The Top 10 Hidden Beaches in Cornwall
Do you ever dream of walking across the sands of an empty Cornish beach or paddling in clear azure waters with not another soul in sight? Cornwall is a popular place for a seaside holiday; however, there are still plenty of hidden beaches to discover along our 422 miles of coastline.
Here are our ten favourite hidden beaches in Cornwall – but ssshhh, don’t tell anyone…
Visiting Cornwall’s secret beaches safely
Before you head off with your camera and picnic, it’s important to note that these secret beaches aren’t lifeguarded, often don’t have mobile reception and sometimes can get cut off at high tide. Always check the local tide times and weather forecast before you set off, tell someone where you’re going and make sure your shoes are suitable for cliff paths and rock scrambling!
We’ve noted down postcodes to help you find these hidden gems. These postcodes are close to the beaches rather than exact locations and are intended for walkers and not vehicular access.
Rinsey Cove (TR13 9TS)
This lovely little sandy cove is close to Praa Sands, but is very different from the popular family-friendly beach. Rinsey Cove vanishes at high tide and is a bit tricky to access from the coast path, ruling it out for many visitors. However, if you’re happy with a scramble, it’s worth the effort. The ruins of Wheal Prosper Mine provide a dramatic backdrop to the National Trust-managed cove.
Pentire Steps (PL27 7UU)
You’ve heard of beautiful Bedruthan Steps, but probably haven’t been introduced to its quieter little sibling. Pentire Steps is just along the coast from Bedruthan, but is much less popular. Again, it’s not easy to get to and isn’t accessible at all at high tide. Rip currents mean it’s not suitable for swimmers. But… the colours here are absolutely breathtaking and there’s a good chance that you’ll have the beach to yourself.
Prussia Cove (TR20 9BA)
Prussia Cove isn’t really one of Cornwall’s secret beaches. However, because it’s off the beaten track, many visitors never come here. Don’t miss out, because the series of secluded little coves (collectively known as Prussia Cove) is simply stunning. Unlike many of these hidden beaches, the swimming here is fantastic and it’s a popular snorkelling spot. Walk down the path from the small car park, following in the steps of the smugglers of old…
Hawkers Cove (PL28 8LR)
Padstow has a choice of sandy beaches and we love Hawkers Cove, located right at the mouth of the River Camel. With its views across the infamous Doom Bar, old lifeboat station and row of old coastguard cottages, it’s certainly a picturesque little spot. You can either park at Harbour Cove and walk to Hawkers (low tide only), or take the coast path from Padstow and follow it right along the estuary.
Wherrytown Beach (TR18 4NP)
As Wherrytown beach hides in plain sight, we’re not entirely sure that it counts! However, this pebbly beach at the west end of Penanze is certainly off the tourist trail. We like it because the swimming is good here and it’s a popular spot among local swimming groups. The location, with Mount’s Bay out to sea and Penzance’s elegant prom behind you, is simply lovely. If you want a beach with easier access, this is a great option.
Porthchapel (TR19 6JS)
Head out west to find pretty Porthchapel beach. Park in the field next to St Levan church, then walk through trees and climb down rocks to reach this sheltered cove. It’s a much-loved locals’ beach, so you might not have it to yourself; however, it’s a lot quieter than most of the sandy beaches in West Penwith. Porthchapel is close to beautiful Porthgwarra. This gorgeous little cove would once have featured on our list, until it found fame as a location for BBC’s latest Poldark adaptation…
Polly Joke (TR8 5SE)
Head out west to find pretty Porthchapel beach. Park in the field next to St Levan church, then walk through trees and climb down rocks to reach this sheltered cove. It’s a much-loved locals’ beach, so you might not have it to yourself; however, it’s a lot quieter than most of the sandy beaches in West Penwith. Porthchapel is close to beautiful Porthgwarra. This gorgeous little cove would once have featured on our list, until it found fame as a location for BBC’s latest Poldark adaptation…
Lantic Bay (PL23 1NP)
Lantic Bay is simply stunning, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and silver sands, sheltered by high cliffs. Like most of these beaches, it’s a fair walk from the closest car park, followed by a climb down a steep path. If you’re really lucky, you may be able to arrive at Lantic Bay by boat… The sea here is hard to resist, but watch out for rip currents.
Nanjizal (TR19 6JJ)
We’ll be honest: Nanjizal has become more popular over the last few years, simply because it’s such a perfect spot for a swim. It’s quite a walk from the nearest car parks in St Just, so it never gets too busy and certainly doesn’t attract anyone who wants an easy day at the beach! However, with clear waters, rock pools, caves, rock formations and nosey seals, Nanjizal has such a lot to offer.
Portheras Cove (TR19 7TU)
Stay in the west for stunning Portheras Cove. Park at the car park near Pendeen Watch lighthouse and look out for the path down to the beach. It’s a popular locals’ dog walking spot; however, it was out of bounds until 2004, due to a shipwreck leaving razor-sharp fragments of metal in the sands. Today, the secluded beach is safe and, thanks to its sheltering cliffs, the perfect place for a picnic. It’s not a swimming beach (more rips), but there are rock pools to explore and it’s one of the best places in West Cornwall to spot seals in the wild.
Find your perfect beachside holiday cottage in Cornwall
Here at Cornish Escapes, we have luxury holiday cottages close to many of Cornwall’s hidden beaches – just what you need after exploring our beautiful coast.
Porthchapel
Porthchapel Beach, South West Coast Path, Saint Levan, Penzance TR19 6JS, UK