This North Cornwall road trip helps you see the BEST beaches
The North Cornwall coastline is unlike any other.
Sculpted by the Atlantic over years, it’s known for its high surfable waves and jagged cliffs that lead down to white-sand beaches.
On a sunny day, it can easily match the coastline in any part of the Med – and I strongly believe it’s always as beautiful as the Irish or Scottish coasts!
So, what’s the best way to see the coastline?
On a North Cornwall beaches road trip, of course!
This road trip itinerary includes 11 beaches, and you could easily spend 11 days (or longer) traversing them all. But it’s probably best condensed into five days!
You could either move accommodation every night – there are plenty of B&Bs and campsites – or stay in Newquay for the first part and St Ives for the second.
Let’s dive into this itinerary, with recommendations for accommodation and other things to do near each beach!
1. Summerleaze Beach, Bude
Summerleaze Beach is a beauty – but it’s just a few minute’s walk from Land’s End!
The soft sands here stretch out wide and it’s home to Bude Sea Pool, which is a semi-natural tidal pool ideal for a safe, saltwater dip.
Surf conditions here vary but tend to be beginner-friendly, with local surf schools operating right on the beach.
Colourful beach huts line the edge of the sand, and the nearby canal towpath makes for a gentle pre- or post-beach stroll!
Check out things to do in Bude here.
2. Widemouth Bay
A few miles south of Bude, Widemouth Bay is a long, open beach with consistent surf and epic clifftop views.
Backed by rugged coastline, it feels a bit wilder than Summerleaze, though it still has good facilities including parking, toilets and seasonal lifeguards. There’s also a cafe right on the sand – on a sunny day, it feels like you’re in Australia!
Surfing is a big draw here, especially for intermediate-level surfers.
At low tide, the beach is enormous, perfect for long walks or just finding a quiet spot away from the main entrances. The South West Coast Path skirts right above and the hike back to Bude is beautiful.
3. Towan Beach, Newquay
Right in the heart of Newquay, Towan Beach is one of the mosts interesting on this list, thanks to the house on the island which is connected to the mainland by a footbridge.
This is a sheltered beach, so it’s ideal for families and swimmers.
From the sands, it’s only a short walk to cafés, surf shops and the Newquay aquarium. The only drawback is that it can be very busy, especially in peak season!
Nearby attractions include Newquay Aquarium and Saunassa (see my full post here)
Here are the top things to do in Newquay, too!
4. Fistral Beach
Fistral Beach is synonymous with Cornish surfing.
Located just west of Newquay town centre, it’s wide, sandy and exposed to powerful Atlantic swells.
This is where local and visiting surfers gather year-round. There are even competitions here!
There are a few cafés and restaurants at the northern end, and lifeguards are on duty during the high season. Despite its popularity, the beach is large enough to spread out on.
If you’re looking for accommodation in the area, I recommend Oceanside Hotel Newquay. See my full review here or click here to go through to its booking page.
5. Holywell Bay
A National Trust site with dramatic cliffs, high dunes and twin rock stacks offshore, Holywell Bay feels like a world away from the busier beaches near Newquay!
There’s a car park set back from the beach, and a flat, sandy path leads through the dunes.
It’s a good all-rounder: space for kids to run wild, enough surf to keep bodyboarders entertained, and those sweeping cliff-top views that define the north Cornish coast.
Holywell was used as a filming location for Poldark and House of the Dragon, but still sees fewer visitors than its better-known neighbours.
That said, there is a caravan park set just south of the beach. I’ve stayed at Parkdean Resorts Holywell Bay Holiday Park twice, and love its proximity to the sands and the wonderful South West Coast Path hike over to Perranporth.
6. Perranporth Beach
Perranporth is one of Cornwall’s most distinctive beaches – not least because it’s home to the UK’s only true beach bar, The Watering Hole, built directly on the sand!
The beach itself is enormous at low tide, stretching out for miles and backed by cliffs and dunes.
It’s a favourite among surfers, dog walkers and holidaymakers who want space to spread out!
There’s seasonal lifeguard cover and surf hire and lessons are easy to organise. Even in peak summer, it rarely feels too crowded – thanks to its sheer size!
One of my favourite nearby attractions is Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm, where you can try traditional Cornish cyder (and even gin and whisky!).
See all of the best things to do in Perranporth here.
7. Gwithian Beach
Located at the eastern end of St Ives Bay, Gwithian is broad, wild and windswept!
The surf here is some of the most reliable on the north coast, drawing boardriders year-round, but there’s plenty of room for families, walkers and kite flyers too.
It rarely gets as busy as nearby St Ives beaches (see the full list here).
From the beach, you can walk all the way to Godrevy Point for a view of the lighthouse – and a bit further, Mutton Cove is home to a colony of seals.
Behind the beach are dunes known as “towans”. They’re fun to explore, but beware – adders have been spotted here!
8. Carbis Bay Beach
Sheltered and calm, Carbis Bay Beach is one of Cornwall’s most visually striking beaches. The sand is golden, the sea often appears turquoise, and it’s edged by palm trees and subtropical plants – a rare sight in the UK!
This is very much a family beach: no surf, gently sloping sands, and easy access via the St Ives branch line or a short walk from town.
Facilities include a café, toilets and the upscale Carbis Bay Hotel. It can be busy in summer, so arrive early for a good spot.
9. Porthminster Beach, St Ives
A few minutes from St Ives train station, Porthminster Beach curves around the edge of the bay with calm, shallow waters that are perfect for swimming.
The beach is flanked by palm trees and a stylish beachfront café.
It’s popular with families thanks to its safe conditions and easy access, and there’s even a small mini-golf course just above the sand!
From here, you can join the South West Coast Path heading east towards Carbis Bay or west into the town’s busier areas.
10. Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
Facing directly west, Porthmeor is St Ives’ go-to surfing beach.
Conditions vary daily, but when the swell’s up, it draws surfers of all levels!
The beach is broad and backed by the TATE St Ives gallery – whose café offers views over the sand.
Lifeguards are present in summer, and there’s a surf school right on the beach.
It’s also a glorious sunset spot, with a wide horizon and the sound of crashing waves as the backdrop.
Don’t skip a visit to the TATE St Ives or Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden while you’re here!
Here are the top things to do in St Ives!
Saltwater is a friendly, comfortable B&B to stay in St Ives. Click here to read more about it.
11. Sennen Cove
Just north of Land’s End, Sennen Cove is one of Cornwall’s most westerly beaches.
The sea here feels particularly wild – clear and blue, but prone to strong waves. Surfers love it, and there’s a surf school operating here throughout the summer.
The village behind the beach is small but has everything you need for a day out: cafés, a pub, and a small gallery.
Lifeguards are on duty in season, and the beach is large enough to feel spacious even when it’s busy.
Combine a visit here with a walk along the clifftops to Land’s End!
Here’s my full list of things to do around Land’s End – or here are my honest thoughts about whether it’s worth a visit.
Enjoy this North Cornwall beaches road trip! If you’d like to see my map with all locations plotted, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter and I’ll send them over.
