A mile-long sweep of golden sand just a mile from St Ives, sheltered from the Atlantic swell and about as close to the Mediterranean as Cornwall gets. The calm, clear water makes it one of the best swimming beaches in the county, and it’s perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking too. The South West Coast Path runs above the beach with a stunning 25-minute coastal walk into St Ives. You can also arrive by train on the scenic St Ives Bay Line — a much better option than fighting for a parking space in summer. No dogs between 15 May and 30 September, 10am–6pm.