Insider Recommendations

The North coast of Cornwall is a wonderful place to come for a holiday. A very family-friendly area, it has long attracted visitors looking for a traditional “bucket-and-spade” holiday, as well as surfers, walkers and those seeking the more relaxed pace of life.

From Bude down to Sennen Cove, there are loads of long sandy beaches, including the popular ones at Newquay and St Ives, but there are also sections of high cliffs, great for walking or just watching the summer sunsets.

The main towns are St Austell and Falmouth, but smaller towns and villages include Saltash, Looe, Polperro, Liskeard, Lostwithiel, Fowey, Mevagissey and St Mawes.

Some people even include the city of Truro in south Cornwall, and we wouldn't argue.

The general rule is anywhere south of Bodmin Moor and the A30, until you get into West Cornwall, for example Penzance is on the south coast but is in West Cornwall.

Often, and quite literally, bypassed, mid Cornwall is overlooked by visitors who are understandably seeking coastal charms. Next time, however, pull over, stop for a while and allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised by the pastoral beauty of this underrated area… There's still plenty of pretty villages, lots of heritage, tucked away attractions and Cornwall's only city, Truro.

Spoilt for choice!

St Ives alone has five wonderful beaches, with both Porthminster and Porthmeor being awarded Blue Flags in 2022. Across the bay you will find three miles of golden sand stretching north from the Hayle Estuary. Then there's Porthtowan and Portreath just up the coast...

Sennen Cove right down near Land's End is another popular stretch both with surfers and families, whilst Mount's Bay provides endless walking and is often home to kite surfers.

There's also countless small secret coves, ideal for hiding away in, we would tell you where they are, but they wouldn't be secret then!