Hayle
The Hayle Estuary marks the start of an endless stretch of beaches including Hayle, Upton Towans and Mexico Towans, all of which combine at low tide. They are backed by vast grassy dunes and benefit from being dog-friendly all year. Hayle estuary is also one of the UK’s most well-known RSPB reserves, being a popular haven for birdlife with numerous species ranging from oystercatchers to wigeons. The best time to see the birdlife is winter, when up to 20,000 descend in search of a milder climate.
Gwithian
A popular lifeguarded water sports paradise with a multitude of activities on offer. Gwithian offers the ultimate beach day — from surfing to bodyboarding, to rock pooling and sandcastle building, as well as some of the most glorious sunsets the UK has to offer. There are several cafes for well-earned appetites, from the brilliant Hungry Horsebox Co. right on the beach, to the well-known Sunset Surf up on the cliffs. When the wind whips up, enjoy kite surfing or wind surfing – contact Pasty Adventures to book a lesson.
Porthleven
Porthleven is a sand and shingle beach stretching along from Porthleven pier to Loe Bar and along to Gunwalloe fishing cove, which is a fantastic sweep of coastline for keen walkers. A good spot for a beach picnic but due to the current, only experienced surfers are recommended here. Harbour jumping is a popular past time enjoyed by daring kids and teens in the summer.
Praa Sands
Located on the south coast between the towns of Helston and Penzance, this brilliant family friendly beach has excellent waves and a mile of flat, golden sand. Lifeguard cover from May to September and dogs welcome September to June. Overlooking panoramic views of the beach is the Sandbar, a contemporary eatery which enjoys an informal atmosphere catering for the beach lifestyle. Enjoy home cooked food with a Mediterranean twist, or amble along for drinks on the terrace.