June 2024
DISCOVER 20 ACCESSIBLE BEACHES around Cornwall
FIND BEACH WHEELCHAIRS for hire
ENJOY inclusive surfing
FREE MAP of accessible beaches inside
Copyright Access Cornwall 2024
This guide has been published thanks to National Lottery players through the National Lottery Community Fund. For more information on accessible beaches visit www.accesscornwall.org.uk
Welcome to our accessibility guide to beaches in Cornwall. Our team here at Access Cornwall, all of whom have lived experience of disabilities and accessibility barriers have designed this to help you explore and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Cornwall.
Whatever your access needs, this guide is here to ensure that you have the information you need to help you enjoy the stunning Cornish coastline.
Cornwall is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, dramatic cliffs,
and charming seaside towns. With over 400 miles of coastline, this region offers a diverse range of beach experiences, from bustling family-friendly shores to secluded, tranquil coves.
It can be difficult to access beaches, but here at Access Cornwall, we have sought out the most accessible beaches. Everyone’s accessibility needs are different so as always, we aim to provide you with as much information as possible to help you find out which beaches are best for your needs.
Each beach featured in this guide includes information on:
Wheelchair Access: Availability of beach wheelchairs, ramps, and paths
Parking: Proximity of accessible parking spots and drop-off points.
Facilities: Accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities and amenities such as cafes and shops.
Activities: Accessible recreational activities available at the beach such as surfing with the Wave Project.
Services: our guide outlines which beaches are lifeguarded during the summer
Terrain: Descriptions of sand type and any potential obstacles. Do be aware that a beach can change from sandy to rocky with one storm!
Dogs: Information on dog bans
Explore links to local accessibility services, additional venues and accommodation options on our website Home - Access Cornwall
We hope this guide helps you to enjoy some fun, relaxing, and inclusive beach days in Cornwall.
We know you will probably want to find a beach fairly nearby so we have organised the guide into different areas of Cornwall.
We have also used a colour coded traffic light system to give at a glance accessibility ratings.
Green - good accessibility and facilities
Amber - there are barriers that might be a challenge for some.
For anyone not familiar with the Cornwall coast, we do advise the following before you set off for the beach.
• Check the tide: many of our beautiful beaches are accessible at low tide only. Some are either covered by sea or only have a rocky area if the tide is high. Also be aware so you have plenty of time to leave the beach as the tide can come in quickly on low, flat beaches. Keeping an eye on the tide is crucial.
• Checking Conditions: Look up current beach conditions and weather Forecasts. On stormy days, the coastguard may advise people to stay away from the coast.
• Packing Essentials: Bring necessary items like sun cream, water, and any mobility aids you might need.
We hope you find this guide helpful and please do share your beach trips with us at @AccessCornwall on Facebook and Instagram. It’s great to see you enjoying Cornwall but you might just inspire someone else to take a trip to the seaside too.
1. Summerleaze Beach
2. Watergate Bay
3. Mawgan Porth
4. Porth Beach
5. Fistral
6. Perranporth
7. Hayle Towans Beach
8. Porthminster Beach
9. Sennen
10. Gunwalloe
11. Maenporth Beach
12. Swanpool Beach
13. Gyllingvase Beach
14. Porthcurnick
15. Gorran Haven
16. Pentewan
17. Par
18. Polkerris Par
19. West Looe Hannafore
20. East Looe
21. Seaton
22. Downderry
Green - good accessibility and facilities
Amber - there are barriers that might be a challenge for some.
Cornwall has a large fleet of beach wheelchairs available to hire, often FOC (free of charge) from a wide range of locations. With over 20 all terrain chairs made available from a grant from Cornwall Council in collaboration with Cornwall Mobility a lot of beaches have you covered!
Our guide will tell you where you can hire these chairs from but it’s always worth a call ahead to check on availability and more beach wheelchairs are being provided all the time. We’ll be updating our website with this information.
A few beaches have chairs that are privately funded and these locations have their own booking out systems. Use our guide for more information.
