Cornwall - My Top 20 Quiet Beaches

Upton Towans beach is situated to the north of Hayle and is the middle section of the three mile long stretch of beach on the eastern side of St Ives Bay. It's ideal for surfing and safe for bathing and backed by sand dunes (known as towans in Cornwall) and adjacent holiday camping sites.

Great massive beach that stretches for a couple of miles with beautiful sand perfect for a family day out with the kids or a nice long sandy walk. The water is super clean and blue when the sun shines.

Just south of Land's End lies the sandy little cove of Nanjizal. Also known as Mill Bay this was once the site of a watermill of which there are still some ruins. The stream that once powered the mill now cascades down the rocks and across the beach emptying into the sea in front of the "Song of the sea". This is a tall, narrow natural rock arch through which the late afternoon sun glows. Beautiful as it is, Najizal is often deserted. The reason is simple, it is over a mile to the nearest parking spot and who would bother walking that far to see one of West Cornwall's loveliest beaches?!

Gyllyngvase is highly-regarded as one of Cornwall's best family-friendly beaches. Its soft, pale sands are ideal for digging and building sandcastles, while shelter from the worst of the wind provides a calm experience in the water, with lifeguards on duty throughout the summer months. Head to the south end of the beach to explore numerous rock pools, home to shrimp, winkles, crabs and even the odd lobster.

Portherras Cove is situated on a stretch of coast more well known for its mining heritage than its beaches. Tucked in around the corner from Pendeen Watch lighthouse this lovely stretch of sand has been popular with locals for years. There are a couple of reasons Portheras has remained quiet for so many years; firstly it is tucked away with no particularly easy access. The other reason is the wreck of a cargo ship here many years ago has left sharp metal fragments buried in the sand.

If you have ever wondered what is around the corner from the far end of Praa Sands beach, now you know! Rinsey Cove sits at the bottom of cliffs overlooked by the old engine house of Wheal Prosper mine. At low tide there isn't much of a beach here but as the tide drops it reveals a stretch of lovely golden sand with little lagoons forming between the rocks. Why is Rinsey Cove a secret? Who knows but it's a bit of a climb down.

A secluded stretch of golden sand to the north of Sennen Cove, Gwynver Beach is a wild and untouched Cornish haven that, according to Arthurian legend, is named after King Arthur’s wife, Guinevere.

One of Cornwall's lovliest beaches, set among the stunning cliffs of Treryn Dinas with crystal clear turquoise water and a beautiful white sand beach. The name Pedn Vounder translates from the Cornish 'pedn', meaning head or end and 'vounder', meaning lane - so, 'end of lane', which could be used to describe most beaches! 'Pedn' is pronounced 'pednee' and this is how locals generally refer to the beach. Over recent years the beach here has ceased to be the secret spot it once was. Having become something of a poster child for Cornwall's most stunning beaches it has featured in national newspapers and is now well and truly on the tourist bucket list. In addition the beach here also featured in the recent TV adaptation of Poldark where it was used in a dream sequence of "Nampara Cove".