Veor Cove

Popular with both swimmers that like to put themselves out of their comfort zones and naturists that like to put others out of their comfort zones, Veor Cove is generally deserted, even during the height of summer. High cliffs surround the remote cove and a long but beautiful walk along the South West Coastal Path has to be undertaken to reach this quiet spot. Take a hike up to the summit of Zennor Head to the east for jaw-dropping vistas along the coast. Due to its north facing orientation, Veor cove is incredibly sheltered in a prevailing south westerly the waters are ideal for swimming and snorkelling during calm conditions. Just to the east of Veor cove lies it’s younger sibling Pendour Cove, famous for the Mermaid of Zennor, that can only be reached by the more adventurous swimmers. The cove is usually filled with fine white sand but this can disappear during the winter months due to local storm activity. It must be noted that swimming during a dropping tide is unadvisable. Although technically a low-tide-only beach, explorers can retreat to grassy pastures above the cove as the tide pushes in, perfect for private picnics.

No Lifeguards on duty.

Dog-friendly.

Directions: Head towards Zennor and park in the car park just behind the Tinner’s Arms. Directions to the coastal path are clearly sign-posted. When you reach the coastal path turn left and make your way down the valley, past Pendour Cove and onto a smaller footpath leading to Veor Cove. 

Secret beach location: 50.194240, -5.581530. 

Sat Nav Postcode: TR26 3BY

Cot Valley Beach

Cot valley is a beautiful valley dissected by a narrow stream running northwest to the coast between Land’s End and Cape Cornwall. At the bottom of the sub-tropical valley you will find Cot Valley Beach (also known as Porth Nanven Cove). The area has become a famous bird watching spot and incredibly rare sitings have been made here including a yellow billed Cuckoo native to America. Cornish choughs have been spotted frequently in the valley as well as an array of other vagrant and migratory birds. The bird is the word. The cove is generally made up of boulders so its not ideal if you are hunting for golden sands but a small sandy beach does appear on a low tide. Its charachterisitc large smooth boulders have lead some people to nick name the beach ‘Dinosaur Egg Beach’.  About one nautical mile offshore lay the Brisons, a twin-peaked islet that is often said resembles Charles De Gaulle lying on his back! They are at the epicentre of the local annual Brison swimming race that starts at Cape Cornwall and round the rocks.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly.

Directions:  From St. Just head toward Cape Cornwall, taking a left hand turn down onto a narrow road signed Cot Valley. You will find a small car park and from that a small path leading down the valley to the coast.

Secret beach location: 50.119271,-5.70066

Porthkidney

Beneath the sands dune of West Cornwall Golf Club lies a secret beach that is often overlooked due to its lack of parking and relative  remoteness. Porthkidney is a north facing beach just to the western side of Hayle river mouth and about 2 miles east of the famous (but incredible busy) St. Ives.  A huge expanse of golden sand is revealed as the tide drops out almost a mile on a large spring tide. The headland to the western end of the beach is known as Hawk’s Point and offers up fun sheltered waves in a south west wind and is popular with longboarders at low tide. Fun wedgy left handers off the cliff can be had at high tide. At very low tide the short walk around this headland to the neighbouring Carbis Bay is possible and you can take the coastal path back if the tide begins to flood.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly.

Directions: Drive to Lelant and turn off the A3074 down the small unmarked road with parking at the end. Find the footpath next to St. Uny church and drop down onto the footpath, gaining access to the sand dunes, estuary and Porthkidney beach.

Secret beach location: 50.194869,-5.446343

Porthgwidden

A tiny sandy patch of sand hidden away on the eastern side of The Island in the heart of St. Ives. Even with its proximity to the town, Porthgwidden is often overlooked and the larger beaches of Porthmeor and Porthminster are favoured. Very sheltered from the Atlantic, surfing here is a rare and almost mythical occurrence and only possible during the wildest of winter storms. Its east facing orientation means that Porthgwidden is sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds and can become a real heat-trap around midday, ideal for sun-worshippers. The waters are safe for swimming and paddling when the sea is calm. Impressive views across St. Ives bay can be found by making the short climb up from the beach and onto The Island.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly.