Access Cornwall also have a beach wheelchair and Hippocampe wheelchair which goes into the water available for loan, please contact us at hello@accesscornwall.org.uk for more information about this equipment.
Tide times tell you when the sea will be at its highest point (High Tide) or at its lowest point (Low Tide) along with the exact time.
In the UK, we typically encounter two high tides and two low tides daily. The timing of these tides varies from day to day. For instance, if today’s highest tide occurs at six o’clock, it is probable that tomorrow’s will happen a little bit later. Hence, it is crucial to check the tide times daily.
Also be aware that the height of the tide changes. On the tide table, the height of the tide will be shown in metres. This is important because the sea can sometimes come further up the beach at high tide than others. Twice a month we have what is known as a spring tide, when the high tide is higher and the low tide lower. You can find out when the spring tides are happening here: tides.today/en/ journal/spring-tides-2024
Each year people get caught out by the tide and need to be rescued so it is very important to be aware of the tide times and height to make sure you are not left stranded! Also, some beaches have very little space and the sandy areas are largely covered when the tide is high.
There are a few different ways to check the local tide times:
1. Online Tide Tables: Numerous websites provide accurate and upto-date tide information. Platforms like Tide Charts, Tide Forecast, or the MET Office website offer easyto-read tide tables specific to your location. You might also like to try www.cornwall-tides.com which supports the RNLI.
2. Local Tide Times: For those who prefer analog options, printed tide tables are available at bookstores, local shops, or visitor centres. These tables provide a month’s worth of tide predictions for easy reference.
By checking tide times, you can avoid being caught off guard by rapidly rising waters, reducing the risk of accidents or getting stranded in an unfamiliar environment.
Be particularly careful on very wide, flat beaches, as the water rises based on the height of the beach and you may have to move pretty fast once the tide starts coming in on wide expanses of flat beach.
Safety should always be a top priority when enjoying the coast, so keep an eye on the tide times and enjoy your day.
The dramatic north coast of Cornwall faces on to the waves that have rolled all the way across the Atlantic. Many are staggeringly beautiful with wide sands that stretch for miles. Some of Cornwall’s most popular beaches are on this stretch of coastline and it is a magnet for surfers - you might want to try an Accessible Surfing Session while you visit …
Summerleaze Crescent, Bude EX23 8HN
Summerleaze, near Bude town center, is a spacious and popular beach. Access is from the car park just before you arrive at the beach. The amount of sand can vary after stormy weather but the access is generally good and it is maintained by Cornwall County Council. The beach has accessible beach huts with a large, flat viewing area which are bookable via the website Summerleaze Beach - Visit Bude | Holidays in Bude | North Cornwall Visit Bude | Holidays in Bude | North Cornwall
There is a Changing Places toilet near the car park and an accessible cafe beside the beach. Summerleaze makes for a wonderful day out.
Parking and access: Accessible parking bays are available at the long stay car parkSummerleaze Cres, Bude EX23 8HJ Access from the car park is fairly level via the path beside the Visitor Information Centre. The amount of sand and height of the dunes can vary.
Accessible toilets: Changing places toilet with hoist at Summerleaze Car Park, Cornwall, EX23 8HN
Beach wheelchairs: Sand Chairs are available from the Big Blue Surf Schoolbookings can be made in person or by calling the Big Blue Surf School 01288 331764 info@bigbluesurfschool.co.uk www.bigbluesurfschool.com
Accessible activities: Summerleaze is the home of Adaptive surfing | AdSurf | Bude | Cornwall.
Bude is also a Wave Project location. Cornwall - The Wave Project in the United Kingdom
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards on duty from 5 May to 30 September.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on leads throughout the year.
Watergate Bay boasts a vast sandy beach stretching two miles during low tide, providing ample space for various leisure and sports activities. Particularly favored for kitesurfing and surfing, the beach offers convenient access from a car park in the valley.
