Beach Retreats set the record for most visited Cornish beaches in one day
31st July 2018
On 21st June 2018 (the Summer Solstice) we proudly set the record of visiting the most Cornish beaches in one day. Visiting 47 beaches across the county, we started at sunrise at 5am in Cawsand and ended just in time for a beautiful sunset at 9.30pm in Bude. Our activity marks the beginning of our new partnership with the South West Coast Path Association, with donations being taken to support our record attempt.
Our partnership with South West Coast Path Association
With more than 400 miles of Cornish coastline and over 300 beaches in Cornwall, we broke past our target of visiting a minimum of 40 Cornish beaches to raise money for the Path’s “40for40” campaign. The campaign is a bid to raise £40,000 by the end of October 2018 to celebrate its 40-year anniversary. As part of the partnership, we sponsored the Association with £2,500 and have challenged the public to match this through donations, setting a fundraising target of £2,500.
Why we love the South West Coast Path
With 161 holiday properties located all along the coast, we want to do our bit to support the charity, which sees nearly nine million visitors enjoy the Path and the many beautiful beaches it overlooks each year. We know the Coast Path and the beautiful Cornish beaches are cherished by our guests and residents of Cornwall, so not only do we want to celebrate the amazing beaches and the breathtaking walks right on our properties’ doorsteps – we also want to ensure we’re raising awareness and supporting the maintenance of these areas, so they can continue to be enjoyed for many, many more years to come.
Our 47 beaches
Below are all the beaches we visited on 21 June.
1 Cawsand
5:00am
As the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm. Beautiful lighting at Cawsand to start the day off. Cawsand is located on the Rame Peninsula next to its neighbouring villages Kingsand. The sheltered bay looks out of Plymouth Sound and has lots of rockpools perfect for young families.
2 Whitsand Bay
5:25am
Home to many of our coastal cabins, Whitsand offers three miles of golden sand backed by high cliffs and vegitation. Dogs are welcome here all year round due to the beache never being too crowded. Go rockpooling, enjoy a morning job and build sandcastles.
3 Looe
5:55am
Lovely Looe is just a 30 minute drive from our Whitsand Bay properties and is a great spot for families wanting to explore. Many come here for a spot of crabbing, to walk the Banjo Pier or for the annual Looe Music Festival where you’ll be spoilt with great music, food and Cornish ales.
4 Charlestown
6.45am
Used for many filming locations including the latest series off the BBC One Poldark, Charlestown is an example of a late Georgian working port, built in 1791. Walk the harbour wall, enjoy one of its fantastic eateries or head to beach and watch the fishing boats come and go.
5 Porthpean
6:55am
With soft white sand and clear waters, its no surprise this is a family famourite. The cliffs to the east of the beach are used nesting birds, great for those that want to see some wildlife during there stay. Its shallow waters make this a great spot for swimming in the warmer months.
6 Pentewan
7:15am
Fancy a bit of sea kayaking? This beach is perfect for just that. Bring your own or hire a kayak from Pentewan Watersports and enjoy a gentle trip along the water. The beach is half a mile long and is south east facing, receiving plenty of sunshine throughout the year. There’s even free parking.
7 Portmelon
7:25am
Accessible from Gorran Haven or Mevagissey via the South West Coast Path, this sand and shingle beach stays relatively quiet throughout the summer months. At high tide the beach is completely covered, leaving lots of fantastic rockpools just waiting to be explore. Parking is limited.
8 Gorran Haven
7:40am
Two miles south of Mevagissey, Gorran Haven beach sits in a pretty fishing village and is popular with families and kayakers. It has a beach car park for your Cornish ice cream and pasty fix, as well as parking for up to 500 cars just 400 metres away. Dog friendly all year round, please keep on leads.
9 Porthluney
7:50am
Privately owned, this golden sanded beach boasts a striking backdrop with the magical Caerhays Castle and Gardens located right behind it. Its visitors often enjoy a morning exploring the castle before heading to the beach for a Cornish picnic and an afternoon dip. Dogs welcome all year round.
10 Gyllyngvase
9:05am
We absolutely love this beach in Falmouth, located just 200 metres from five of our luxury apartments. It’s also home to the Gylly Beach Cafe, serving delicious local produce for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You’ll spot many giving stand up paddle boarding a go, due to its calm and shallow waters.
11 Swanpool
9:30am
Described as a ‘delightful swimming cove’ by some, Swanpool beach is located on the outskirts of Falmouth with perfect water conditions for SUP, Kayaking and wild swimming. Enjoy a spot of lunch in the cafe, or why not have a round of crazy golf, fun for all ages.
12 Maenporth
9:40am
Perfectly located near a wooded valley, a few miles west of Falmouth, Maenporth’s beautiful scenery and shallow waters make it a perfect beach for all to enjoy, with a mixture of sandy shores and rock pools. Look out for the Ben Asdale, a famouth shipwreck only visible at low tide.
