its fictional name, Port Wenn, home of the Doc Martin (played by Martin Clunes), the curmudgeonly surgeon whose highflying career is derailed when he develops a fear of blood. Because of the ITV series runaway success, fans of the show flock to the village to pay homage to their favourite grumpy doctor. The harbour was once a bustling port; coal barges arriving from Wales, local slate being shipped and the regular to and fro of a thriving pilchard fleet. Children enjoy playing in the rockpools at low tide and building dams in the stream that wends down the valley to sandy, sheltered foreshore. Your waggy-tailed friends are welcome on the beach.
Bossiney Cove, near Tintagel
Tranquil turquoise waters and golden sands await all those who follow the slate steps down to Bossiney Cove. During the summertime, this lesser-known cove is an idyllic setting, sheltered by grassy cliffs and scattered by rocky inglenooks. This quiet beach is well off the radar and remains one of the Tintagel to Boscastle coastline’s best kept secrets. The Rocky Valley, an incredible slate canyon and gorge, is not far from the beach and well worth a visit. At low tide, you’ll be able to access neighbouring Benoath Cove and explore the rockpools and crags that shape this stunning little bay. Strong currents run along these waters, so swimming isn’t recommended, best just to lay back and savour the natural beauty.
Crackington Haven Beach
Flanked by majestic cliffs and backed by rolling meadows, Crackington Haven Beach lies at the foot of a verdant valley that’s scattered by the cottages of Crackington Haven village. The history books state that this quiet cove was once a busy harbour and anchorage, but these days it’s better known as a sleepy, sandy bay where you can while away some sun-kissed hours and enjoy a spot of lunch at the nearby pub. Lifeguards patrol the beach during the summer months, and dogs are allowed to scamper the sands but only out of season (which runs from Easter Day – 1st October). Surfers often head for the smaller swells of Crackington Haven when the waves are too big and messy elsewhere.
Duckpool Beach, near Bude
Nestled into the mouth of Combe Valley, encompassed by spectacular cliffs, ancient woodland and wildflower meadows, is Duckpool Beach. This secret cove is often discovered by walkers exploring the South West Coast Path and the leafy trails around Stowe Wood. During high water, the beach is awash with sea-smoothed pebbles, but as the tide goes out, golden, sandy stretches and clusters of rocks are exposed. The views here are among the most dramatic along the North Cornish coast; brooding skies, brilliant sunsets and frothing swells. The surrounding grassy slopes are often vibrant with pink sea thrift and violet squill and the beach’s numerous rockpools are abundant with marine life, ideal for budding naturalists. Steeple Point stands majestically in the distance and is a stunning vantage point if you’re feeling adventurous. As inviting as the water might seem, swimming here is considered unsafe.
Greenaways Beach, Padstow Bay
Greenaways is a charming cove with stunning views towards Steeper Point and the sparkling waters of Padstow Bay beyond. Many beachgoers flock to neighbouring Daymer Bay and Rock Beach, missing out on this little gem but much to the relief of all those who cherish its tranquillity. Sheltered by craggy headland, Greenaways is a perfect place to enjoy the gentle wash of the ocean. The beach is discovered down steep steps off the coastal path. You’ll find yourselves surrounded by a number of spectacular circular walks and numerous lovely picnic spots. It’s easy to see why this blissful cove remains one of the locals’ best kept secrets.
Smuggle yourselves away for a blissful North Cornish beach holiday and explore one of Britain’s most scintillating coastal corridors.