polzeath

North Cornwall Beach Guide

There is a variety of top notch beaches along the North Cornwall coastline, catering for nature lovers, dog walkers, avid surfers and of course the bucket and spade brigade. Pet lovers flock here thanks to the large number of dog friendly beaches available, many enjoying direct beach access. The Camel Estuary near Padstow divides the beaches of North Cornwall and is where you’ll find the Camel Trail, a favourite with walkers and cyclists.

Starting west there is the large seaside town of Perranporth with two miles of picturesque sandy beach, another large sandy favourite Crantock Beach plus the smaller beaches of Portreath and Porthtowan. There is the surfing mecca of Newquay, home to the renowned Fistral Beach one of Europe’s best beaches for high quality waves and of course the mile long Watergate Bay, a real favourite with families.

Just before hitting Padstow there are another two gems, Mawgan Porth Beach and Constantine Bay, both offering soft blonde sand and divine scenery. Further up the coast you’ll find the beautiful Polzeath Beach and Summerleaze Beach at Bude, both popular with board riders and families with children. Check out the beaches listed below, each detailing any restrictions on dogs, whether there is disabled access, parking availability and what facilities are nearby.

Beaches in North Cornwall

Boscastle in Cornwall, UK

Boscastle Beach

Boscastle Beach is a tiny but picturesque harbour beach populated by colourful fishing boats. The beach is particularly sheltered and safe...
Overlooking the sandy beach at Bossiney Cove

Bossiney Cove

The picturesque Bossiney Cove is the nearest beach to Tintagel. This beach is so quiet in comparison to the surrounding area, because many visitors...
Beautiful sunny day at Constantine in the dunes on Cornish coast

Constantine Bay Beach

The most beautiful sweep of wild looking pale sand that is backed by dunes and picturesque beach houses. This is...
A view over Fistral Bay in Newquay, Cornwall, on a sunny summer's day

Fistral Beach

Famed for its high quality surf, Fistral Beach in Fistral Bay, North Cornwall is west-facing lending it to the consistent...
Gwithian on the outgoing tide. Looking down toward Hayle.

Gwithian Beach

Gwithian Beach is a super long, sandy beach near Gwithian that links up Godrevy Beach and Hayle Towans when the tide is low. This is...
Harlyn Bay and Cataclews Point, Cornwall, UK

Harlyn Bay Beach

Harlyn Bay Beach is a broad beach with fine gold sand for families to enjoy space and freedom without loosing...
Mowgan Porth beach on a bright and sunny day in May

Mawgan Porth Beach

Mawgan Porth Beach is a sheltered, sandy west-facing beach that is perfect for a family day of nature exploring and...
View from Polzeath Beach near Wadebridge, Cornwall, England

Polzeath Beach

The award winning Polzeath Beach attracts its fair share of surfers thanks to consistent long slow breaking waves. It’s not...
Surfers on Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay

Watergate Bay is a lovely wide sandy beach that lies north of Newquay on the north coast of Cornwall. Watergate Bay is very popular with...