Nature Experiences along the Cornwall Coast

The are our top picks for beachcombing in Cornwall…

Marazion Beach

Marazion is best known for its views across to St Michael’s Mount, but there’s plenty more to discover along this stretch of coastline. Take a walk along the shoreline and look out for wading birds feeding along the water’s edge. Nearby Marazion Marsh is also well worth a visit, particularly if you’re interested in birdwatching, with a variety of species making use of this important wetland habitat.

Gwithian Beach

Gwithian is a great beach to explore at any time of year, with miles of sand, extensive dunes and plenty of rocky areas to investigate. At low tide, the rock pools reveal all sorts of marine life, while after a storm you’ll often find seaweed, shells and other interesting finds washed ashore. The surrounding dunes are also home to a variety of coastal plants and wildlife, making this a good spot for a longer walk.

Polly Joke

Also known as Porth Joke, this beach sits between Crantock and Holywell Bay and is a little more tucked away than some of Cornwall’s better-known beaches. Access is on foot, which helps keep it relatively quiet. The surrounding headlands and coastal grasslands are particularly good for exploring, with wildflowers adding plenty of colour in spring and summer. It’s also a lovely spot for a peaceful beach walk away from the busier stretches of coast.

Porthcurno

Porthcurno is famous for its fine white sand and clear turquoise water, but the surrounding coastline is just as interesting. The granite cliffs and headlands provide excellent walking, with the South West Coast Path offering some great routes towards Porthgwarra and beyond. Keep an eye out for seabirds along the cliffs and marine life further offshore. It’s a lovely area to explore if you enjoy combining a beach visit with a longer coastal walk.

Sennen Cove

Right down on Cornwall’s western tip, Sennen Cove is exposed to the full force of the Atlantic, making it a particularly good spot for a bracing coastal walk. Its long sandy beach, rocky edges and surrounding headlands offer plenty to explore, especially after a storm when the shoreline can be scattered with interesting seaweed and shells. The South West Coast Path towards Land’s End is also worth following for some fantastic views along this rugged stretch of coastline.

The best places for whale sightings on the Cornish coast:

Mount’s Bay

Mount’s Bay is one of the best-known areas for humpback whale sightings in Cornwall. Whales have been regularly reported here during the winter months, including Pi, a well-known humpback that has returned to the area over several years. Try watching from the coastline around Marazion, Mousehole and Penzance, keeping a close eye on the water.

Newquay Coast and Watergate Bay

The north coast has also seen an increase in humpback sightings, particularly around Newquay, Watergate Bay and Bedruthan Steps. Individual whales have been recorded feeding close to shore, sometimes staying in the area for days or even weeks. The elevated coastal viewpoints make this a good stretch of coastline for scanning the water with binoculars.

Sennen

The far west of Cornwall is another area worth watching, with humpbacks reported off Sennen, Gwynver and around Land’s End. There have been some particularly memorable sightings along this stretch, including a whale breaching off Gwynver in December 2023. The coastal paths provide plenty of good vantage points, so wrap up warm, take your binoculars and keep looking out to sea.