Parking & Access: There are two car parks. One managed by Parking Eye right by the beach offers accessible parking and can be booked online or by entering your registration number at the car park. There is a larger car park just behind this run by Cornwall Council that offers 400 spaces. This slopes up the hill and is not tarmaced. The slope down to the beach is a bit steep and some wheelchair users may struggle to access and leave this beach independently.
Accessible toilet: There is an accessible toilet just below the larger car park behind the beach. 50p Charge applies for toilets (Not RADAR) Opening Times Winter (October - March) - 10am - 4pm Summer (April - September) - 9am - 9pm
Beach wheelchairs: During spring and summer a Natural Access sand wheelchair is available for use. This is bookable through Wavehunters at the Extreme Academy01637 860840. Watergate Bay is a Wave Project location. Cornwall - The Wave Project in the United Kingdom
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguard Summer cover begins on the Easter school holidays, and daily cover from early May to the end of September. Weekends in October and daily during the October half term.
Dogs: Watergate is dog-friendly throughout the year.
Mawgan Porth Beach, situated 4 miles north of Newquay. It’s a popular beach with families and has a huge level stretch of sand at high tide.. With good facilities and access, it is among the region’s finest.
Parking & Access: There are two car parks with good level access to the beach.
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguard Summer cover - daily from 19 May - 30 September
Accessible toilets: Accessible Toilet at the car park entrance behind the beach, opening hours 8am – dusk
Beach wheelchairs: Available at Bettys News. Telephone: 01637 860 240. Operated on a first come first served basis. Two chairs available from Easter till about November. Provided by Cornwall Mobility they are FOC but any donations go back towards Cornwall Mobility to cover maintenance costs.
Dogs: This is a dog friendly beach all year round
Nestled on Cornwall’s north coast, Porth Beach is a family-favorite with its expansive golden sands, perfect for sandcastle fun. Sheltered by headlands, this sandy haven can be accessed by ramp and there is even parking on the beach at times. Discover mesmerizing rock pools and marine wonders during low tide. The Mermaid Pub is right on the beach and has relatively good access.
Lifeguard: RNLI lifeguard Summer cover daily from 19 May to 30 September
Parking and access: The car park on the beach is closed until further notice, however there is Porth Beach Holiday car park across the road from the beach which has accessible spaces and which is open to the public.
Accessible toilet: Free Accessible toilet to the left of the beach as you face the sea. Opening times: (October - March) - 10am - 4pm (April - September) - 9am - 9pm
Dogs: There is a dog ban in place during July and August from 10am to 6pm.
Fistral Beach, Newquay is one of the UKs and Europe’s premier surfing spots. It is a long, wide sweep of sand at the edge of Newquay with the iconic Headland Hotel at the northern end. This is a very popular beach and you can find restaurants with good access, surf equipment hire, lessons, boutiques, showers and more. You are well catered for at this popular beach.
Parking & Access: There is one small car park by Fistral Beach which slopes down to the beach - you need to get here early to get a spot. There are also a number of car parks along Tower Road which lead via a sloping road to Fistral Beach.The Fistral Beach car park is right by the beach and there is fairly level access to the rear of the beach and the restaurants and shops as you enter although the beach slopes downwards. It is busy but it is possible to drop off anyone who might struggle with the journey from car parks that are further away.
Accessible toilets: Accessible Toilet available at the main complex near to the main car park.
Opening times: (October - March) - 10am - 4pm (April - September) - 9am - 9pm
Beach wheelchairs: Contact the Fistral Beach Complex on 01637 850737 For sand chair hire. One is pre bookable 48 hrs in advance subject to T&C’s and one is on a first come first serve basis.
Lifeguards: There is a full RNLI lifeguard service at Fistral providing seasonal cover every day between Easter Bank Holiday to end of October. The beach is patrolled between 10am and 6pm.
Dogs: this is a dog friendly beach all year round.
Perranporth offers three miles of soft, golden sands, boasting excellent accessibility with facilities including a sand chair for easy beach access and a ramp and path onto the beach. The town and beach are pleasantly flat, enhancing accessibility, and the Watering Hole pub is right on the beach itself with unobstructed sea views.