13 Kennack
10:40am
With its large expanse of sand, shallow stream and plenty of rockpools, Kennack Sands is the perfect spot for those with little ones in tow. Build a sandcastle as the tide goes out, discover new sealife creatures or walk the south west coast path for awe-inspiring views.
14 Cadgwith
10:50am
With its small fleet of fishing boats, the beach here is still very much the centre of it all when visiting Cadgwith village. Walk south along the coast path and you’ll reach the Devil’s Frying Pan, a 200 foot deep hole in the cliffs formed many years ago when a cave collapsed. Toilets, cafe and shop nearby.
15 Kynance
11:20am
One of Cornwall’s most photographed locations, Kynance has become one of Cornwall’s most ‘Instagramable’ locations. Owned by the National Trust, its famous for its white sand, turquoise sea and large rock stacks. Make sure you try a Cornish cream tea at kynance Cove Cafe.
16 Porthleven
11:55am
Its long stretch of sand and shingle is three miles long, reaching Loe Bar and Gunwalloe Fishing Cove. Many surfers flock to the right hand side of the harbour wall as its considered one of the best reef breaks in the UK. There is a great choice of resturants nearby including Rick Stein’s Porthleven.
17 Praa Sands
12:20pm
Praa Sands (pronounced pray) is best known for its white sand and powerful waves making it a very busy beach in the summer months. The sand stretches between Hoe Point in the west and Rinsey Head in the east, offering fantastic coastal walks from either side.
18 Mousehole
1:10pm
One of Cornwall’s prettiest fishing villages, Mousehole harbour and its small beach is located just a few miles from Penzance. The beach is known to be very safe for families and is surrounded by a stunning backdrop of yellow lichened fishermen’s cottages, shops and restaurants.
19 Porthcurno
1:35pm
Porthcurno is truely worth a fun filled day out, not just because of its beautiful crystal clear waters and white caribbean looking sand, but because the world famous Minack Theatre is right on its doorstep. Enjoy a bite to eat and catch an afternoon show in the open air theatre.
20 Pedn Vounder
1:40pm
Accessible by climbing down the rocks, Pedn Vounder beach is described as ‘paradise’ and Cornwall’s secret ‘Caribbean’. At low tide, the water is perfectly calm, leaving a ring of sand creating its own second island in the centre of the beach. Also known as a popular nudist beach.
21 Sennen
1:50pm
As you approach the village it’s not long before you spot the huge blue rollers heading towards the shore which makes Sennen Cornwall’s most westerly surf hotspot. Along the seafront you’ll find plenty of cafes, pubs, restaurants and galleries.
22 Porthmeor
2:50pm
Just one of St Ives’ beautiful beaches, Porthmeor beach is located below the famous Tate St Ives gallery. Porthmeor is also St Ives’ most dramatic beach facing the full force of the Atlantic Ocean and flanked by rugged headlands. This beach wins its Blue Flag status almost annually.
23 St Ives Harbour
3:05pm
Part harbour, part beach, this bay has plenty going on, both in the working harbour and the town behind. At low tide stroll around to neighbouring beaches, or perch yourself near harbour pier at high tide. Bobbing boats, old fishermen’s houses, this is the perfect spot for watching the world go by.
24 Porthgwidden
3:20pm
Known as one of the cleanest beaches in the South West with its Blue Flag status, Porthgwidden benefits from being more sheltered than all the other St Ives beaches. Facilities include pretty beach huts and a splendid cafe overlooking the beach. Please note there is no lifeguard cover here.
25 Carbis Bay
3:35pm
Another award-winning beach near St Ives with a Blue Flag status, this white sand beach is privately owned by Carbis Bay Hotel. The beach rarely has any surf, making it the perfect spot for families with toddlers in tow. Take your camera, it’s surrounded by beautiful sub-tropical plants.
26 Gwithian
3:50pm
Blasted by the breeze off the Atlantic, the magnificent beach at Gwithian Towans is always a colourful scene of windsurfers on the water. The constant swell of the Atlantic Ocean brings in surfers all year round and is a well know breeding spot for colonies of seabirds.
27 Godrevy
4:00pm
Godrevy is one of Cornwall’s most popular sunset spots, with an iconic lighthouse and island creating a stunning backdrop. Located directly next door to Gwithian, it makes up one of Cornwall’s longest stretches of sand at low tide. There is a lovely cafe and plenty of parking nearby.
28 Portreath
4:15pm
Made up of soft golden sand and shingles on the shoreline, Portreath is popular with both families and surfers throughout the year. There are two surf shops and an amusement arcade located on the seafront, as well as a bakery, cafe, tearoom, parking and toilets.
29 Porthtowan
4:18pm
Boasting a Blue Flag status and located between St Ives and St Agnes, Porthtowan is set within a World Heritage Mining area. Here you’ll find many unused historic engine houses which are perfect for exploring, along with rockpools at low tide for the little ones.
30 Trevaunance Cove
4:38pm
The main beach in St Agnes and dog friendly all year round, this pretty little cove is backed by high cliffs with fantastic amenities including a shop, pub, cafes, parking and toilets. Here you’ll find plenty of caves to discover and a pretty coast path leading you to Trevella, the next cove along.
