on 18/08/2025
What’s the first thing we all think of about Cornwall? I bet a lot of you are picturing the long sandy beaches and beautiful blue seas! There are countless breathtaking beaches along the Cornish coastline- whether they’re rocky, sandy, harbourside, dog-friendly, or perfect for catching some waves, Cornwall’s beaches are undoubtedly popular.
But what if you’re looking for something off the beaten track, something just for you? We’ve written up this cheat sheet guide to finding Cornwall’s best hidden coves, caves, and beaches- take a look at our secret spots below…
This secluded cove and it’s smaller surrounding inlets lie between Treyarnon Bay and Porthcothan facing the Atlantic ocean. Tall steep cliffs surround the sandy bay and a long rock formation splits the sea in two. Just be mindful when visiting as the path down the cliff is very steep and high tide covers most of the beach.
Highlight: the remains of a steam tanker wrecked in 1969 which can be seen at very low tides.
A secluded sandy beach with classic rocky Cornish headlands found on the Penwith Peninsula. Park up by the old Pendeen lighthouse and wander down to the beach. Always swim with company due to strong currents, and be mindful not to sit under the unstable cliff faces.
Highlight: This cove is deemed a site of special scientific interest due to the seal populations you can often find here!
With over 200m of untouched sandy beach this is one of many picturesque coves along the Helford passage. This cove has great access by road and foot.
Highlight: Bosahan is perfect for water sports like paddle boarding or kayaking.
Part of the Prussia group of coves, Piskies cove boasts 2 sandy beaches between rocks. It’s a dog-friendly beach and there’s a small car park available.
Highlight: Piskies cove is recommended for those looking to snorkel in Cornwall.
Thanks to it’s remote location, Nanjizal (or Nanjizel) remains a quiet and untouched cove, although you may find walkers along the coast path. The more you visit this cove, the better it gets as the landscape changes throughout the seasons changing from a sea of boulder to a stretch of sand!
Also known as St Cuberts well, this natural cave has walls covered in white, blue, red, green and even purple! Make sure you visit at low tide when the entrance is exposed.
Highlight: St Cuthberts is said to have restorative healing powers in it’s many wells that are now cared for by the Newquay Old Cornwall Society!
Another hidden gem near Newquay, the high white cliffs and wild seas at Crantock caves are packed full of history.
Highlight: One of the caves- Piper’s Hole- has a historic carving of a woman on the rock face alongside a poem said to be carved by her lover.
Beneath the rocky foundations of Tintagel Castle lies a carving of the famous magician himself guarding the entrance to his cave. It’s said he spent most of his life in this cave but unless you too possess magical abilities, don’t forget to check the tide times to avoid getting caught out by high tide!
Highlight: While you’re there, make a trip of it and check out Tintagel Castle too!
While not particularly secret, Carnglaze Caverns is a must visit in Cornwall and being completely underground it’s the perfect rainy day activity too! These man-made caverns were made as part of a slate quarry but for a period of time were instead used for rum storage.
Highlight: since 2001, one of the caves was converted into a 400-person auditorium which now serves as a very unique concert location!
The ramble down to this beach at low tide is undoubtably worth it once you get to the long private stretch of sand and rocky shoreline. Head to the rockpools and check out the mussels.
Highlight: towards the northern end of the beach you can find a cave with a cascading waterfall.
Set in a steep valley, covered in sand and shingles lies Portreath Beach- a family friendly beach on the North coast of Cornwall popular among surfers and bodyboarders. Watch the stream trickle along the sand from the towering cliffs all the way to the sea. Next to the beach you can find a small town offering shops, toilets, and a café or two.
Highlight: just off the coast is the mighty Gull Rock where you can spot an abundance of sea birds!
Vastly overlooked due to it’s famous neighbour the Bedruthan Steps, Pentire Steps is a little harder to find and requires a scramble down the cliffs to get to the beach but this pretty much guarantees a quiet secluded spot once you’re there! The beautiful blue waters cover most of the beach at high tide and can take on some strong rip currents so be careful when visiting.
Highlight: check out Diggory’s Island- the stack of rocks to the right which separates Pentire from Bedruthan.
A National Trust beach along the South Coast of Cornwall between Fowey and Polperro, Lantic Bay is described as the perfect place for paddleboarding and picnicking!
Highlight: there are a few spots along this stretch of coast perfect for fishing bass, mackerel, and pollock during the summer months.
Pedn Vounder (pronounced ‘pednee’) is often described as the most beautiful beach in Cornwall with crystal clear blue waters and miles of sandy beaches tucked between the Treryn Dinas cliffs. It’s popularity is rapidly growing and is becoming the go-to spot for instagrammable photos, not to mention it’s rise to fame as a filming location in Poldark!
Highlight: this beach is actually an unofficial naturists spot so be careful where you take those Instagram selfies!
