Becky Dickinson

Cornwall is known for many things – quaint seaside towns, excellent countryside walks, pasties, but perhaps most importantly of all, beaches. With a staggering 1,086km of coastline, which is easily the largest share of the shore in the UK, no wonder it’s packed with so many marvellous spots.  There’s plenty of variety across its two major coasts, from tranquil little coves to thrill-factor surfing havens. But no matter where you’re headed, you can expect to be blessed with water so clear and views so stunning that you might even question whether you’re actually in the Caribbean (though the temperature will be a bit of a giveaway). So, without further ado, here’s a roundup of the very best beaches in Cornwall. RECOMMENDED:🏖️ The best beaches in the UK🥧 The best things to do in Cornwall🏘️ The best Airbnbs in Cornwall🏨 The best hotels in Cornwall This guide was updated by Time Out writer India Lawrence, who is originally from Cornwall. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Pack your walking boots and head for the trees. The ancient East Devon town of Ottery St Mary, which was the birthplace of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, is surrounded by swathes of emerald forest, providing endless stomping (or cycling) ground. Get your steps up while enjoying the poetic views, then head back to shop, eat and drink like a local. There’s a proud, almost defiant, sense of sustainability here and barely a brand name in town. RECOMMENDED: Check out our guide to nearby Exeter