31 Perranporth
5:10pm
Located on Cornwall’s rugged north coast and making up three miles of beautiful golden sand, this popular beach boasts its very own natural sea pool, great snorkelling, plenty of surf and a bustling town filled with quirky shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Don’t forget to buy your ice cream.
32 Holywell Bay
5:30pm
Just three miles from Newquay is Holywell Bay, one of the main filming locations for the BBC One series Poldark. Its Gull rock stacks in the centre of the sea are one of the most photogrpahed rocks in Cornwall. The beach is backed by golden sand dunes creating plenty of fun for the whole family.
33 Crantock
5:55pm
Dog friendly all year round, Crantock beach is best known for its crystal clear waters and shallow stream as the Atlantic Ocean meets the River Gannel. Here you’ll often see kayakers and stand up paddleboarders at high tide. The perfect beach with small children and fury friends.
34 Fistral
6:15pm
World famous because of its pumping surf and annual surf contests, Fistral beach is Newquay’s largest and most popular. It’s recently become a fantastic foodie destination with the likes of Rick Stein Fistral, The Fish and The Stable on its doorstep. The beach is just a short stroll from the town centre.
35 Little Fistral
6:20pm
Lesser known, but adjacent to Fistral beach is a small sandy cove where the locals bathe. With rockpools galore, hidden caves and a coast path walk to a high peak, you’ll be mesmerised by the panoramic views surrounding this beach. Toilets are nearby and there is plenty of parking nearby.
36 Towan
6:30pm
Home to the iconic house on the island, Towan beach is in Newquay’s town centre and is always bustling with plenty of families playing ball, building sandcastles and munching on Cornish pasties. Newquay harbour is next door to the left, with Great Western beach on the right.
37 Great Western
6:40pm
If you like your burgers then this is the spot for you. Head to Slope Restaurant on your way down to the beach and check out their fantastic food and drinks menu. The beach itself is surrounded by cliffs and rocky inlets, set inbetween Towan beach and Tolcarne. Be aware there is no parking here.
38 Lusty Glaze
7:00pm
A beautiful horseshoe shaped bay privately owned with plenty to offer. The restaurant and bar is popular all year round with live music and delicious food and throughout the summer, visitors can enjoy the late night sundowner sessions with great acts from all over the world. There are lots of steps to get down to it.
39 Porth
7:05pm
With many of our stunning self-catering properties located here, this is sure to be one of our favourites. Watch a Cornish sunset, walk the bridge to porth island and splash around in the shallow stream. Amenities nearby include a little tea room, cafe, shop and the Mermaid pub directly on the beach.
40 Watergate Bay
7:10pm
Just three miles from Newquay and a short drive from Mawgan Porth, you’ll find the large golden sanded beach, Watergate Bay. We have 50 beachside properties here giving out guests plenty of choice when finding their perfect holiday home by the sea. Restaurants and cafes nearby.
41 Mawgan Porth
7:20pm
Sheltered by steep cliffs either side, Mawgan Porth beach is 4 miles from Newquay and its hustle and bustle. This is a great family beach with lots of rockpools, caves and even a large stream running down the southern side of the beach. If you love seafood, be sure to check out Catch Seafood Restaurant.
42 Porthcothan
7:40pm
Dog friendly all year round and one of the BBC One Poldark filming locations, its not wonder this beach is a haven for dog lovers and families. At low tide you’ll be treated to plenty of secret coves and inlets, giving you the freedom and space you don’t always get on a Cornish beach.
43 Trevone
7:50pm
Ever seen an 80 foot Cornish blow hole? Trevone near Padstow has just that.Formed by a collapsed sea cave and can be seen on a sloping field above the east side of the beach, many visitors come here for a photograph opportunity. The South West Coast Path leads you to plenty of awe-inspiring views nearby.
44 Rock
8:15pm
Across the estuary from Padstow is the little well known town of Rock. The beach here provides a long expanse of golden sand at low tide, leading round to Brea Hill and the popular Daymer Bay. If you prefer to sit back and relax while enjoying the finer things in life, Rock has a great choice of sophisticated eateries.
45 Polzeath
8:25pm
Polzeath is a haven for surfers and beach lovers alike. There is a sand and shingle beach, situated at the mouth of a river and backed by interesting cliffs. Amenities here are great, including the Waterfront Polzeath restaurant, toilets and a coast path leading you back to Rock, Daymer Bay and the Camel Estuary.
46 Widemouth Bay
9:25pm
Filled with beautiful rock formations at one end and golden sand and shingle at the other, this beach offers something for everyone. Go rockpooling, jump from bed to board and enjoy a surf, or visit one of the cafes dotted around the shoreline. Widemouth Bay is just a short drive from Bude town centre.
47 Crooklets
9:30pm
Last but by no means least is the lovely Crooklets beach. Backed by pretty beach huts, with a coast path leading you directly to the natural Bude Sea Pool, this is a firm favourite for our guests staying in Bude. be sure to stop off at the local cafe for a delicious Cornish ice cream.
