The wild, rugged beauty of the far southwestern tip of the UK needs no introduction. The appeal of life by the sea is at fever pitch.
Nowhere in the UK boasts quite the same breadth or quantity of excellent, award winning beaches – picturesque stretches of sand, coves and swimming spots can be found peppered up and down the coastline.
Keeping away from the crowds is increasingly difficult, but it can be done. In this list of some of the best beaches in Devon and Cornwall, we’ve focused on a good balance between accessibility and facilities, and those more secluded beaches that require a little more effort to get to.
Portheras Cove, West Cornwall
Interestingly, until around 2004, when the wreckage was cleared, parts of Portheras Cove were out of bounds due to the sharp metal fragments strewn across the beach from the running aground of the MV Alacrity in the 1960s (watch a short film of the event on BFI Player here). Today, it’s a quiet haven on the very western edge of Cornwall, with a sandy shelf on the shore which makes it perfect for swimming on calmer days. Reaching it involves a little bit of a clamber down, and a walk across the stunning clifftops expose little fishing huts and paraphernalia from days gone by. But it’s a slice of Cornish magic.
Pedn Vounder, South Cornwall
Much has been made of this Instagram-friendly stretch of sand over the past few years – its popularity is largely down to the turquoise water and a crystal-clear lagoon that’s created at low tide. It may have only recently seen the masses head to its shores, but for local nudists it has been a place of retreat for decades – one end of the beach is an unofficial nudist beach – and we can’t think of a more beautiful place to bare all.
Hayle Beach, North Cornwall
Hayle is having a bit of a moment – the once derelict North Quay is being developed after decades in the making, with the new coastal quarter, accommodation options, shops and restaurants shining a new light on the natural beauty of the town’s ‘Three Miles of Golden Sands’. The western edge of those three miles, as Gwithian Towans turn into Hayle Beach, are perhaps the most special. With no large car park (like Godrevy and aforementioned Gwithian) it’s often a little quieter, with opportunities to hide away in the marram grass and find your own piece of paradise.
Wild Pear Beach, North Devon
Along the north coast, and a little further east from Broadsands Beach (below) is Wild Pear Beach. Quiet, peaceful and rocky, it’s protected from the wind by a cove that creates natural isolation. Be warned, there’s a fairly steep path down to the beach itself, but if you can manage the descent, your efforts will be rewarded as you’ll often have it to yourself. From the cliff path above you can’t see the beach, which adds to its allure. If you’re in the area, this is well worth seeking out.
Mothecombe Beach, South Devon
Accessed via a path across a field, and with a handful of very basic facilities, Mothecombe Beach in south Devon is a slightly out the way opportunity to let the kids run free. A large sandy beach with soft golden sand fringed by intriguing caves and rock pools, a day here is a classic family trip out. Food and drink is available at the nearby Schoolhouse restaurant. Be warned there are no lifeguard facilities, and at high tide the beach almost completely disappears, so check tide times first.
Porthtowan Beach, North Cornwall
From the outside, on the outskirts of Porthtowan, there’s little indication of the beach that lies beyond the mish-mash of buildings and half-derelict mining land. Keep driving down towards the highly popular Blue Bar and its adjoining car park, however, and all of a sudden a stunning expanse of blue-flag awarded beach appears in front of you. It’s one of the largest and most popular beaches in the area, with lifeguard cover, facilities and a stunning tidal pool on the cliff’s edge that appears at low tide – always a draw for both locals and visitors to the area.
Putsborough Beach, North Devon
The ‘quieter end’ of Woolacombe Beach in North Devon has a lot going for it in its own right. It feels detached and far more of an escape than its rather rambunctious neighbour, but still features a good cafe, toilets, a car park and a couple of small camping options. The water’s unspoilt here and it benefits from being a lot more serene than the other end of the beach – with rock pools scattered around the flanks of the beach there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained, too.
Broadsands Beach, North Devon
From above, Broadsands Beach looks like something out of a fairytale. Nestled below a wooded grove, some 240 steps down, sits a tranquil and wild stretch of beach tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Ilfracombe and Combe Martin. It’s a shingle beach that’s relatively sheltered, which makes it perfect for leisurely swims, and the rocky outcrops also make it a great option for snorkelling. The evenings here are also quiet and beautifully serene – perfect for a barbecue.
Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach, The Lizard
Named Church Cove because of the tiny church of St Wynwallow that sits on the north side of the beach, this is a fantastic alternative to other, busier options on The Lizard like Kynance Cove. This is a picturesque cove that’s safe for families and fringed by the dramatic south coast cliffs. Poldark fans will also be interested – the beach featured heavily in the filmmaking of shipwreck scenes.
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