One of the best family beaches in Cornwall is Harlyn Bay, a vast and breathtaking expanse of golden sand and glistening sea. Shouldered by sand dunes, this horseshoe shaped bay provides both a spacious beach for play and sheltered spots for rest.
In the summer, the whole family including dogs can spend the day on the beach playing games on the sand, exploring the rock pools and paddling in the water. There are food and drink vendors onsite, including an ice cream van in the warmer months.
Even in the spring and autumn, Harlyn Bay offers a wonderful place to blow away the cobwebs and feel closer to nature. Wrap up warm as the beach can be windy, but it is a unique experience to walk along the rippled sand in the soft autumnal light.
The village of Harlyn is known for its beautiful landscape. As one of the Seven Bays near Padstow, Harlyn Bay offers visitors a stunning coastal walk. With historical roots in the bronze age, the beach is surrounded by farmland with iron age heritage, making it feel like an ancient treasure.
A small stream feeds into the bay connecting the land to the sea. Subsequently there is sometimes a strip of water you have to cross to get to the main part of the beach. We would recommend wearing good waterproof shoes if you don’t want your feet to get wet.
This beach has lifeguards from May to September, with limited shifts in October for half term. Toilet facilities are available nearby. There is limited charged parking, but as this beach is popular in the tourist season we would advise getting there as early as possible.