Molly Durham
18 October 2018
Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, due to the current Covid-19 situation, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions regarding visits to the coast based on the contents within this article. Some beaches will not be lifeguarded currently and other amenities, such as parking and toilets, may also be closed at present.
Renowned worldwide for its surf, rugged cliffs and spectacular coastline, Cornwall draws in millions of visitors every year to its idyllic seaside haunts.
One of the best things about a holiday to this region is the inevitable trip to one of its breathtaking beaches that line the South West. From long, exposed stretches of fine white sand to sheltered, shale coves hidden from sight, the extensive variety of beaches showcases the striking diversity of Cornwall’s magnificent coastline. Many of the beaches throughout this county are covered by professional lifeguards at various times throughout the year. The sea is one of the most beautiful yet powerful forces on earth and conditions at the beach can change rapidly, so make sure you’re aware of the nearest lifeguard points and always follow their instructions. Be sure to check out our ultimate Cornwall beach guide for a full view of the areas best beaches.
Whether you are going to lounge on the sand, swim in the shallows or planning to conquer the famous Cornish surf, there’s nothing more important than staying safe at the seaside. Read through our guide to lifeguarded beaches in Cornwall and plan an unforgettable trip to one of these beautiful seaside locations.
With 52 beaches to choose from, you won’t be short of sand, sun and surf during your holiday in Cornwall.
Carbis Bay
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 7th July - 2nd September.
Location: 1 mile east of St Ives
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: Parking available in the beachfront carpark.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Beach shop, café, toilets, lost child centre, first aid post
Chapel Porth
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 2 miles west of St Agnes
Dog friendly? No dogs allowed between Easter and October.
Parking: National Trust owned car park on the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: National Trust café and toilets
Constantine Bay
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 5th May - 30th September as well as Easter bank holiday weekend. Weekend cover in October and full cover from 20th - 28th October.
Location: 3 miles west of Padstow
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year.
Parking: Limited parking - it is best to park at Treyarnon Bay and walk the coast path to Constantine Bay which takes approximately 10 minutes.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Toilets, surf shop
Crackington Haven
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 2nd June - 10th June as well as 7th July - 2nd September.
Location: 10 miles west of Bude
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: Pay and display car park available at the beach.
Beach Type: Sandy, rocky, shingle
Facilities: 2 cafes, shop, pub, toilets, surf hire
Crantock
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 4 miles west of Newquay
Dog friendly? Dogs welcome all year round.
Parking: Pollyjoke pay and display car park close to the beach or you may park up on Pentire Headland.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Beach kiosk open during summer months.
Crooklets
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 1 mile north of Bude
Dog friendly? There is a seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: Car park located next to the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Disabled access, shops, toilets, café, outdoor swimming pool
Fistral
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from Easter Bank Holiday to the end of October.
Location: 2 miles west of Newquay
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round.
Parking: 250 parking spaces available at Fistral beach, with charges varying throughout the year.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Surf centre, toilets, cafes, surfboard and wetsuit hire, nearby golf course
Freathy
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 7th July - 2nd September.
Location: 15 miles south of Saltash
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: Pay and display car park located just across the road from Freathy Point.
Beach type: Sandy with rocky coves when the tide comes in
Facilities: n/a
Godrevy
Lifeguard service: Summer lifeguard service located on Peter’s Point from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 5 miles north of Hayle
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: National Trust owned car park
Beach type: Sandy with a low, rocky headland
Facilities: Cafe by the car park
Gunwalloe
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 7th July - 2nd September.
Location: 5 miles south of Helston
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: National Trust owned car park located just above the beach.
Beach type: Sandy cove
Facilities: Cafe
Gwenver / Gwynver
Lifeguard service: Full-time lifeguard service operating from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 8 miles west of Penzance
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round.
Parking: Car park open on the top of the cliff throughout summer with a 10+ minute walk down to the beach.
Beach type: Sandy, set at the base of a grassy cliff
Facilities: n/a
Gwithian
Lifeguard service: Fully operating service daily from 5th May - 30th September as well as Easter Bank Holiday weekend and weekends during October.
Location: 3 miles north of Hayle
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place between Easter Day and 1st October.
Parking: Parking available between the road and the beach.
Beach type: Sandy with rock pools
Facilities: Cafe and beach shop by main car park
Gyllyngvase
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 2 miles south of Falmouth
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place between Easter Day and 1st October.
Parking: Pay and display car park next to the beach (free in winter months).
Beach type: Sandy with rock pools
Facilities: Beach cafe, disabled access
Harlyn Bay
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 5th May - 30th September as well as Easter Bank Holiday Weekend and weekends during April.
Location: 3 miles west of Padstow
Dog friendly? Dogs welcome all year round.
Parking: Car park available to use in the village.
Beach type: Sandy with rock pools and sand dunes
Facilities: n/a
Hayle Towans
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily between 5th May - 30th September as well as Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.
Location: 2 miles north of Hayle
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place between Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: Pay and display parking behind beach.
Beach type: Sandy with rock pools
Facilities: Disabled access
Holywell Bay
Lifeguard service: Summer lifeguard cover operates between 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 6 miles south-west of Newquay
Dog friendly? Dogs welcome all year round.