Directions: Park anywhere in St. Ives and walk towards The Island. To the right of The Island car park you’ll notice and small set of steps leading down to the cove.

Secret beach location: 50.217241,-5.476084

Kenneggy

A sandy beach just west of Praa sands that hides at the foot of modest cliffs littered with deep caves that are great for exploring. Clean waves can be found during stormy Westerly gales but decent banks can be a rarity with a close-out often prevailing. Just offshore is the Enys, a tiny stony island surrounded by shallow rocks. Surf-able slabs have been known to break off here but not for the faint-hearted.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendy.

Directions: Park at the top car park for Prussia Cove and walk down the footpath and head east. Alternatively, park at Praa sands and enjoy a magnificent coastal walk round and drop down onto the beach via the chain ladders.

Secret beach location: 50.1039,-5.411539

King's Cove

King’s Cove is one of a trio of coves that make up Prussia Cove, situated on the south coast of Cornwall between Praa Sands and Perranuthnoe. Just to the east of The Enys, the large rock, is a tiny cove with a small patch of sand hidden from view. On very large SW swells, a small but sheltered right hand reef can be surfed along the rocky platform known as ‘Table Reef’. John Carter, also known as “The King of Prussia” landed much of his contraband on this beach and became very wealthy through his smuggling business.

No lifeguards on duty.

No friendly.

Directions: Park in the car park sign posted Prussia cove and walk 10 minutes down the road, past the house and through the trees. Turn right and walk down on the to beach.

Secret beach location: 50.102276,-5.415318

Bessy's Cove

Tucked away between King’s cove and Piskies cove and in the lee of Cudden Point hides Bessy’s cove, one of three coves that makes up Prussia Cove. Named after Bessy Burrow, an innkeeper famous for taking in smuggled brandy, the tiny, shingled beach surrounded by spectacular gullies and crystal clear waters make this an epic snorkelling spot. Bessy’s cove is stopped in smuggling history and John Carter, also known as “The King of Prussia” landed much of his contraband on this beach. Popular with families Bessy’s cove was once the setting for the film “Ladies in Lavender”. A short walk along the coast path to Piskies Cove and Cudden Point will reward you with fantastic views.

No Lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly.

Directions: Park in the car park sign posted Prussia cove and walk 10 minutes down the road and onto a narrow footpath and steps leading to the cove.

Secret beach location: 50.100962,-5.417569

Porth Sulinces

Porth Sulinces, sometimes referred to as Breage beach, situated a mile north of Porthleven on the southwest coast of Cornwall. The breathtakingly beautiful coastline surrounding Porth Sulinces exhibit an array of untouched coves that cannot be accessed by foot due to high cliffs. Impressive right-hand waves can be seen breaking off the rocky platform to the north and peeling all the way across the bay large westerly swell directions. Expect to see nobody else down here apart from walkers passing by on the coastal path above the beach.

No lifeguards on duty.

No friendly.

Directions: Park in Porthleven and make the long walk (3 miles) northwest along the coastal path, passing the world-class reef breaks and memorial. Eventually, you will reach a small bridge crossing a stream and a set of concrete step leading down onto the beach.

Secret beach location: 50.090666,-5.33331

Priest's Cove

To the west of Cape Cornwall is Priest’s Cove, a small fishing cove engulfed by the menacing cliffs of the Cape. The cove and its surrounding area (from Aire Point to Carrick Du) is considered a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Off the radar for most tourist trails, Priest’s cove is a great addition to any day out in west Cornwall. Interestingly, the name is taken from the Cornish Porth Just (Por’ Eust) which translates to the port/cove of St. Just. When Ordnance Survey mapped this remote area for the first time they mistakenly named it “Priest’s”.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly.

