Thanks to our unique position on the South West Peninsula, 80% of Cornwall is surrounded by water, giving us the longest stretch of coastline in the UK at 697km.

In fact, in Cornwall you are never more than 16 miles from the sea, which makes almost everyone in the county a bit of a fanatic when it comes to the water. And with over 300 beaches to choose from, who can blame them!

For centuries, fishermen, and even the odd pirate have reaped the benefit of the rugged coastline, which today is a haunt for people who surf, scuba dive, sail or just simply lie on the sand and watch the clouds drift by.

Head to the North Coast if you fancy a day stretched out on a large expense of golden sand watching Atlantic waves breaking on the shore with surfers following in their wake.

Dogs are allowed on all beaches from October to Easter, however through the summer months they are only allowed on certain beaches which are marked by   Molly’s paw mark for you…

• Polzeath

  Polzeath is a fantastic beach and due to its location, you can enjoy the waves and expanse of sandy beach when it’s piping hot or mild and blowy in the Winter. There’s several beach cafes and shops as well as a number of Surf Schools who will hire you kit and/or provide tuition.

• Treyarnon Bay

  A lovely clean beach, North West facing sandy cove surrounded by low cliffs and sand dunes. 

• Trevone Bay

  Located to the south of Trevose Head and to the north of Harlyn Bay. This gently shelving sandy beach is surrounded by cliffs and situated in an area of great geological interest.

• Rock

  Continuation of Daymer Bay and backed by dunes. Bathers beware of tidal currents, but it’s a blissful walk round the headland to Daymer Bay and there’s a couple of good places to eat and drink when you arrive back at your car.

• Porthcothan Bay

  West facing and backed by grassy dunes, ideal for sunbathing. A popular beach with families. 

• Padstow

  St George’s Well and Harbour Cove are Padstow’s two closest beaches. Good areas of sand even at high tide.

• Constantine Bay

  West facing long sandy beach with a reputation as one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall. Surf shop, parking and a Seaside Award 

• Harlyn Bay

  Eastern side of Trevose Head sits Harlyn Bay. The two thirds of a mile of sand and pebbles are backed by dunes. 

• Daymer Bay

  Long stretches of sand with dunes and views across the Camel Estuary. Refreshments available, parking, all year dog friendly. 

• Watergate Bay

  Large expanse of fine golden sand at the foot of steep cliffs. Annual surfing events and the famous Extreme Academy. 

• Lusty Glaze

  One of the smallest of Newquay’s main beaches, well sheltered by surrounding high cliffs. Bathing huts on beach. Popular with families.

• Holywell Bay

  Large beach with sand dunes. A shallow stream runs down the beach, perfect for paddling.

• Great Western Beach

  West facing beach in Newquay reached by walking along sands at low tide, or access via a path between the Barracuda night-club and the Great Western Hotel. 

• Fistral

  Newquay’s most popular beach. Excellent surfing conditions, a large beach, west facing with fine golden sand. International surfing events regularly take place here. 

• Trebarwith Strand

  And finally, our favourite. The beach at Trebarwith is at the bottom of a deep valley with many attractive views along the Heritage Coastline towards Gull Rock. Quick tides but a fantastic pub The Port William up on the cliff as well as several lovely places for Cream Teas and local ice creams and cakes.