Lesser known treasures in Cornwall - Hidden beaches

Shhh, we’re whispering it quietly and shedding the light on some lesser known treasures, places where crowds don’t exist and the only noises are soothing and natural. The getting there may take a little extra effort and there’s unlikely to be a cosy cafe waiting for you, but trust us, it will be more than worth it – let us be your guide to some of Cornwall’s best hidden beaches!

Porth Joke Beach - Newquay
A mere ten minutes from the bustling beaches of Newquay yet worlds apart, this sandy beach (aka Polly Joke) gladly hides in the shadow of its more famous neighbours of Holywell and Crantock but what it lacks in boldness it more than makes up for in attractiveness. It's unspoilt crescent of golden sand is deeper than it is wide and is hugged by a lush valley. Access is via a one mile amble along the coast path from West Pentire where parking is recommended.

Porth Nanven - near Land's End
Another secluded cove is Porth Nanven, situated to the end of Cot Valley and near Land’s End. It has been creatively dubbed as Dinosaur Egg beach because of its round granite boulders which have proved so tempting to visitors that they’re now legally protected by the National Trust. The main visitor here is of the feathered variety with the Cornish Chough counted among its fans, but bar the odd birdwatcher and walker (the South West Coast Path passes through the cove) solitude is almost guaranteed.

Tregardock - near Port Isaac
The stunning Tregardock Beach is hidden along one of the loneliest stretches of the north Cornish coast and in return for a slice of its remote beauty you have to earn your visit. With no facilities and no nearby parking it calls for a walk either via Trebarwith Strand and Backways Cove or through a richly flowered valley from Delabole. The final descent involves a clamber down wooden steps carved into the cliff but the beach at the walk’s end is pristine and glorious and in the words of the lucky few who find this hidden treasure: ‘the treat for the eyes far supersedes the troubled feet’!

Lantic Bay - near Polperro
Energy and enthusiastic feet at the ready again for this final entry in the best hidden beaches round-up requires a 20 minute walk from its nearest carpark. Nestled in a sheltered cove along the south-east coast of Cornwall a little over a mile from Fowey, Lantic Bay is known for being a bit of a ‘sun-trap’ and boasts fine white sands flanked by shingle. Its approach is via a steep cliff path and on sight of the turquoise waters try to resist the temptation of a dip after your journey as the beautiful bay hides frequent strong rip currents making swimming dangerous.

If you know of any other secret locations then let us know via the Facebook box below!

Written by Julia Hughes @Julia_C_Hughes