Access & parking: There is a car park right by the beach. From the beach car park there is a short slope to the beach suitable for wheelchairs. Promenade, Beach Road, Perranporth, TR6 0JL
Accessible toilet: Within the main car park. There are also showers available and even a doggy shower.
Beach wheelchairs: Perranporth Beach has 6 sand chairs for hire from Perranporth Gardens, they are bookable online, please see the website for the T&C’s, or by phone on 01872 571605 Beach Wheel Chairs (perranporthgc.org)
Accessible Activities: Home of Surf lessons in Perranporth | Peg’s Surf Coaching (pegsurfcoaching.co.uk), adapted surfing lessons available.
Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguard cover: Easter bank holiday, weekends during April, daily from 5 May–30 September and weekends during October
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on leads.
There are a number of adapted surfing providers in Cornwall if you want to hit the waves! Here is a directory of some of these providers who have helped us put together this guide-
Adsurf- Adapted, inclusive, surfing –Bude
Adsurf is a charity set up in 2022, with the aim of including everyone who wants to experience the benefits of the sea and surfing, by providing accessible and adaptive surfing to people with disabilities, mental health conditions and neurodivergence.
You can find them at Summerleaze Beach Car Park, Bude, Cornwall EX23 8HJ and contact them at info@adsurf.com
Peg’s Surf Coaching –Perranporth
Pegleg Bennett is the owner of Peg’s Surf Coaching, a Level 2 Surf Coach and current AASP World Champion (2022-23) in his division. Peg is a 50-something year old who has used a prosthetic leg throughout his life, and does not let it hold him back.
Peg’s Surf Coaching offers a place to learn to surf with coaches who are passionate about the sport, and believe it should be accessible to anyone who wants to give it a go.
In addition to regular lessons for all, Peg and his team specialise in coaching small groups or individuals to identify and work towards their own personal goal on their surfing journey. While many share a goal of riding a wave, individual starting points can be very different.
Equipment and methods used to improve accessibility include: adapted surfboards with additional hand rails and/or wedges to lift the chest for better positioning in the water; additional support in the water; audio description and close-proximity coaching for blind and visually impaired surfers; BSL and visual communication techniques for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have difficulty
accessing speech; improved beach access through hire of local beach wheelchairs; and specific permission from the Parish Council to use occasional vehicular access.
Call 07865 081056, email info@ pegsurfcoaching.co.uk or visit www.pegsurfcoaching.co.uk
The Wave Project is a fantastic charity. They combine the therapeutic elements of the ocean with the adventure of surfing and a supportive culture of acceptance to help children do things they never thought possible.
They have several adaptive surfing hubs around the UK and in Cornwall this is based at Watergate Bay. Adaptive Surfing is delivered by specially trained surf coaches supported by trained volunteers.
Sessions are booked one-to-one to meet individual needs and the Hub has adapted surf equipment, including seated surfboards, beach wheelchairs and adjustable wetsuits
To book a session email: adaptivesurfing@waveproject.co.uk or call The Wave Project on 01637 820830
Welcome to the wild west of Cornwall, where the end of the UK mainland reaches out into the Atlantic. This part of Cornwall is home to the Minack Theatre, hewn out of the rocks near Porthcurno and the iconic St Michael’s Mount. The coast is very beautiful but often inaccessible to anyone at all in this part of Cornwall, but there are a few places where you can enjoy sandy coves if you know where to look…
Hayle Towans Beach, the start to Hayle’s ‘Three Mile Beach,’ opens up with golden sands and huge dunes, some of Cornwall’s largest. Connecting with Gwithian and Godrevy at low tide, it’s a year-round favourite.
Parking and access: There is a car park opposite The Bluff Inn there is a large car park with accessible bays. TR27 5AF. There is a wheelchair and pushchair friendly ramp providing easy access to the beach. This is accessible from the car park nearby through The Bluff Inn car park although there is a short steep hill.
