Cornish Riviera Beach Holidays

There is something utterly charming about the southern and eastern coastlines of Cornwall. The beaches are washed with calm mild seas and the ports and resorts dotted along its shores are all totally unique. It's no wonder it's been dubbed the Cornish Riviera.

Starting along the eastern end of this unspoilt coast lies Looe, an historic working fishing port that boasts the twin towns of East and West Looe. East Looe, popular with pet owners offers a busy hub of little lanes, shops, cafes and pubs as well as a great family beach with an iconic Banjo pier at the end of it.

Across a grand Victorian bridge is West Looe, which is all about nature. Here you'll find piles of colourful rock pools to explore. There is also a great place to snorkel around the rocks and a shipwreck created especially for divers to enjoy safe waters. Many local fishermen offer fishing or boat trips in glass bottom vessels where you can spot a seal or a dolphin amongst other fascinating sea life.

But just being on the quayside can be great fun, especially is you catch a few crabs. If you can muster the energy for a hike the cliffs of the South West Coast Path offer a fabulous walk with stunning coastal views that give way to many hidden coves. Whichever side you choose first, these twin towns provide the perfect combination of wildlife, safe beaches and a bustling cultural social scene with lots to entertain you and the kids.

Similar to its neighbour, Polperro is a lovely place to relax and enjoy the simple things in life. The village has an eclectic array of cafes, pubs and galleries and there are arts and music festivals held in the summer. There are also some lovely pet friendly beaches around Talland Bay with cafes open in the summer. To the other side of the village there is Lansallos Cove for those who don't mind a challenging descent.

Further down the coast lies Fowey, yet another historic working port that lies on the mouth of the River Fowey that to this day still exports china clay. This is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, mostly due to its incredible natural harbour, which can be enjoyed from the esplanade on a balmy summer eve from the surrounding cliffs or from pretty neighbouring Polruan, located on the opposite river bank. The town is brimming with shops and social life with great places to sample delicacies like crafted ales, cream teas and local seafood.

Further along lies the larger and more commercial town of St Austell. Whilst the town is not the prettiest in Cornwall it offers many shops, restaurants and pubs and boasts the stunning harbour of Charlestown, where old sailing ships provide a popular location for films and television. Anyway, St Austell prides itself on its many beaches including Carlyon Bay, Duporth, Porthpean and Polkerris, all of which are exquisite and great for swimming. It is also perfectly located for some of Cornwall's favourite attractions, including The Eden Project, Cornwall's biggest brewery and the China Clay Museum.

Within easy reach of St Austell lies the port of Mevagissey, another one of those gorgeous old fishing towns with a working harbour, narrow lanes lined with specialist shops, galleries, cafes and pubs and a few cultural highlights, such as a Model Railways Exhibition, the Folk Museum, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and an impressive aquarium. Apart from all this the harbour offers a yachting pool and the golden sands that surround are simply magnificent and popular with those holidaying with pets. Beaches such as Pentewan, Portmellon or Polstreath are a few worth penciling into your holiday programme and for the fossil hunters there are others including Gorran Haven.

That said, Gorran Haven should be considered a resort in its own right. It has two east facing beaches that sit beside one of Cornwall's most unspoilt fishing harbour’s and village. Both beaches are easily accessible and perfect for families as they have basic facilities, a number of cottages on the beach nearby and offer a range of beach activities at low tide including safe swimming, snorkeling, rock pooling, kayaking and sailing. The village also has just enough to keep the cupboards stocked and St Austell is only a short drive away should you need for more.