When it comes to beach holidays in the UK, nothing beats Cornwall, the rugged South Western tip of mainland Britain. If The Rosevine Hotel is your home base during your visit, you’ll be pleased to learn that several of Cornwall’s most stunning beaches are within driving distance. One is even a short walk from the hotel! Follow this beach lover’s guide for information on the best spots near The Rosevine to surf, swim and sunbathe.
1. Porthcurnick Beach
Just a short stroll from The Rosevine, Porthcurnick Beach is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered. Clear waters and soft sands are ideal for sunbathing or a refreshing swim in the sea. The beach’s gentle slope and shallow waters also make it great for paddling with children. Don’t miss your chance to visit the famous Hidden Hut, a rustic beach cafe offering delicious soups, sandwiches and acclaimed feast nights.
2. Porthcurno Beach
Porthcurno Beach is one of Cornwall’s most picturesque spots. Nestled in a beautiful cove, it features sparkling turquoise waters and golden sands. This beach is not only perfect for sunbathing but also a great spot for photography. The nearby Minack Theatre is a stunning, open-air amphitheatre carved into the cliffs, offering breathtaking coastline views and hosting various performances throughout the year. The beach is also historically significant, once being the site of a major telegraph station, which you can learn more about at the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.
3. Kynance Cove
Located on the Lizard Peninsula, Kynance Cove is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and stunning turquoise waters. This beach is perfect for those who love exploring rock pools and caves. The unique serpentine rock formations and the clear waters are also a photographer’s paradise. During low tide, you can walk across the beach to the nearby Asparagus Island for a unique view of the British mainland. There’s also the charming Kynance Cove Cafe, where you can enjoy Cornish pasties and cream teas whilst enjoying the spectacular views.
4. Gyllyngvase Beach
Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth is a family-friendly spot with plenty of amenities. The beach’s calm waters make it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. The beach won the Blue Flag Award and Seaside Award in 2024, ensuring it meets high environmental and safety standards. There’s a lovely cafe on the beach as well, perfect for grabbing a bite by the water. Then, the nearby Gyllyngdune Gardens are your chance to view subtropical plants and a historic bandstand.
5. Perranporth Beach
Perranporth Beach is famous for its long stretch of golden sand and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is spacious, so you don’t have to worry about feeling crowded, even if you’re travelling with your family or a group. At low tide, you can explore the rock pools and caves or walk to the iconic Chapel Rock, which has a small pool perfect for taking a dip. The Watering Hole, the UK’s only live music bar on the beach, is perfect for a refreshing drink. The beach’s vast dunes are also a favourite for sandboarding and exploring.
6. Trevaunance Cove
Situated in St Agnes, Trevaunance Cove is a charming beach with a mix of sand and pebbles. It’s a great spot for surfing, snorkelling and bodyboarding, and the surrounding cliffs are ideal for hiking. The Driftwood Spars, a historic brewpub and inn just above the beach, offers a cosy spot for food and drinks with a view. The beach is also home to the St Agnes Marine Conservation Zone, where you can explore rock pools and learn more about the region’s diverse marine life.
7. Sennen Cove
Sennen Cove is a stunning beach located near Land’s End. Known for its clear blue waters and excellent surfing conditions, it’s a favourite amongst both locals and visitors. The beach is spacious, making it ideal for sunbathing and picnics. The village of Sennen offers several cafes and shops, and the nearby South West Coast Path provides breathtaking walks with views over the Atlantic. The beach also has a lifeguard service in the summer, so it’s a safe choice for families.
8. Porthpean Beach
Porthpean Beach, a sheltered beach near St Austell, boasts calm waters great for swimming and kayaking. The beach has facilities like a cafe and toilets for a convenient day out. The nearby Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre offers various activities for adventure seekers, including sailing and coasteering. The beach is also a popular starting point for coastal walks, where you can enjoy stunning views of St Austell Bay and the surrounding countryside.
9. Holywell Bay
Holywell Bay, located south of Newquay, offers a mile-long stretch of sandy beach backed by dramatic dunes. It’s perfect for families, with rock pools and shallow streams ideal for children to explore. The beach is also popular for surfing and bodyboarding, thanks to the Atlantic swells. Twin islets just offshore called the Gull Rocks provide a stunning backdrop for your beach day. When you start feeling peckish, head to the nearby Treguth Inn, a historic pub dating back to the 13th century that serves up a slice of coastal refinement with a twist of contemporary creativity.
10. Constantine Bay
Constantine Bay, near Padstow, is a beautiful wide beach with low grassy dunes and a scattering of rock pools to explore. It’s also a top surfing spot for experienced water sports enthusiasts due to the strong rip currents in the area. The beach has lifeguard cover in the summer for your peace of mind. If you tire of the water, take a short walk along the coast path for additional scenic views and beach access.
11. Watergate Bay
Watergate Bay, located three miles outside Newquay, is an adrenaline-seeker’s playground. This expansive beach offers various water sports, including surfing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding. The Extreme Academy provides on-site equipment rental and lessons. After a day of activities, The Beach Hut offers funky food and exceptional sunset views.
12. Gwithian Beach
Gwithian Beach, near St Ives, rivals any Mediterranean beach with its clean golden sand and pristine water. It’s surprisingly uncrowded most of the time and offers jaw-dropping views, fascinating rock pools and great surf spots. The beach is also known for its seal population, which can often be seen basking on the rocks. The Sunset Surf Cafe is a great place to grab a bite and enjoy the view.
13. Crantock Beach
Crantock Beach, situated between the headlands of Pentire Point West and East, is a broad sandy beach backed by dunes. The Gannel estuary provides shallow waters for children to play and float on inflatables. The beach is family-friendly with seasonal lifeguard service and allows dogs all year round. The nearby Fern Pit Cafe offers take-away coffee and ice cream, perfect for a beach day treat.
14. Nanjizal Beach
Nanjizal Beach is one of Cornwall’s most remote and stunning beaches, located near Land’s End. It’s only accessible via a hike on the South West Coast Path, but the trek is worth the extraordinary views and peaceful experience. The beach features white sand and brilliantly blue waters, making it a perfect spot for swimming, snorkelling and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
15. Tintagel Beach
Tintagel Beach, located below the historic Tintagel Castle, is accessed via a stone staircase and is surrounded by high cliffs for a uniquely dramatic setting. Feel free to explore Merlin’s Cave and other rock pools at low tide. The beach is particularly appealing to anyone interested in the legend of King Arthur, as Tintagel Castle has long been associated with the mythical Court of Camelot.
16. Porthminster Beach
Located in St Ives, Porthminster Beach is a beautiful stretch of golden sand backed by lush greenery and offering stunning views across St Ives Bay. The calm, clear waters make it a popular spot for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking. The beach is family-friendly and has Blue Flag status, demonstrating a commitment to environmental and safety standards. To complete your leisurely beach day, check out the surrounding amenities, including the Porthminster Beach Cafe, which serves delicious local seafood. The nearby South West Coast Path is the place to go for a scenic walk and panoramic coastal views.
Discover Cornwall’s Coastal Beauty
Staying at The Rosevine Hotel offers comfortable accommodations, but what’s more, it’s an opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful beaches Cornwall has to offer. Our relaxed and friendly seaside bolthole, set within a Georgian family house near the South West Coast Path, is the perfect home base for your beach adventures. We welcome couples, families and dogs to ensure everyone enjoys their stay. Contact us at +44 (0) 1872 580 206 to book your room at our 5-star hotel near Truro.