Accessible toilets: Public toilets can be found by the Hayle Surf Life Saving Club
Lifeguards: Lifeguard service in Summer (5 May–30 September) and Easter Bank Holiday weekend. Please see here for updated details: rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches/hayle-towans-beach
Dogs: Dogs are banned for July and August between the hours of 10am and 6p
8. Porthminster Beach St Ives, TR26
Porthminster beach is a classic crescent of beautiful golden sand in St Ives just below the train station and close to the train station which offers accessible travel via the mainline station of St Erth. The light here is spectacular and the sea is an inviting blue green, looking out across the bay. St Ives itself is a popular seaside town, famed for its art galleries and array of restaurants and shops. It can get very busy in the summer but if you visit during quieter times out of season you can enjoy the same views with a little more tranquility.
Access & parking: There is a car park right by the beach but there are steep steps down to get to Porthminster. The beach, however, is accessible via the road and then a sloping pathway called The Warren which you have to access by going into the town and circling back. Buses are available.
Accessible toilet: Changing Places Bathroom near the beach. This requires a £25 deposit. See full details here: stivestowncouncil-cornwall.gov.uk/places/ porthminster-changing-places-toilet/
Call the Town Council Offices Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm (Wed 9am – midday) on 01736 797840 or email enquiries@stives-tc.gov.uk with the date and time you would like to book.
Beach wheelchairs: Beach chairs are available from Porthminster Beach Cafe. Telephone: 01736 79535
Lifeguards: Lifeguarded beach from 18 May until 29 September. Please check rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches for up to date information
Dogs: Dogs are banned from 15th May to 30th September 10am to 6pm
Sennen Cove, close to Lands End, is a popular beach for surfers and families with good waves, sand, and abundant wildlife. Here you are at the very tip of the UK mainland, next stop the Isles of Scilly which can be seen on a very clear day. The storms here are spectacular as the waves roll in directly from the Atlantic, but it’s a wide, sandy beach to enjoy on a calm and sunny day.
Parking & Access: Access to the beach is ramped at the far western end next to the car park. Please note, this beach is only accessible for those with mobility impairment at low tide so do check the tide times.There are 3 car parks close to Sennen Beach, all with accessible bays. However the field car park (often used as overflow in summer months) is up a steep hill.
Accessible toilet: Accessible toilets are in the main car park.
Lifeguard: From Easter bank holiday until the beginning of November between 10am and 6pm. Please click here for updated information: rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches/sennen-beach
Dogs: Dogs are banned from this beach from May till September between the hours of 10am till 6pm.
Helston, TR12 7QG
Gunwalloe, a coastal gem, boasts two beaches—Church Cove, a sandy, fairly level beach and Dollar Cove, which is rockier and less accessible, and named for the silver dollars that once washed up on the shore from the lost Spanish ship, San Salvador, which is a protected treasure wreck located just offshore.
Church Cove, sits beside St Winwaloe Church, ‘the Church of Storms’ and archeaologists have discovered smugglers tunnels from the sea into its bell tower. It’s a beautiful beach, off the beaten track, but with a National Trust car park and ice cream hut nearby just behind the dunes.
Parking & Access: Church Cove is approximately 300 meters from the car park. The track on the left is tarmac for approximately 100 meters until the surface becomes hard sand with grass. This track is solid underfoot but is split level so not ideal for beach wheelchairs. The track on the right is soft sand but probably the best route for a beach wheelchair. Beach chairs are currently not available from this site.
There are approximately 230 parking spaces in the National Trust carpark including the overflow. There are two Blue Badge disabled parking bays located near footpath at the far end of the car park. Blue Badge holders and national trust members park for free.
Accessible toilet: The toilets are situated next to the food & beverage kiosk. One accessible toilet with baby change. Entry to the accessible toilet is on a slight incline, the accessible toilet door is outward opening & 89cm wide.
Lifeguard: RNLI lifeguard cover daily from 7 July - 2 September. Please click here for up to date information: rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches/gunwalloe-beach
Dogs: There is a ban in place at Church Cove in July and August 10am to 6pm, however there is no dog ban on Dollar Cove
Assistance dogs play a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities, offering companionship, independence, and a sense of security. When it comes to enjoying Cornwall’s beaches, it’s essential to be aware of the regulations and guidelines to ensure a positive experience for both the handler and the dog.
