Our favourite beaches
In this blog post, I have compiled a list of my favourite spots to visit in Cornwall in 2023. From stunning beaches and coastal walks to amazing restaurants and pubs, there's something for everyone.
West Cornwall Gwithian Beach, located at the mouth of the Hayle estuary, is one of my favorite beaches in the area. Also known as Porth Kidney, it's a dog-friendly beach that offers a fun and safe place for swimming, especially during high tide. For a more secluded beach experience, I recommend heading to Fishing Cove, which is located near Portreath. Although it requires a bit of a scramble down to the cove, the crystal-clear waters and lack of crowds make it worth the effort.
When it comes to dining options, The Hungry Horsebox is a must-visit restaurant located on Gwithian's golden sands. They serve up delicious dishes made from scratch using the best Cornish ingredients. Their dhal and tagines are some of the best I've ever tasted. As for walks, the coastal path from Gwithian carpark to Mutton Cove is an easy 40-minute walk that offers stunning views of the sea and Godrevy lighthouse. Plus, you'll get to see a large 'harem' of seals at the finishing point. For the more ambitious, walking from Gwithian to Hayle all along the beach can be an unforgettable experience.
Mount's Bay Perranuthnoe Beach is a large sandy beach that disappears during high tide. It's located in Mount's Bay on the southwest coast and offers excellent views of St Michael's Mount. The unspoilt village of Perranuthnoe, which has many dining options, is nearby. The Cabin Beach Cafe is another gem of a cafe located in the village. It serves up tasty food all year round, from delicious brunches to cream teas. For a more hidden cove experience, head further along from Prussia Cove to Kenneggy Cove. It's a 15-minute walk or a half-hour circular from Prussia Cove, and the coast path offers beautiful views of the area.
South Cornwall Castle Beach is my favorite quiet option in Falmouth. It has a tiny coffee shack and offers 100 rockpools during low tide, great snorkeling during mid-tide, and easy access to the sea during high tide. The Star & Garter is a pub located in the lively town of Falmouth that offers unspoilt views of Falmouth Harbour. It has been a pub at the heart of the town since 1892 and offers delicious seafood and world-class whiskies and rums. For a nice walk, I recommend walking from Flushing around Trefusis Point to Mylor. Flushing has nice pubs like the Royal Standard, which has a pizza shack in the garden during the summer, and Mylor has a café right on the harbor. Castaways, also located on the harbor, is a great spot for ice creams.
The Lizard Dollar Cove is a quiet, pebble and shingle beach located on the remote Lizard Peninsula. It's not on the tourist map and offers beautiful stretches of sand that are only revealed during low tide. For dining options, The Mussel Shoal, located in Porthleven, is a kiosk on the quay that serves fresh food and drinks. You can choose to eat at one of the tables on the quay or take away. It's open all year round and has a great atmosphere thanks to the outdoor heaters. Finally, my favorite walk in the area is the 22km hike from Lizard Point to Coverack, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline.