Porthminster Beach, St Ives, Cornwall (North Coast)

A spectacular 1km sandy beach with a Mediterranean feel

Gently sloping sand and safe swimming make this beach a popular destination for families. Activities on the water include surfing, wind surfing and canoeing. Surfboard hire is also available at the beach.

Porthcurno Beach, Penzance, Cornwall (South Coast)

A small cove with golden white sand and striking cliffs

Owned by the National Trust this glorious beach offers golden white sand and turquoise blue sea. The outdoor patio area of the friendly beach side café is the perfect spot to enjoy a clotted cream tea and savour the views.

Portreath Beach, Portreath, Cornwall (North Coast)

Atlantic beach adjoining a small harbour, enclosed by rock pools and cliffs

Portreath offers a busy Atlantic beach that adjoins a small working harbour which, in turn, is enclosed by rock pools and steep cliffs. The resort incorporates many facilities and serves both visitors and residents from the nearby towns of Camborne and Redruth.

Praa Sands Beach, Nr Helston, Cornwall (South Coast)

Attractive, gently sloping, sandy beach backed by dunes and the village green

At both ends, the coastal path rises up over steep cliffs offering views towards Penzance and the Lizard peninsular. The bay is popular with families and surfers alike, having a south westerly aspect that receives Atlantic swells. Praa Sands stretches over one and a half miles.

Putsborough Sands Beach, Nr Croyde, Devon (North Coast)

Miles of golden sand, open to the Atlantic and great bathing

There are rock pools for toddlers, surfing for the athletic and walking for the more relaxed. Generally uncommercialised, there is a small beach café, ample parking, a toilet block and a small caravan park, where booking is essential.