Parking: Car park available to use right next to the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: n/a
Kennack Sands
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate on weekends between 19th May - 6th July then daily from July 7th - 2nd September.
Location: 5 miles north east of Lizard
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban on the main beach in place between Easter and October (between 7am and 7pm) while the East beach (furthest from the car park) allows dogs all year.
Parking: Large car park available to use at the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Shop, cafe and toilets
Longrock
Lifeguard service: Marazion lifeguards are on duty at the eastern end of the beach during the summer months.
Location: 2 miles east of Penzance
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round.
Parking: Parking is available in Longrock village and right next to the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Longrock village has a shop, pubs and petrol station.
Lusty Glaze
Lifeguard service: Seasonal lifeguards operate from April to October.
Location: 0.5 miles east of Newquay
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place between 31st May - 30th September.
Parking: Large field available for parking at the top of the cliff which overlooks the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Restaurants, children’s creche, beach shop, showers and changing rooms.
Marazion
Lifeguard service: Seasonal lifeguard service operates during the summer months from 7th July - 2nd September.
Location: 5 miles east of Penzance
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place between Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: There are a number of car parks available to use on the beach front to the west of town.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Marazion town has a host of facilities, including shops and cafes.
Mawgan Porth
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguard cover daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 5 miles north of Newquay
Dog friendly? Dogs welcome all year round.
Parking: Car parking is available opposite the entrance to the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Gift shops, beach shops, toilets
Mexico Towans
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 3 miles north of Hayle
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round.
Parking: Car parking available close to the beaches.
Beach type: Sandy backed by sand dunes
Facilities: Nearby café and surf school
Northcott Mouth
Lifeguard service: Lifeguard cover from 7th July - 2nd September.
Location: 2 miles north of Bude
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round.
Parking: There is a small car park next to the beach.
Beach type: Rocky with sand
Facilities: Café and toilets on the beachfront.
Penhale Sands
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguard cover daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 2 miles north of Perranporth
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round.
Parking: Pay and display parking is available nearby.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Toilets, lost child centre
Pentewan
Lifeguard service: Unfortunately, no lifeguards operate at this beach, however there are lifebuoys and an emergency telephone on the beach.
Location: 7 miles south of St Austell
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place between 1st March - 1st November.
Parking: There is a large pay and display car park at the rear of the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: There are toilets and refreshment facilities in town to the rear of the beach.
Perranporth
Lifeguard service: There is RNLI lifeguard cover on Easter Bank Holiday Weekend as well as weekends throughout April, during the summer period from 5th May - 30th September and weekends throughout October.
Location: Perranporth
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round, although they must be kept on a lead during July and August between 9am and 5pm.
Parking: Pay and display car parks nearby
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Toilets, beach shops and cafes
Poldhu Cove
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguard cover daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 6 miles north of Lizard
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: Large car park available next to beach.
Beach type: Sandy cove
Facilities: Disabled access and cafe
Polurrian Cove
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate weekends from 7th July - 2nd September.
Location: 6 miles north of Lizard
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: The nearest place to park is in Mullion village, an approximate 10-minute walk from the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Cafe
Polzeath
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards cover the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, weekends during April, every day from 5th May - 30th September and weekends during October.
Location: 11 miles north of Wadebridge
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: Several car parks close by
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Sand chairs, toilets, cafes, restaurants, surf hire
Porth
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 2 miles north east of Newquay
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place between Easter and October
Parking: There is a pay and display car park on the beach with charges varying depending on the time of year.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Beach cafe, restaurant and shop
Porthcothan Bay
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 5 miles west of Padstow
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round.
Parking: There is parking available in the council-owned car park across the road from the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Toilets and a beach shop located in the car park.
Porthcurno
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: Porthcurno
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: Large car park above beach
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Cafe, toilets at car park
Porthkidney
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 7th July - 2nd September.
Location: 3 miles east of St Ives
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round.
Parking: Limited parking at Lelant Church
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: n/a
Porthleven
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 7th July - 2nd September.
Location: 3 miles from Helston
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: Available around the harbour area
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: You will find a variety of facilities including cafes and restaurants in the town of Porthleven.
Porthmeor
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate on Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, weekends during April and daily between May 5th and 30th September.
Location: Less than 1 mile from St Ives
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: As parking is often difficult in St Ives, it may be beneficial to park in St Erth or Lelant and then take a train to St Ives.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Cafe
Porthminster
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: St Ives
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day until 1st October.
Parking: As parking is often difficult in St Ives, it may be beneficial to park in St Erth or Lelant and then take a train to St Ives.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Porthminster Beach is a 5-minute walk from St Ives town centre where there are plenty of facilities, including cafes and restaurants. There is also a cafe on the beach front.
Porthtowan
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate over Easter Bank Holiday Weekend, weekends during April, daily from 5th May - 30th September and over weekends throughout October.
Location: 5 miles north of Redruth
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day until 1st October.
Parking: Pay and display car park next to the beach
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: There are toilets in pay and display car park and cafes along the beach front.