Directions: Drive to Cape Cornwall and park in the designated field, then take the footpath down the slipway and onto the beach.

Secret beach location: 50.126054,-5.706035

Rinsey

Deep in the heart of mining country is a beautiful beach that offers up a bit of something for everyone. With the recently restored engine house at the top of the cliffs high above the cove it offers picture Postcard photo opportunities. Rinsey is accessible at low tide but depending on recent storm activity, sand can build up in the cove and provide a secretive sandy beach directly underneath the cliff at high tide. Walking down the footpath and through the mad-made cut in the cliff will bring you down to this secluded beach. Fantastic fishing opportunities can be found off the rock to the east and west of the cove and the stunning granite formations offer world-class coasteering routes. A heavy beach break can be found at low tide with a waves breaking in shallow water close to the shore.

No lifeguard.

Dog friendly.

Directions: Park in the free car park at the top of the cliff and follow the footpath down past the engine house and onto the sand.

Secret beach location: 50.093302,-5.366628

Piskies Cove

An isolated cove that requires a short trek to reach, Piskies cove is a true locals spot that most people will overlook. One of three coves that make up the Prussia Cove collective, it has a colourful smuggling history. With no beach at hightide, this cove is more suited to sunbathing on rocks, swimming around the bubbling gullies and cliff-jumping across the bay. Expect to have the place to yourself with exception of possibly a lone fisherman. Its relatively sheltered location meant that it was once used by John Carter "King of Prussia" to smuggling contraband onto land.

No lifeguards on duty

Dog friendly.

Directions: Park in the Prussia Cove carpark and walk down onto the coastal path. Turn west and follow the path until you reach the double alcoved bay.

Secret beach location: 50.099599,-5.421431

Perranuthnoe

Situated on the southwest coast of cornwall coast, just east of Mounts Bay is Perranuthnoe, a relatively small and pretty cove. At low tide a flat sandy beach is revealed and fun waves can be had. As the tide pushes the beach disapperas and only a large pebbled beach is exposed. Swell is generally 1-2ft smaller than neighbouring Praa sands as is probably more suitable for beginners. Take the footpath east from the beach and perfect grassy patches ideal for sunset pic-nics can be found.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly (October to Easter)

Directions: Drive through the village and you will find a car park above the beach. Walk down past the cafe and access the beach via a slipway.
Secret beach location: 50.112199,-5.441827

Porthmeor Cove

Exploring the rugged stretch of coastline between Land's End and St. Ives will reward you with Porthmeor Cove, a secluded and remote spot situated 6 miles northeast of Land's End. Accessible at all states of the tide, Porthmeor is a geologists heaven and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the unusual geological features including a exposed granite cupola. This wide and rocky beach is made up of large boulders and rockpools that are exposed as the tide drops and  challenging open water swimming opportunities can be found off the point to the right.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly.

Directions: Park at the Gurnard's Head pub and find the footpath that trickles down onto the coastal path. From here,  take a fork to the right and head down to the beach.

Secret beach location: 50.181405,-5.607898

Portheras Cove

A west Cornwall holiday would not be complete without a venture down to Portheras Cove, situated along one of the wildest stretches of coastline in the UK. Sat between Pendeen and Morvah, it isn’t the easiest beach to find but its steep sandy beach, cascading waterfall and dramatic cliffs make it well worth the hunt. Areas of the beach were once out of bounds due to the wreckage of the cargo ship, Alacrity that ran aground in August 1963 whilst carrying a load from Swansea to Brussels. Recently the wreck has been removed and the beach is once again safe to walk on.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly

Directions: Take a left just before Morvah village and follow the sign ‘Rose valley’. Park in the grassy field to your left and follow the footpath through the farm and down the valley seaward. Alternatively, park at Pendeen lighthouse and take the 1 mile coastal path route east to Portheras.

