Beach Holidays in Whitsand Bay

Portwrinkle

Portwrinkle Beach, in the village of Portwrinkle, is another favourite with those on beach holidays in Whitsand Bay. Although access can be a little difficult, this beach always draws the summer crowds with its sands and many rock pools.

The path leading to this beach is quite steep, so it’s probably best to pack some flat shoes and keep bags to a minimum! The beach also has great surf, so the sight of surfers and bodyboarders is common all year round. There are toilets by the beach, and a seasonal dog ban. Portwrinkle has a Seaside Award and is also Good Beach Guide recommended.

Freathy

Perfect for family beach holidays in Whitsand Bay, Freathy Beach is found about halfway along the sandy arc of Whitsand Bay, and lies directly beneath the pretty village of Freathy.

This beach is south- facing and so something of a sun trap during summer, so pack your sun cream even if it doesn’t feel very hot!

There is a car park nearby, as well as toilet facilities, a lifeguard service during summer and cafes. Unfortunately this beach is not safe for swimming, so if you like to be i the water one of the others is probably best.

Downderry

Downderry Beach, to the east of Seaton, has easy access and great facilities, but it isn’t the largest sandy beach in Whitsand Bay.

The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle, and the beach revealed at low tide is fairly narrow. It’s possible to walk from Seaton to Downderry along this beach when the tide’s out, but please keep a close eye on the tide times if you do, as there is a risk of being cut off. This beach has a seasonal dog ban, nearby parking, close amenities and easy access... so although not the most scenic of beaches in the area it’s a lovely one for a family visit.

Whitsand Bay Beach

Whitsand Bay Beach is a great one to start with when planning beach holidays in Whitsand Bay. Few could resist this unspoilt length of sand at any time of year, let alone during the summer when surfers dot the waves and the surrounding scenery comes into its own.

There is lifeguard during high season, and The South West Coast Path follows the bay, so it’s a lovely point to visit during a walk if you’re not one for sitting on the beach. It’s worth noting that there are no toilet facilities on Whitsand Beach, and access to the beach can be steep and slippery.

Long Sands Beach

Long Sands Beach in Tregantle is a fantastic choice during a Whitsand Bay beach holiday, and it boasts all the picturesque qualities you’d expect from a Cornish beach. This beach connects to several more along Whitsand Bay, and together they form a sandy ribbon stretching to Rame Head.

This beach is a great starting point for a walk, but check the tide times before heading off. Tregantle Fort, which overlooks Long Sands Beach, is used by the MOD and can be the scene of live fire, so look out for the warning signs.