If you’re fancying a day off from one of our coasteering or surfing activities or on a family holiday in Cornwall, one of the best things to do is find some of the hidden beaches along the Cornish coast! We have comprised together our list of the top 5 secret beaches in Cornwall suggested by our knowledgeable activity instructors and outdoor lovers!

Porth ‘Polly’ Joke Beach

This beach is within a stone’s throw of the popular beach Crantock, yet in comparison it is rarely busy and dog-friendly. The name apparently comes from the Cornish pol lejouack meaning jackdaw cove. This beach is truly a hidden Cornish gem with a deep narrow inlet with a glorious display of wild flowers, golden sands, a stream and caves to swim and explore! The beach is a 15 minute walk from the nearest parking – there is a National Trust car park on Cubert Common or private pay & displays at West Pentire. You can also grab yourself a drink at the Bowgie Inn, situated between Polly Joke and Crantock!

Tregardock Beach (T-dock!)

For breathtaking views which overlook the popular village of Port Isaac and nearby to Trebarwith Strand and the beautiful pub, Port William, the beach at Tregardock still feels about as remote as nearby Bodmin Moor. Tregardock beach is both beautiful and foreboding with its tall dark cliffs, wild flowers and rocky shoreline and is a popular hidden spot for many Cornish surfers. There is little beach at high tide but still is a perfect secret picnic spot on the nearby hills as the tide drops away it reveals a fine stretch of golden sand. Towards the northern end of the beach a waterfall falls from the cliffs in front of a wide open cave. As it’s a bit off the beaten track, not that many tourists go to Tregardock, so in the Summer it’s pretty quiet on the beach. However parking is very limited along the road so it’s best to get there early and be prepared for the coastal path walk down to the beach!

Lantic Bay

On this stunning stretch of south coast between Fowey and Polperro is the true little Cornish hidden, Lantic Bay which is owned by the National Trust and dog-friendly. This beach can be a tricky one to find, however, once found you will be rewarded by a vista of near white sand and turquoise water all set in a bay backed by high, verdant cliffs. Lantic Bay is also an ideal place to visit by boat, and a large proportion of visitors do which makes it a great spot for swimming, but care must be taken due to some strong rip currents at certain states of tide. Cliff walking and access to the beaches can be steep for the unwary but on a hot summer’s day the views are well worth the effort with the nearest car park over half a mile away.

Pedn Vounder

Reckoned to be possibly the most beautiful beach in Cornwall, this hidden beach is tucked away on the south-west coast between the famous Minack Theatre and Logan’s Rock. There’s a campsite above, but there’s a tricky scramble down to the beach keeps crowds away. Shallow lagoons with crystal clear turquoise water and a beautiful white sand beach which are warmed by the sun between low tide sandbars makes it a beautiful swim, snorkel or sunbathing spot right near Land’s End. However, be warned, as the tide comes in try not to find yourself cut off and facing a climb up the steep cliff path. This spot is becoming an ever more popular Cornish secret beach so be sure to get down there quick while it’s still quiet!

Bedruthan Steps

Bedruthan Steps is located on the coastal road between Padstow and Mawgan Porth. Though Bedruthan is not such a hidden spot anymore with its neighboring hotels Bedruthan Hotel and Spa and The Scarlett it’s still a beautiful hidden, breathtaking spot to discover. You can park at the National Trust café on the cliff top and walk along the coast path and down the cliff staircase to see the amazing giant rock stacks on Bedruthan beach! At very low tide, you can also explore a little further and reach the secluded sand patch at Diggory’s Island and take some amazing photos!