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Home The Greenbank Blog Off-The-Beaten-Track Cornish Beaches & Coves

Off-The-Beaten-Track Cornish Beaches & Coves

Surrounded by miles of sweeping coastline, Cornwall is blessed with plenty of secret beaches, tranquil bays and untouched coves that are picture-perfect all-year-round. With over 300 to choose from, here are The Greenbank’s top fifteen secluded beauty spots in Cornwall.

Portloe

The jewel in the crown of the Roseland peninsula and one of the prettiest villages in Cornwall, Portloe’s name develops from the Cornish Porth Logh meaning ‘cove pool.’ Smuggling has played a part in Portloe’s history and many of its buildings differ little from when they were built.

📸: Nilfanion

Prussia Cove

Sheltered and romantic, the charming Prussia Cove has an old-world poetic feel. It is famous as the home of the Carters – a family of smugglers in the 18th century, one of whom was known as the King of Prussia. On the coast of Mount’s Bay, access to the beach depends on the tide (you can’t get much more secluded than that!)

📸: Rob Weststrate

Polgwidden Cove

This small quiet spot, situated at the foot of Trebah Garden, is ideal for boating and exploring the Helford River. There are still reminders of Polgwidden’s role during World War II in the form of concrete structures. It was from here that boats were launched to attack Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day.

📸: Trebah Garden

Kennack Sands

Located on the Lizard peninsula, Kennack Sands is located in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.’ Rich in shipwreck stories, the remains of old vessels can often be seen at low tide.

📸: Habiloid

Trevaunance Cove

With the old harbour and a labyrinth of caves to explore, there’s plenty to keep you busy at this secluded spot in St Agnes. We recommend walking to the neighbouring northerly beach of Trevellas Porth at low tide.

📸: Mutney

Flushing Cove

Access to Flushing Cove isn’t particularly easy, hence the lack of crowds. Edged by the mature woodland of the Helford, this tiny river beach offers wonderful views out towards the sea beyond (and just across the water from The Greenbank).

Loe Bar beach

This shingle bank separates Loe Pool, the largest natural fresh water lake in Cornwall, from the sea. The beach itself is often untouched and from there you can walk to Porthleven or through Penrose’s idyllic woodland tracks.

📸: Nilfanion

Rinsey Cove

Deep in the heart of mining country, with its engine house at the top of the cliffs high above the cove, Rinsey offers postcard-worthy views. Walking down the footpath and through the cut in the cliff brings you down to this secluded beach.

📸: Richard Law

Nanjizal beach

A stone’s throw south of Land’s End hides the remote cove of Nanjizal. Waterfalls can be found at the base of the cliff, as well as many caves for exploring. Marvel at the ‘Song of the Sea,’ a stunning eyelet arch that cuts through the granite to the wild waters of the Atlantic.

📸: Nilfanion

Cadgwith Cove

Cadgwith is one of those Cornish fishing villages that time seems to have passed by. The beach is still very much the centre of the village with a small fleet of crabbing boats winched up in front of the boat houses. There is some good diving to be had, with several well-known shipwrecks located nearby.

📸: Greg Willson

Readymoney Cove

Just outside the ancient maritime harbour of Fowey on Cornwall’s south coast, Readymoney Cove is bounded on one side by the medieval town and on the other by St Catherine’s Castle. A magical sheltered spot and safe to swim in.

📸: Len Williams

Lantic Bay

If you’re up for a bit of a hike then Lantic Bay will reward you with one of the most stunning locations in Cornwall. Uncover this shingle beach cut into towering cliffs smothered with gorse and windswept hawthorns, and be sure to take a dip in its crystal waters.

📸: Nilfanion

Durgan beach

Down on the banks on the Helford River hides the picturesque hamlet of Durgan and its rocky beach. The hamlet has a permanent population of just ten, and the beach is at the foot of the subtropical Glendurgan Gardens. Enjoy panoramic vistas over the river and across the wilder southern banks of the Helford.