Secret beach location: 50.16413,-5.657959

Lamorna Cove

Nine miles from Land’s End hides the fishing village of Lamorna Cove, a small harbour and quay along the footpath between Moushole and Porthcurno. A quiet beach surrounded by an array of large boulders can be found beside the harbour and is rarely busy, ideal for swimming and snorkeling during the warmer months. Granite has been quarried from Lamorna and most notably used in the construction of the Thames Embankment, London.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly (October to Easter)

Directions: A limited amount of parking can be found on the quay right next to the beach.


Secret beach location: 50.06207,-5.56406

Pedn Vounder

Hidden below the cliff of Treryn Dinas lies one of Cornwall’s best beaches, Pedn Vounder (also knwon as Treen beach). On a low tide, you can make the walk eastwards round the rocky headland from Porthcurno beach. Be wary of the tide times when visiting because this beach is cut off as the tide floods and the only way back is a difficult climb up the fun but steep cliff path. Directly to the  east of Pedn Vounder is the famous Logan’s rock, and 80 tonne granite boulder that can be rocked back and forth by a single person.  Pedn Vounder is an unofficial naturist beach so if visiting, get your kit off and join the party! (this isn’t compulsory).

No lifeguards on duty.

Dogs allowed (October to Easter).

Directions: Steep walk down a coastal cliff path from either Porthcurno or Logan’s Rock. An easier route is along the beach at low tide from Porthcurno.

Secret beach location: 50.043815,-5.642145

Porthcurno

Porthcurno exhibits beautiful white sand, turquoise waters and dramatic granite cliffs and should be at the top of your beach list if staying in Cornwall. A small cove at high tide expands to a large expanse of sand as the tide drops, perfect for family days out. High up on the cliff to the west of Porthcurno lies the internationally reknown and respected Minack Theatre, an open-air theatre  and brain-child of Rowena Cade, constructed above a precipitous gully and granite outcrop that juts outwards into the Atlantic. Interesting features of the bay include the Logan’s Rock, an 80 tonne rocking granite boulder, a short walk east of the beach. By the carpark is the Museum of Submarine Telegraphy, giving you a glimpse into the fascinating history of Cornwall’s role in global communications and the first recorded transatlantic message.


Lifeguards on duty seasonally.

Dog friendly (October to Easter)

Directions: Large carpark clearly sign posted, then take the footpath past the lifeguard hut, down the steps and onto the beach. Alternatively a precarious and bold route can be taken down the cliff from the Minack Theatre carpark.

Secret beach location: 50.042892,-5.650363

Porthchapel

Porthchapel is a must-go-to beach for anyone on a Cornish vacation. It's south facing orientation and high towering cliffs means that it can give a welcome break from the prevailing south westerly winds that can often batter the coasts of Kernow. Access can be difficult and requires a certain level of climbing finesse but is manageable for most able-bodied explorers.

No lifegaurds.

Dogs friendly (October to Easter).

Directions: Parking can be found in a  field next to the church, then it's a short walk down to the beach.

Secret beach location: 50.039171,-5.657959

Porthgwarra Cove

Porthgwarra is the relatively secret West Cornwall Cove situated roughly 3 miles southeast of Land's End. Once a small fishing cove, only one boat still works out of Porthgwarra but signs of the industry will remind you of days gone by. At low tide a small beach is revealed, along with an array of rock pools and caves.

No lifeguards.

Dogs friendly (October to Easter).

Directions: Park in the field just outside the village and walk down the road.

Location: 50.037214,-5.672255

Nanjizal

Hidden down a stone's throw south of Land's End lies the secluded and relatively unknown cove of Nanjizal. Due to its remoteness it has remained untouched but is well worth the short hike down the valley to this beautiful Cornish beach. Its stand-out feature is the chasm of Zawn Peggy, a stunning 100m arch that cuts through the granite to the Atlantic.

No lifeguards.

Dog friendly.

Directions: Park at Land's End and walk the 3 miles along the coastal path. Alternatively, park up at Porthgwarra.

Secret beach location: 50.053674,-5.693278