Top 5 Blue Flag Beaches in Cornwall

No, we're not talking about the colour of the water; we’re talking Blue Flag awards and all the beach props, services and quality standards that come with them. There are just over 4,000 of these premium beaches worldwide and quite a few in Cornwall. These beaches have worked hard to meet the very highest quality, safety and environmental criteria and to hold on to this prestigious stamp of approval.

So when you locate one of these beaches on the map you can be sure to find top notch facilities, including lifeguards, disabled access, toilets and amenities, as well as all the basic facilities that make a family day in the beach so much more relaxing and fuss-free.

Let's start with Polzeath Beach, one of the surfer's favourite beaches where the waves are so perfect that even the local Dolphins and Seals join in the fun. Young families can play alongside effortlessly, thanks to the little beach next door that offers kids safe swimming away from the frenzied wave riders. Dogs are banned from the beach during the holiday season but there are beaches nearby where they are welcome to frolic all year round. There is a great beach cafe and shops along the beachfront to entertain the tourists whilst the rest of Polzeath entertains sunbathers, walkers, surfers and the like.

Another of Cornwall’s legendary North coast beaches, Porthtowan is a Blue Flag surfing mecca that lies within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offers the most gorgeous fine, golden sand and wild dunes. This is a beach that will appeal to all ages, as there is so much to do including some of Cornwall's best scenic coastal walks, a play area for kids and some top quality waves. Dogs are banned from the main beach during the peak holiday season but the coastal walks on offer that lead from St Agnes to Portreath are an ideal way to exercise your precious hounds. On the beachfront there is a very cool beach cafe and there are some great shops and restaurants in town to visit.

A little further down the coast near St Ives is Carbis Bay, with a beach vibe that feels very five star, filled with turquoise water and surrounded by pale dunes, subtropical gardens and stunning nature. It lies within St Ives Bay, which is officially considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world - it even has a bird sanctuary next door. This is one of the few North coast beaches that offers young families surf-free fun, so the perfect spot for kiddies to swim safely. Dogs are banned during the day in the holiday season but are allowed on the beach between 5am and 8am for walks (one for the early risers).

Just a few miles away in St Ives lies Porthmeor. This is a great stretch of gold sand in the heart of St Ives, so excellent for those who have chosen to holiday in the hub of the cosmopolitan, arty scene. There are few places that combine such a fabulous beach with such a sophisticated social scene and there are some drop-dead gorgeous holiday apartments to be snapped-up within the trendy streets and lanes of this unique town. There is a seasonal dog ban during the holiday months but there are several other Cornwall beaches nearby that allow dogs which offer plenty of pet friendly accommodation to rent.

Last but not least in our collection of Cornwall’s 5 best Blue Flag beaches is the jewel of Falmouth, Gyllyngvase beach. This is a gorgeous curve of golden sand that lies about a 10 minute walk from the centre of town and is popular in the summer months with families who love water sports or a day of total relaxation. It has top quality facilities, as well as a superb gourmet beach cafe that hangs over the beach, offering incredible views over the ocean and headland. Again dogs are banned during the summer months, as with all Blue Flag beaches but there is a designated area for walking dogs so they can stretch their legs without any fuss.

The Blue Flag award hugely benefits the local tourist trade and is great for those who have a set idea of 'the ideal beach', but it should be taken as a loose guide and not as a Beach Bible. There are so many amazing beaches out there that have no Blue Flag simply because they are completely natural and un-spoilt and they are equally as clean and safe. In fact many other Cornwall beaches have all the facilities required to be considered a Blue Flag beach but missed out on the award due to something as small as a rusty lock on the disabled toilets. Which gives you an idea of how stringent the inspections are prior to giving out this prestigious award.