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From enchanted tidal pools to sub-tropical inlets, Cornwall boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. As a recognition of their beauty, cleanliness and commitment to the environment, some of Cornwall’s standout beaches have just been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag.
If you’re wondering about the meaning of a Blue Flag at a beach, it’s an eco-label awarded to beaches which meet and maintain the strict criteria for water quality, environmental management and accessibility. The Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, giving the rare beaches that boast it a gold standard. There are 61 Blue Flag beaches in the UK, and Cornwall joyfully celebrates 10 of them.
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Where can you find Blue Flag beaches in Cornwall? Luxury holidays near Blue Flag beaches in Cornwall
Cornwall’s 10 Blue Flag sandy beaches can be found dotted along the Cornish coastline, from Porthminster Beach, Porthmeor Beach and Carbis Bay in St Ives, to Crooklets Beach, Widemouth Bay and Summerleaze Beach in Bude. Here are Cornwall’s Blue Flag awarded Beaches of 2026.
The bays of St Ives have been dubbed the most beautiful in the world and Porthmeor, the beach in St Ives’ beating heart, is a testament to this bold claim. With the infamous Tate St Ives overlooking its golden sands, al fresco dining at Porthmeor Beach Café and an abundance of space, many moments can be preciously savoured here.
Flanked by two rugged granite headlands, Porthmeor is gifted with consistent surf, making it a great place to learn. On calmer days, swimming is favoured or hiring a paddleboard from St Ives Surf School to view the bay from a different angle. The low tide reveals plenty of rockpools perfect for curious little explorers and if you’re lucky, seals, dolphins and even basking sharks can be spotted swimming by.
Where to stay nearby: Shun Lee in St Ives.
© Simon Godfrey via Unsplash (left) | Chester Robinson via Visit Cornwall (right)
On the edge of St Ives, cobbled streets fade into soft sand, boutique shops are replaced with arching palm trees and waves can be heard gently lapping. Steps away from St Ives train station, with uninterrupted views of St Ives Bay and Godrevy Lighthouse, Porthminster Beach is a sub-tropical haven.
The home of St Ives Food and Drink Festival and a beach café expert in Cornish cuisine with an Asian and Mediterranean twist, Porthminster is a foodie’s dream day out. Its sheltered setting and beautifully clear waters make for calm swimming conditions for all of the family.
Accessibility notes: Sand chairs can be provided by Porthminster Beach Café, which help to ensure the beach is wheelchair accessible.
© Matt Jessop via Visit Cornwall (left)
Mediterranean in feel, with glassy waters that could be mistaken for Ionian ones, and a flawless stretch of flat, fine sand, Carbis Bay is truly a standout beach. Only one mile away from St Ives and privately owned by the Carbis Bay Estate with the St Ives Bay train line running parallel, Carbis Bay provides the perfect setting for a family day out. From hiring paddle boards, kayaks and Hawaiian Outrigger canoes, to swimming in the calm waters, there’s something for everyone.
Foodies will rejoice in the delightful curation of eateries like The Beach Club which provides al fresco dining and unbeatable views.
© Chris Johnson via Unsplash (left) | Chester Robinson via Visit Cornwall (right)
Located in the vibrant, creative and historical harbour town of Falmouth, Gyllyngvase is crescent shaped and overlooks Pendennis Castle and the South Cornwall coastline. It’s Falmouth’s largest and most popular beach with an abundance of activities, making it a family-friendly haven.
The sand is pale, soft and gently slopes into calm, turquoise waters. The beach is sheltered and lifeguarded at peak times, making it a safe environment for swimming in the sea and splashing on the shoreline. Hours can be spent exploring the plethora of rockpools that are home to a collection of crabs, shrimp and winkles.
Gylly Beach Café takes a prime position on the beach and is sure to satisfy any hungry stomach. For a coastal wellness experience, the Kiln Sauna sits on the sand and is the perfect setting for a romantic date.
Where to stay nearby: Cornerways and Seaglass House in St Mawes.
© Adam Gibbard via Visit Cornwall (left) | Matt Jessop via Visit Cornwall (right)
Tucked into a vibrant corner of the Godrevy to St Agnes Heritage Coastline, Porthtowan is infamous for its waves, making it a hub for surfers and swimmers alike. Marvel at low tide, where the shoreline slowly retreats and hidden treasures are revealed, like the magical tidal pool and a necklace of sandy inlets, rockpools and even a link to Chapel Porth Beach.
Surrounded by sheer cliffs and backed by soft dunes, Porthtowan is a breathtaking gem. A particular highlight are the sunsets here, which transform the sky into a kaleidoscope of colour. Porthtowan features laid back eateries like The Blue Bar and The Unicorn, where drinks can be sipped watching the sun set over the sea.
Where to stay nearby: Gwelefan in Porthtowan and Kew House in St Agnes.
Just over the headland from Padstow, framed by two low cliffs, Trevone is a naturally sheltered inlet with clear waters and yellow-gold sand. It’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its 80ft blowhole, which was formed by a collapsed sea cave, and is very awe-inspiring. The South West coast path runs through Trevone’s neighbouring cliff edges where magnificent views can be admired.
There are plenty of facilities on Trevone, from a sauna to a beach shop and café. When the shore draws back and low tide arrives, a tidal pool is revealed in all its glory. It’s one of the largest in Cornwall and provides a safe spot for swimming, which is often less crowded than the beach itself.
