Alternative Cornwall - Great Beaches to Explore

The Cornwall coastline is made-up of over 250 miles of undulating and zigzagging shores. There are over 150 beaches and coves to discover here... some are huge and brash but many are secluded and nestled into the most impossibly idyllic woodland or natural harbours.

To find them it's best to head for the outskirts of the bigger towns, or to stay away from the obvious resorts. If you fancy something off the beaten track that oozes authentic Cornish charm and tradition then read-on to discover some of the not so obvious coastal gems in Cornwall.

Lets begin with the South East of Cornwall, near to Devon, where there are quaintest twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand. They face the sparkling Plymouth Sound and can be accessed via ferry from Plymouth or by road. Both villages are part of the elegant Mount Edgcumbe Country Park as well as a designated Area of Outsanding Natural Beauty that encompasses the Rame Peninsula. Both villages are filled with history and stories of pilchard fishing and smugglers fortunes and the local architecture and coastal cottages are classic Cornish stone and whitewashed. There is even an idyllic little fort overlooking the water and the beach is compact but has all you could need for a perfect romantic escape or family holiday by the sea.

Further West lies the village of Looe, a pretty working fishing port that straddles the Looe river and boasts a good sized fishing fleet. This river serves as both a harbour and to divide a rather grand historic town into East and West sides. The East is a tangle of little lanes filled with cafes, shops and pubs, which lead to a charming local beach with its own quirky pier and family friendly facilities. The West side is linked via a fabulous Victorian bridge and contains plenty of historic buildings to admire. It also has some superb beaches that can be accessed along a very scenic footpath on the banks of the river. One of the popular local attractions is Looe Island that is certainly worth a visit.

Further along the same coastline is the arty harbour town of Falmouth, also located on an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on a River, actually the Carrick Roads, a waterway where various rivers converge to create a grand estuary. Falmouth offers both nature and culture in one perfect package. It most definitely rivals St Ives in the creative stakes with film, art and music events running back to back, especially in the summer months. And the surrounding landscapes and wildlife are unique and splendid. There are the Helford and Fal Rivers to explore, which offer scenic and adventure water activities and there are plenty of delightful beaches no matter which direction you head in.

On the other side of Cornwall lie some seaside towns that face the feistier Atlantic. These are equally un-spoilt Cornish jewels with a wilder feel. One such jewel can be found near the well-known resort of Newquay. Porth, which is very popular for Cornwall group holidays, is a small seaside village that lies on a gloriously deep and sandy beach, conveniently sheltered on both extremities by a stunning headland. Young explorers will love Porth's very own island, which can be accessed via a foot bridge. The remains on show of the Iron Age at nearby Trelvelgue Head are a must, as is the phenomenal blow hole on the headland, with the views across the mainland beyond absolutely spectacular.

Portreath is a pretty historic port town that used to export copper ore but has been slowly transformed into an idyllic beach holiday spot for those looking to get in touch with the traditional Cornish beach life. This is a popular surfing destination and a favourite with the families as the beach is huge and furnished with golden sand and fabulous waves. There is a great beach cafe and a cool restaurant and the beach facilities are more than adequate. Although dogs are not allowed on the beach during the warmer months, there are some fabulous coastal walks that any dog owner on a pet friendly holiday in Cornwall would relish due to the great cliff views and accompanying nature. There are also super cycling routes where the old copper tramlines once lay. The village centre is superbly authentic, whilst offering just the right number of shops and bars and there are plenty of sports and leisure activities available nearby, namely in Tehidy Country Park, which offers 250 acres of woodland, lakes and wildlife.

Port Isaac is probably the most picturesque fishing port on the North Coast and so oozes the best of Cornish charm. It is impossible not to fall in love with its perfect little harbour, snuck so neatly into a lush green gorge and protected by rocky headland. Then there are the idyllic old whitewashed cottages that decorate the surrounding hills and that line the tangle of village lanes. The local beaches are sandy and serve-up some fantastic waves and the facilities are very good. Add to this some utterly exquisite landscapes and waterscapes and you can understand why it's so hard to leave this beautiful village.