Many of Cornwall’s beaches are dogfriendly year-round, providing the perfect setting for individuals with assistance dogs to soak up the sun and enjoy the therapeutic sound of the waves. Popular destinations such as Perranporth and Watergate Bay welcome dogs throughout the year, making them ideal choices for a day by the sea.
While there are restrictions on some beaches throughout the summer months where dogs are not permitted from 10am to 6pm, assistance dogs are allowed on the beaches if they are working.
Cornwall Council emphasizes their commitment to ensuring everyone can enjoy our beaches. “Trained assistance dogs there to support their owner are allowed on beaches during restricted times as specifically exempted. The dogs should be working supporting their owner and under close control.”
The only exception to this is are the three protected wildlife areas where dogs are banned all year round (24 hours a day). These are:
• Carnsew Pool
• Copperhouse Pool
• Hayle Estuary
In our guide you will find information about which beaches do allow dogs all year and details of any bans to help you enjoy your coastal adventures with your canine companion.
You can also find up to date information on dog beaches where bans are in place here at the Cornwall Council website: www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/ animal-welfare-and-enforcement/ dogs-on-beaches/
From Falmouth to the beautiful Rame peninsular in SE Cornwall, the south coast of Cornwall is more sheltered with calmer shores than those of the West and North. Here you find long stretches of sand such as Par and Seaton sands, lovely town beaches such as Gyllingvase in Falmouth and some pretty coves such as Polkerris.
Maenporth beach is a sandy beach near to the north Helford River and Falmouth. It benefits from a cafe which hosts a beach wheelchair and has an accessible decked area with a few wheelchair friendly picnic benches for use by the cafe customers. There is a large car park with a fee payable to the cafe. Access is by a well trodden, short sloped path down the sand dune. Once on the beach it’s fairly level.
Parking and access: There is a car park right on the beach at Maenporth with two accessible spaces for Blue Badge holders. Access to the beach is along a well trodden sandy path over the dunes to the top of the beach.
Accessible toilets: There is an accessible toilet near the cafe.
Beach wheelchairs: Beach chair available to borrow via the cafe, booking advisable. Call 01326 251176 or email maenporthbeachcafe@gmail.com
Dogs: there is a dog ban for July and August from 10am till 6pm.
12. Swanpool beach Swanpool, Falmouth TR11 5BG
Swanpool, just outside Falmouth, is a family friendly beach with gently sloping sands and an accessible stretch of path along the coast towards Falmouth. There is a cafe well known for its interesting ice creams and Elemental UK’s watersports school. Backed by Swanpool Lake Nature Reserve, it’s a unique spot with diverse birdlife and historical significance from the last Ice Age. Facilities include public toilets, crazy golf, and rowing on the lagoon.
Parking and access: The car park is open every day, it is a large facility and is very rarely full so there is always car parking available. There is good level access from the car park to the beach.
Accessible toilets: There are public toilets (including accessible facilities) on the road to the left of the car park (approx. 1 minute walk from the beach).
Beach wheelchairs: Beach chair available to borrow via the cafe, booking advisable. Call 01326 251176 or email maenporthbeachcafe@gmail.com
Dogs: there is a dog ban for July and August from 10am till 6pm.
13. Gyllingvase beach Cliff Road, Falmouth, Cornwall, TR11 4NA
Gyllyngvase beach is a beautiful sandy beach 15 minutes walk from Falmouth town centre, gently sloping, with a cafe, toilets, and a sand chair available. The popular cafe is open for eat-in and take-away food, drinks and icecreams, and there are toilets in a block just behind the beach, including a accessible toilet.
Parking and access: There is a car park close to the beach with accessible spaces and some parking along the road, it does get very busy in the summer! There is good access and a gently sloping ramp onto the beach if you go through the gardens and take the more accessible path.
Accessible toilets: Toilet block behind beach including an accessible toilet.
