Anyone who’s heard of Cornwall has heard about its lengthy coastline and myriads of breathtaking beaches. With more than 300 different beaches in the county, there’s no doubt its place is one of the best places in the UK for a beach holiday.
Even if you’re not planning on heading down to Cornwall to spend time building sandcastles and relaxing on the sands, Cornish beaches also have lots to offer in terms of activities. For anyone planning activity holidays in the UK, consider these Cornish beaches that are perfect for adventure seekers.
Fistral Beach, Newquay
No guide to the beaches of Cornwall would ever be complete without mentioning Fistral Beach, the capital of UK surfing. Situated in Newquay, Fistral is a beach that’s renowned for the consistent quality of its surf and is well-suited to both beginners and surfing pros.
You might even have heard of the Boardmasters festival that attracts competitors to Fistral Beach from around the world during the summer. Unless you’re already a dedicated surfing fan it’s generally best not to head to the beach during the festival to avoid the crowds.
For those who aren’t quite ready to compete just yet, there are plenty of local surf schools that operate on the beach. They offer both lessons and equipment hire, so they’re a good shout whether it’s your very first time surfing or you’re looking to sharpen up your existing skills.
Polzeath Beach, North Cornwall
Polzeath Beach in the north of Cornwall is another popular surfing destination, but one that is also very friendly to beginners. With shallow waters and consistent, slow-rolling waves, the beach is an ideal spot for anyone looking to learn to surf.
Local surf schools are on hand with lessons catered to novices and families, so Polzeath offers a supportive environment for anyone just getting started with a surfboard.
As Polzeath is a designated Blue Flag beach, this means that visitors can be assured that it has excellent water quality and safety standards, with lifeguards present on the beach during the summer months. That high water quality also keeps plenty of sea life present in the rock pools that appear during low tide.
Whether you’d rather soak up some sun on the sands, take a swim in the blue waters, or try your hand at riding the waves, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your day on the beach at Polzeath.
Gwithian Towans, Hayle
Many of Cornwall’s beaches are suited to surfing, but Gwithian Towans is special thanks to its sheer breadth.
The Towans are just part of the stretch of sandy beach that runs for three miles down the crescent of St Ives Bay, meaning that there’s plenty of space to spread out here.
Thanks to its exposed position on the coast, the beach is also known for its strong winds that make Gwithian an ideal location for both kitesurfing and windsurfing. If you aren’t experienced at either of these, then you can seek out lessons from the local schools, which are also on hand to rent out equipment.
If taking to the winds is a little too much adrenaline, the beach is still a good spot for surfing or bodyboarding. For smaller members of the family, there are plenty of rockpools to explore, as well as walks through the pretty seaside scenery.
From the most adrenaline-fuelled water sports to quieter activities like rock pooling or hiking, Cornish beaches have a wealth of options to offer. From surfing or paddleboarding to windsurfing, you won’t be short of potential holiday activities if you head down to the Cornish coast.