Hidden Beaches and Coves in Cornwall.

Do you ever dream of walking across the sands of a quiet Cornish beach or paddling in clear azure waters of a hidden cove with not another soul in sight? Cornwall is a popular place for a seaside cottage holiday; however, there are still plenty of secret beaches to discover along our 422 miles of coastline. Here is our guide to some of our favourite hidden beaches and coves in Cornwall – but ssshhh, do not tell anyone…

Visiting Cornwall’s Hidden Beaches Safely.

Before you head off with your camera and picnic, it is important to note that these secret beaches and coves are not lifeguarded, often do not 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 are going and make sure your shoes are suitable for cliff paths and rock scrambling! 

Let’s get into our list of hidden beaches and coves in Cornwall!

Rinsey Cove, near Praa Sands.

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 are happy with a scramble, it is worth the effort. The ruins of Wheal Prosper Mine provide a dramatic backdrop to the National Trust-managed cove.

Pentire Steps Beach, near Bedruthan.

You have heard of beautiful Bedruthan Steps, but probably have not been introduced to its quieter little sibling. Pentire Steps beach is just along the coast from Bedruthan, but is much less popular. Again, it is not easy to get to and is not accessible at all at high tide. Rip currents mean it is not suitable for swimmers. But… the colours here are absolutely breathtaking and there is a good chance that you will have the beach to yourself.

Prussia Cove.

Prussia Cove is not really one of Cornwall’s secret beaches. However, because it is off the beaten track, many visitors never come here. Do not 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 is a popular snorkelling spot. Walk down the path from the small car park, following in the steps of the smugglers of old…

Hawkers Cove, near Padstow.

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 is 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, Penzance.

As Wherrytown beach hides in plain sight, we are not entirely sure that it counts! However, this pebbly beach at the west end of Penzance is certainly off the tourist trail. We like it because the swimming is good here and it is 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 Beach, near Porthgwarra.

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 is a much-loved locals’ beach, so you might not have it to yourself; however, it is 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 Beach, near Newquay.

Head out west to find this pretty, secluded beach, which is also known as Porth Joke Beach. This is one for the keenest of hidden beach-hunters as it is a little way from any parking, but those who make the effort will be rewarded with a beautiful, wild Cornish bay.

Lantic Bay, near Fowey.

Lantic Bay is a simply stunning hidden bay, with crystal-clear turquoise waters and silver sands, sheltered by high cliffs. Like most of these beaches, it is a fair walk from the closest car park, followed by a climb down a steep path. If you are 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 Beach, near St Just.

We will be honest: Nanjizal has become more popular over the last few years, simply because it is such a perfect spot for a swim. It is quite a walk from the nearest car parks in St Just, so it never gets too busy and certainly does not 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, near Pendeen.

Stay in the west for stunning Portheras Cove Beach. Park at the car park near Pendeen Watch lighthouse and look out for the path down to the beach. It is 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 is not a swimming beach (more rips), but there are rock pools to explore and it is one of the best places in West Cornwall to spot seals in the wild.