Where to stay nearby: Samphire and The Quarter Deck.
On the north coast of Cornwall, there lies the ultimate vibrant beach town of Polzeath, with infamous waves and a plethora of eateries. There are endless activities here, from learning to surf with George’s Surf School, to experiencing ultimate seaside wellness with Saunas by the Sea.
The Atlantic is perfect for sharing a pizza whilst watching the sunset over the horizon and Surfside is the best spot for an evening drink on the sand.
Where to stay nearby: Treasure House, Doyden, Sunny Seven, Tregoose, Trelorna, Seagrass and Waders.
Sprawling an astonishing two miles, Widemouth Bay is famous for its dramatic swells, pink thrift flora and epic coastline. It’s renowned for being one of Bude’s top surfing beaches, featuring biodiverse rock pools and thrill-seeking activities such as coasteering.
A stone’s throw from Bude, Widemouth Bay is split into two distinct sections. A rocky terrain and epic Jurassic coast like cliffs are on the southern end of the beach nicknamed ‘Black Rock’ where rock pools are bountiful and geologists travel from all over the globe to view the ancient cliffs. On the north side, it’s sandy and perfect for surfers, bodyboarding and family days picnicking on the sand.
We’re excited to be working on something very special near Widemouth Bay. We can’t wait to reveal it soon - join our mailing list to be among the first to know.
© Colin Davis via Unsplash (left) | Adam Gibbard via Visit Cornwall (right)
On Bude’s doorstep lies the ever-popular and vast Summerleaze Beach, which features sand dunes, water sports and showcases a very iconic semi-natural 1930’s tidal pool. There are plenty of outdoor pursuits and activities to fulfil those thrill-seekers, with everything from surfing and paddleboarding to braving the saltwater sea pool.
Summerleaze has plenty of space and opportunity for adventuring, from delving into rock pools to building sandcastles and splashing in the sea. With a coast path attached, there’s plenty of wildlife to be spotted and pathways to be wondered.
Accessibility notes: Summerleaze has good accessibility, with a Changing Places restroom and a sand chair for wheelchair users.
© Sarah Doffman via Unsplash (left) | Matt Jessop via Visit Cornwall (right)
Neighbouring Summerleaze Beach is Crooklets Beach, which features iconic multi-coloured beach huts, soft sand and plenty of rock pools. A firm favourite for surfers, it has consistent waves which are loved by locals. At high tide, the beach has a pebbly surface, until the tide retreats and sand is revealed, creating a perfect space for sandcastle building.
The sloped promenade offers level access and flat viewing area, making it brilliant for gentle strolls and admiring the dramatic coastline. Along the promenade there are fabulous cafés and restaurants, such as Rosie’s Kitchen - a modern diner with plenty of Cornish charm.
Accessibility notes: A flat viewing area, accessible toilet and level access enables inclusion all round, so nobody misses out.
© Ella East via Unsplash (left) | Matt Jessop via Visit Cornwall (right)
If you’re longing for an escape to Cornwall’s Blue Flag sandy beaches, our properties deliver in abundance. Shun Lee in St Ives is perched above Porthminster Beach and sleeps 14, lending itself to flawless multi-generational escapes.
Just across the estuary from Gyllyngvase Beach, lies the refined fishing village of St Mawes. Here, you’ll find Cornerways and Seaglass House, both the perfect base for exploring Cornwall’s Blue Flag beaches.
Gwelefan overlooks the Blue Flag awarded Porthtowan Beach and boasts a sauna and sea-view hot tub. Or if a thriving surf town is what you’re looking for, our Polzeath properties are sure to satisfy and in Trevone, Samphire and The Quarter Deck, lend themselves beautifully to seaside retreats.
Left to right: Sunny Seven, Seaglass House and Gwelefan
Image credits: © Simon Godfrey via Unsplash | Adam Gibbard via Visit Cornwall | Chester Robinson via Unsplash | Matt Jessop via Visit Cornwall | Chris Johnson via Unsplash | Colin Davis via Unsplash | Sarah Doffman via Unsplash | Ella East via Unsplash | All other images are our own.
Born and raised free-range in Cornwall, Lola’s love of the coast is deep-rooted and she's devoted to telling stories that spark connection. When she’s not playing mermaids in the ocean, she'll be chatting away in a CrossFit class.
Nestled above the sparkling shores of Trevone, Samphire is a contemporary beach house with bright and spacious interiors adorned with sea views. The open-plan living area is perfect for get-togethers with family and friends, while the garden and decking area is made for dining al-fresco after a day exploring Cornwall’s iconic Seven Bays.
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Sparkling sea views, a private hot tub and a short walk to the beach make Sunny Seven a truly relaxing hideaway. Its idyllic location above Polzeath Beach promises breath-taking vistas just moments after waking up. Dine al fresco on the sea-view deck, slip into the hot tub on starry nights, or simply switch off in one of five contemporary bedrooms. A stone’s throw from soft sands, guests can reach excellent surf, beachside restaurants and the South West Coast Path from the bottom of the garden.
Occupying a picturesque spot in St Agnes, Kew House is a first-class destination home with far-reaching views of the north coast landscape. Both an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site, the surrounding cliffs and countryside provide glimpses into Cornwall’s tin mining past. Complete with a hot tub, five elegant bedrooms and four spa-like bathrooms, find yourself a stone’s throw from the beach and coast path.