Beach wheelchairs: Beach chair available to borrow via the Gylly Beach Cafe, booking advisable. Call 01326 312884 or via their website: www.gyllybeach.com/contact
Dogs: there is a dog ban from 15th may to 30th September from 10am to 6pm
Home to the famous Hidden Hut beach cafe, Porthcurnick Beach is a wide sandy beach with rock pools and a slipway. It’s a little off the beaten track but can get busy in the summer. The good news is that you can be driven to the edge of the beach via Rosevine and there is sloped access to the beach from here.
Parking and access: There is a car park close to the beach with accessible spaces and some parking along the road, however the path is narrow and rugged and not suitable for wheelchairs. it does get very busy in the summer! You can drive to the top of the slipway at Rosevine where there is a short but slightly steep slope down to the beach, making this suitable for assisted wheelchair access.
Accessible toilets: the nearest accessible toilets are in Portscatho which is a short drive away. It’s a short and fairly level distance along the coast path, for those who have some ambulatory ability. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes at an average pace.
Dogs: dogs are allowed all year round.
Gorran Haven Church St, Gorran Haven, Saint Austell PL26 6JJ
Gorran Haven is a charming sandy beach embraced by the village and sheltered by the imposing Dodman Point. With village amenities nearby, it’s a serene coastal getaway blending convenience and tranquility.
Parking and access: Parking for the beach and village is provided by a large car park a few hundred meters up the road. There are a few parking spots closer to the beach but restrictions are enforced along most roads. The beach itself is a short journey from the car park along a tarmaced, and fairly level road. At the beach, a short slipway leads right onto the sand. DO check the tide times before your visit as high tides can cover the whole beach.
Accessible toilets: Public toilets, including a separate accessible toilet, are available in Canton, Gorran Haven between the car park and the beach.
Dogs: dogs are allowed all year round on leads.
Pentewan is privately owned beach, it is half a mile long and has beautiful views of rolling Cornish cliffs. It’s close to the pretty village of Pentewan.
Parking and access: West End car park in Pentewan is a short distance away from the beach via a track that leads over the St Austell River and through Pentewan Sands Holiday Park. It can get very busy in the summer. Some parts of the track are a bit rough and potholed but other parts are good and access is fairly level.
Accessible toilets: There are public toilets in the village including an accessible toilet.
Dogs: Dogs are banned from May to September between 10am and 6pm
Par Sands is a wide sandy south-facing beach, backed by low sand dunes. With holiday parks nearby it is a popular beach but being vast it doesn’t often feel busy. This isn’t a lifeguarded beach. Convenient facilities, include a shop, café, pub, and toilets, enhance the beach experience.
Parking and access: Par Sands is a very level beach with a good sized car park. From the car park there is a path by the river to the beach which is level. There are also paths through the dunes to access the beach.
Accessible toilets: There are public toilets, including accessible facilities along the access road past the main car park entrance, opposite the bird lake.
Dogs: dogs are allowed all year round.
Polkerris Beach is a picturesque crescent of sands in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With watersports available and popular pub and cafe on the beach, along with its pretty harbour wall, it’s a family favourite.
Parking and access: The car park is about 200 metres away from the beach up a short hill, but there is a drop-off point next to the beach and ramped access to the sand.
Accessible toilets: Polkerris Beach toilets are located towards the rear of the beach and there are accessible facilities.
Beach wheelchairs: A beach wheelchair is available to hire. Book online at polkerrisbeach.com/the-beach/beach-location/ or call 01726 813306
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on the beach between 1st October until Good Friday.
West Looe Beach at Hannafore is a sand / shingle stretch offering views of Looe Island. With plenty to do like tennis, bowling, a pub, a hotel pool, and some lovely cafe and hotel restaurants, this is a quieter but very beautiful side of Looe.
Parking and access: There is parking along the road and in a small car park along the back of the beach and concrete walkways with good level or slopes along most of the beach. There is a ramp down to the beach but be aware that depending on the height of the sand there can be a step between the edge of the concrete and the sand itself.