Portreath
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily throughout the summer from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 5 miles north-west of Redruth
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day until 1st October.
Parking: Privately owned car park on beach
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Toilets, disabled facilities, first aid post, lost child centre, café, restaurant, shops, surf life-saving club.
Praa Sands
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 5th May - 30th September, Easter Bank Holiday Weekend and weekends throughout April.
Location: 6 miles west of Helston
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day until 1st October.
Parking: Car park available close to the beach
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Toilets, shops, cafes
Sandy Mouth
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 5 miles north of Bude
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round.
Parking: There is a National Trust owned car park a couple of minutes’ walk from the beach, down a moderately steep track.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Toilets, seasonal cafe, surf hire
Sennen Beach
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 5th May - 30th September and over. Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.
Location: 9 miles south-west of Penzance
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day until 1st October.
Parking: The main car park is located on the beach, an overflow car park located at the top of the hill and an RNLI car park in the village.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Toilets, beach café/ restaurant, shop, surf hire.
Sharrow
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 5th May - 30th September.
Location: 12 miles south of Saltash
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day until 1st October.
Parking: There is a pay and display car park located just across the road from Sharrow Beach.
Beach type: Sandy cove
Facilities: n/a
Summerleaze
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 5th May - 30th September as well as Easter Bank Holiday Weekend.
Location: Less than a mile from Bude
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round, however they must be kept on a lead from 21st May - 30th September between 10am-6pm.
Parking: There is a large pay and display car park located on the beach as well as many other car parks in town.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Disabled access, toilets, café, shops, Bude town centre 5 minutes’ walk.
Tolcarne
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: Newquay
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from 1st May - 30th September.
Parking: Although there is no car park specifically for the beach, there is a public car park that can be accessed behind Bristol Hotel.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Shop, surf school, crazy golf, toilets and café.
Towan
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate weekends in April, daily from 5th May - 30th September and weekends throughout October.
Location: Newquay
Dog friendly? Dogs welcome all year round
Parking: There is parking available on the residential streets in Newquay town centre.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Disabled access and toilets, cafes, restaurants and other facilities in Newquay town centre.
Trebarwith Strand
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 2 miles south of Tintagel
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round
Parking: There is a main car park set a little way up the valley and there is also a smaller car park close to the beach, as well as a handful of roadside spaces.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Toilets
Trevaunance Cove
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May – 30th September.
Location: 1 mile north of St Agnes
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round
Parking: There is a small Pay and display car park next to Trevaunance Cove as well as another car park a short walk away up the hill.
Beach type: Sandy, backed with high cliffs
Facilities: There is a pub, beach shop and toilets all within a few minutes’ walk.
Trevone Bay
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 19th May - 30th September.
Location: 3 miles west of Padstow
Dog friendly? Seasonal dog ban in place from Easter Day to 1st October.
Parking: There are two large car parks at either end of the beach and a handful of spaces next to the beach.
Beach type: Sandy with rocky ledges
Facilities: There are toilets, a café and a shop on the beach itself and other amenities in Trevone village, just a short walk away.
Treyarnon Bay
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 5th May - 30th September.
Location: 5 miles west of Padstow
Dog friendly? Dogs welcome all year round
Parking: Large car park next to the beach
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: There are toilets, beach kit hire and a shop at the top of the beach that are open during the summer.
Watergate Bay
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate daily from 5th May - 30th September as well as over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
Location: 3 miles north of Newquay
Dog friendly? Dogs welcome all year round.
Parking: Two pay and display car parks towards the centre of the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Toilets, beach café and shop
Whitsand Bay
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate between May and September.
Location: 12 miles south of Saltash
Dog friendly? Dogs welcome all year round.
Parking: Two car parks close to the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Cafe at Tregonhawke
Widemouth
Lifeguard service: RNLI lifeguards operate weekends in April, daily from 5th May - 30th September and weekends throughout October.
Location: 3 miles south of Bude
Dog friendly? Dogs are welcome all year round on Black Rock and South Beach only.
Parking: Free car parks at the north and south end of the beach.
Beach type: Sandy
Facilities: Seasonal cafe and toilets.
Additional safety information
How do you know if the beach is safe to use?
Know your flags and you will understand which beaches are perfect for swimming and which aren’t suitable. The three types of flag are the bathing flag, surfing flag and danger flag.
The bathing flag is yellow and red. There will be two on the beach, swim between them as they signal a safe zone of water. They also identify it as a lifeguarded beach.
The surfing flag is chequered black and white, and it signals that surfers are using this patch of water. For your own safety, swimming is not recommended.
The danger flag is red. Do not enter the water if you see this flag.
Which of these beaches are you hoping to visit?
Cornwall’s coast is one of the UK’s most desirable holiday destinations. Its endless natural beauty draws millions, so whether you travel to surf the rugged northern beaches or relax on the scenic stretches of sand down south, ensure you stay safe by visiting a lifeguarded beach.
Can’t decide which beach is for you? Get inspired by browsing our coastal holiday cottages in Cornwall and let the destination choose you.
(All this information is accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please check local information before travel.)
Author: Molly Durham
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.