Downderry is the kind of beach that quietly surprises people. It’s long enough to spread out even on busy days, and when the tide drops it reveals ribbons of sand between the stones, plus a seemingly endless supply of rock pools to explore. On calm days the water can be clear enough for an easy snorkel close to shore, and after a south-westerly you’ll often see small, surfable waves rolling in. A slipway also makes it useful for launching small craft when the sea state allows.

Wander east of the larger rock outcrops and it starts to feel wilder and more remote, with cliff nooks and little caves. You’re still close to village essentials though, including sea-view stops for food and the classic “ice cream after the beach” finish.

Kingsand Beach sits right at the heart of a characterful fishing village on the Rame Peninsula. It’s a compact south-east facing bay that often feels sheltered, with cottages and the waterfront so close you can wander from the sand straight into the village. The iconic clocktower is the natural meeting point, and the view across Plymouth Sound adds a constant backdrop of boats and passing ships.

At lower tides you’ll find rock pools around the edges, making it popular with families who like a gentle explore. With cafés, pubs and village essentials close by, Kingsand is perfect for a “swim + lunch” day, or as a relaxed stop on a coastal wander to neighbouring Cawsand.

Lantic Bay is one of those places people describe as a “hidden gem” for a reason: it takes effort to reach, but the reward is a spectacular view of pale sand and turquoise water backed by high, green cliffs. It sits on the quiet stretch of coast between Fowey and Polperro, and on the right day it can look almost tropical.

There are two coves here—Little Lantic and Great Lantic—often connected on lower tides, with extra nooks further along the western side. It’s vital to keep an eye on the sea as the tide turns, because access between coves can be cut off. With no lifeguards and the potential for rip currents, treat conditions with respect. Pack what you need: there are no amenities on the beach itself.

Polperro is famous for its postcard harbour, and the beach is a small, sheltered strip positioned just outside the harbour walls. It sits under the cliffs by the entrance, so it often feels calmer than the open coast. The trade-off is size: this is a “quick paddle after exploring the village” beach rather than a wide sandy sprawl.

Tide timing matters here. At certain states of tide the sand shrinks dramatically—and at high tide it can disappear—so it’s worth checking tide times before you set off. Polperro’s real magic is the combination: winding lanes, whitewashed cottages, harbour views, then a brief beach stop to finish. Parking is typically up the valley, with a walk (or shuttle) down to the harbour area.

Portwrinkle sits in Cornwall’s “forgotten corner” and still feels like a working village rather than a resort. You’ve effectively got two beaches here: Finnygook (the main stretch) and Hoodny Cove (more tucked-away), plus a small patch of sand inside the harbour. Finnygook has fine sand down to mid-tide where a rocky ledge creates loads of rock pools—great for kids—and it can become a pleasant snorkel spot as the tide pushes in.

Hoodny Cove feels more sheltered under green cliffs, with the same mix of sand and rocky foreshore but a quieter vibe. Access is fairly straightforward via the harbour path, and with basic facilities nearby it’s a strong choice for a calmer beach day away from the bigger hotspots.

Seaton is a friendly, practical beach at the foot of the wooded Hessenford valley, where the River Seaton meanders across the shore. That river channel becomes the star attraction for families—children can paddle and play a little more sheltered from the open sea, and it adds a peaceful “nature corridor” feel to the day.

The beach is a mix of grey pebbles and coarser sand, with flat rock edges that reveal rock pools as the tide drops. In calmer conditions, swimming is generally comfortable, and the promenade makes it easy to stroll along the front even when the tide is higher. Seaton is also one of the most convenient choices in this section: improved access, nearby parking, plus a café, shop and toilets close at hand.

Whitsand Bay is the big, wild showpiece of this corner of Cornwall—an open sweep of sand that can feel enormous at low tide as smaller coves link up into one long beach. Set between Rame Head and Portwrinkle, it has that “proper Atlantic” character: wide skies, rolling surf, and cliff-top views that make the whole coastline feel dramatic and untamed.

Access is part of the adventure. Most routes involve steep paths down from cliff-top parking, so travel light and plan for the climb back up. Parts of the area sit close to Tregantle Fort (still used for military training), meaning red flags can restrict access at times. With strong rip currents possible, stick to lifeguarded zones in season and take sea-state seriously—especially on bigger swell days.