I often get asked where the best places to watch the sunset in Cornwall are, so here I’ve written down some of my favourite spots! 🌞
🏖️ Constantine Bay – This is a regular one for me. The sand is super soft and white, which makes for a lovely contrast against the sky. At high tide, the water is sparkly ✨ but at low tide, you get some rocks which can make it more interesting! It’s a massive beach and not usually very busy. There’s a small car park near the entrance to the beach and a larger National Trust car park at Booby’s Bay on the other side. Booby’s Bay is another great spot, but I see it as part of Constantine – either are amazing! There are no food/drink spots here, but we’ve occasionally picked up takeaway pizza 🍕 from The Dog House in St Merryn and brought it to the beach, or done a beach BBQ
🌇 Porthmeor – St Ives – I’ve had some incredible nights on Porthmeor watching the sunset (and the surfers! 🏄♂️) or swimming in the sea on a rare calm evening 🌊 There’s a beach bar and several restaurants nearby. My favourite is Porthmeor Kitchen (they even have a sunset booth you can rent! 🌅), or you could grab takeaway pizzas or burgers from spots in St Ives. There are two car parks near the beach, and a few free roads up the hill if you don’t mind walking – but it can get quite busy in summer!
⛏️ St Agnes / Wheal Coates – I’m going to caveat this by saying I haven’t actually done this one at sunset myself. I’ve been to Wheal Coates, but every time I’ve planned to go for sunset it’s ended up being cloudy ☁️ – and it’s a bit of a drive, so I only want to do it when the conditions are perfect! However, every photo I’ve seen makes me feel it’s very much worth it 📸 There is a car park nearby (I’ve used it before when walking there), and the backdrop of the mine against the sunset would be stunning 🧡
🌅 Godrevy – I’ve only done this for the first time recently, but I’ll be going back again very soon because it was stunning! The sunset with the lighthouse was just insane. There are so many great spots to sit, plenty of space in the car park, and it’s a brilliant spot to take a picnic 🧺 Loads of hidden little coves too – well worth the drive!
🌊 Polzeath – Some of the best sunsets I’ve seen in Cornwall have been at Polzeath. I love watching a sunset with surfers in the background 🏄♀️ and this really delivers that. There are good food and drink options on the beach – my firm favourite is the Rum Bar 🍹 – but plenty of takeaway options too. And you can park right on the beach 🚗
🌄 Holywell – This beach has iconic rocks that the sun sets between (at certain times of year) – if you catch that, it’s amazing 🌞 Another soft, sandy beach and a great option if you’re staying in Newquay and want a short drive to somewhere quieter. There’s not really any food/drink here, so bring your own!
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