Accessible toilets: There is an accessible toilet on the concrete walkway above the beach near the Coastguard station which you can open using a RADAR key. These toilets close around 8pm (may be slightly earlier!)
Dogs: Dogs are allowed on West Looe beach all year round.
East Looe Beach, a sheltered sandy beach courtesy of the iconic Banjo Pier. A favorite for families, holidaymakers, and water enthusiasts, it has good ramped access at different points and also concrete blocks along the back so that wheelchair users who do not want to go on the sand can be close to their friends and family who do. The beach is right in the town with lots of shops, galleries and cafes nearby and this is a bustling hotspot in summer. The only drawback - despite good level access from the car park, you cannot drive into Looe in the summer, not even to be dropped off.
Parking and access: There is good level access through Looe along its streets, but the nearest car parks are a good 10 to 15 minutes away. There is a large car park in Millpool car park with 11 accessible spaces and two car parks on the east side of the river. All have good level access along the road to the beach but you will need to deal with crowds and residential cars in some of the narrower streets.
Accessible toilets: There is an accessible toilet right next to the beach which is opened using a RADAR key, these close at, or just before 8pm.
Dogs: Only assistance dogs are allowed on East Looe beach.
You can see more information about both beaches in Looe in our Accessible Guide to Looe
Seaton Beach in southeast Cornwall is a spacious sandy beach with a pebbled river. A good choice for families, it offers easy access and ample parking for paddling and play. It is popular with dog walkers and surfers. The beach boasts cafes and a pub for refreshments.
Parking and access: Limited roadside parking is available along the beachfront, filling up rapidly during the summer. Alternatively, three car parks, each just a minute’s walk from the beach. Access to Seaton Beach is level from the road. The walk from the car parks to the beach is level.
Accessible toilets: A Changing Places toilet is located in Seaton Countryside Park, Seaton, Cornwall, PL11 3JF open 8:30am-5pm. Public toilets including an accessible toilet nearer the beach are just off the main car park.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed all year.
Downderry Beach is a vast expanse of sand and shingle with rock pools at low tide. To the east lies Bass Rock and a secluded halfmile stretch beneath Battern Cliffs. Known for its tranquility and unofficial nudist status, Battern Cliffs beach offers seclusion due to challenging access. The small car park leads to the main beach via a sloping path or slipway, this slope may be a challenge for wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility.
Parking and access: Parking is available in the village and (limited) on the road to the east of Downderry. Access to the beach is level, but you can only get to the beach via a steep slipway which is suitable for assisted wheelchair users.
Accessible toilets: There are public toilets opposite the Downderry car park, including accessible facilities.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed all year.
We hope you can use this guide to head out an enjoy some of the beautiful beaches in Cornwall. Here are some helpful resources and links to help you plan your day out.
Find out if and when a beach you plan to visit has RNLI lifeguards: rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguardedbeaches
Click on the link below to find out if there are Cornwall Council dog bans on beaches. Do be aware some private beaches such as Charlestown have independent dog bans in place so watch out for signs. www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/ animal-welfare-and-enforcement/ dogs-on-beaches/
The following websites offer information on the latest tides. Make sure you check these before a day at the beach.
Tide Charts, Tide Forecast, The MET Office website www.cornwall-tides.com
Weather conditions
We all have weather apps but a very popular resource in Cornwall is the Kernow Weather Team, for friendly and really good up to date information about the weather www.facebook.com/Kernow.Weather. Team
Another helpful resource is the Surfline live cams used by surfers to check the waves before they set out www.surfline.com/surf-reportsforecasts-cams/united-kingdom/ england/cornwall/2652355
For more information about beach wheelchairs in Cornwall you can contact www.cornwallmobility.co.uk
Access Cornwall also have a Hippocampe wheelchair and a beach wheelchair available for loan. Email hello@accesscornwall.org.uk
For more information about nearby places to visit, stay, explore and eat out, visit our own website at www.accesscornwall.org.uk
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who plays the National Lottery for their part in supporting this guide, which was produced thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund!
