10 articles
There is no denying the fact that the coast path in Cornwall is one of the British Islesâ best assets; stretching over 422 miles, this special coastline is made up of pretty fishing villages, dramatic clifftops scattered with engine houses, and breathtaking sandy beaches to gaze down upon. However, the endless choices makes finding the place to lay your picnic blanket a particularly tricky task! So we have taken it upon ourselves to scour the coastline and pull together a list of 13 of the best picnic spots for your next trip to the Cornish coast
Kynance Cove
Carved into the cliffs on the south coast of Cornwall on the Lizard Peninsula youâll find Kynance Cove, with its white sands, turquoise waters and incredible rock formations. A lovely sheltered location for a picnic. Plus, there is a cafe nearby if you need additional supplies, a National Trust car park with public toilets an easy walk away, and wheelchair access down to the cove. The beach is also dog friendly anytime apart from between 10am – 6pm in July.1
- Grid reference: SW 68490 13182
- What3words: ///clinic.records.conclude
See: Best Beaches in Cornwall â The Ultimate Guide
Pendennis point, Falmouth
If youâre wanting beautiful estuary views in one direction, a soft and calm outlook onto Falmouth Bay in the other and the open ocean straight in front of you, then Pendennis Point in Falmouth is the perfect stop for you to perch for your next ocean side picnic. This headland has grassy areas as well as little coves to clamber down to. It has ample free parking and you can easily walk into Falmouth, or up to Pendennis Castle, built by King Henry VIII and now an English Heritage site.2 There are public loos a mile or so away at Castle Beach and if youâre thinking to take your dog with you, Pendennis point is dog-friendly year round.
- Grid reference: SW 82696 31494
- What3words: ///magma.clear.cove
Godrevy
Popular for surfing, seal spotting, strolls along the huge expanse that is Hayle Towans and views across St Ives Bay, Godrevy offers a vast amount to observe over a picnic. The coast path runs the entire length of Hayle Towans, but Godrevy has the edge for picnic goers because it is easy to park (National Trust car park with a cafe) and you can choose to place your picnic blanket on a beach below the sand dunes or one on the low lying cliffs, overlooking the lighthouse. Our tip? This picnic place is best enjoyed in the evening for its panoramic views of the ocean at sunset. Plus, if you choose the cliffs, your dog friend can join anytime of year. Whereas the beach has restrictions between 10am – 6pm in July & August.3
- Grid reference: SW 58731 42006
- What3words: ///triangles.handbook.named
Rosemullion Head
The coast path runs across the top and around this south coast headland, overlooking Falmouth bay and into the Helford Estuary. The landscape here is gentle and pretty. There are plenty of foot paths and circular walks you can enjoy too. A great spot for a walk and lunch stop. You will have to go prepared though as there are no cafes or public toilets here. However, parking is simple if you choose to park in the layby opposite Nansidwell house and dogs can roam free anytime of year too.
- Grid reference: SW 78506 28089
- What3words: ///snowstorm.discloses.boomed
Marazion
The beach at Marazion makes a one-of-a-kind place for a picnic because of its views. Overlooking the iconic St Michaelsâ Mount, sit yourself on the sandy beach in front and enjoy a picnic with a truly special view. This is also a great destination for a day trip, should you choose to visit the Mount or explore along the coast to Penzance or even further, to the pretty fishing village of Mousehole. Plus, it is very family friendly, with a car park right behind the beach with public loos, little shops and a nice cafe. The same dog rules apply here as they do for most beaches in Cornwall, allowing dogs anytime apart from between 10am – 6pm in July and August.4
- Grid reference: SW 52355 31072
- What3words: ///switch.regularly.weeded
See: Marazion Beach Guide
Crantock
On the north coast of Cornwall, near Newquay, Crantock is a small village and beach on the north coast of Cornwall, near Newquay. It is one of the best locations for a picnic, particularly in June, because only a short walk away, at Polly Joke, youâll find colourful wildflower meadows and fields filled with poppies. A heavenly place for an early summer picnic! It is a nice one for a family (particularly those with a dog) because there is a car park, public loos, a kiosk for refreshments in the summer and it is dog friendly all year round.5
- Grid reference: SW 79032 60227
- What3words: ///profited.facelift.summit
See: Crantock Beach Guide
Readymoney Cove, Fowey
This small but perfectly formed beach is to the south of Fowey town. The sandy beach is sheltered by the cliffs and overlooks the estuary and across to Polruan on the opposite side. Being only a short stroll from Fowey town means you can enjoy browsing the independent shops and art galleries during your visit too, and walk up an appetite for your daytime picnic. Alternatively if you choose to head straight to the beach, there is a car park, loo facilities and a beach shop for refreshments.6 It is worth noting that if youâre heading to Readymoney Cove with your dog friend in tow, you must avoid July & August, as dogs are not allowed on the beach during these months.
- Grid reference: SX 11803 51076
- What3words: ///loafer.pushover.fizzy
Trevone
The headland along from Trevone is part of a thoroughly enjoyable circular walk, between the pretty north coast village of Trevone and the popular town of Padstow. The walk takes you on the south west coast path, around the headland itself. Look out for âRound Holeâ (a huge hole in the cliffs formed by the top of a cave collapsing in) near Trevone, as you start your walk around the headland. Choose to stop on route to Padstow for your picnic so you can soak in the panoramic views and reward yourself with an ice cream or a Cornish cream-tea in Padstow at the end. You can make this a circular walk but doing the short walk across the top, rather than walking about around on the coast path. Whether you start your walk in Padstow or Trevone, youâll find parking and public toilet facilities and cafes at both ends.
- Grid reference: SW 89343 75576
- What3words: ///quaking.families.princely
St Mawes
Another beauty spot on the south coast of Cornwall is St Mawes. A pretty fishing village on the Roseland peninsula. Scattered with pretty Victorian houses, small sandy beaches and a selection of independent shops, St Mawes makes a great day out as well as a top picnicking place. You can drive here easily or alternatively, take the passenger ferry from Falmouth. This service runs year round. There is parking, public loos and plenty of cafes to choose from and plenty of the spaces in and around St Mawes are dog friendly.
- Grid reference: SW 84716 033108
- What3words: ///yourself.swerving.motor
Chapel Porth
Along from St Agnes, in north Cornwall, is the striking Chapel Porth.7 The beach is surrounded by jaw dropping cliffs with engine houses nestled into the hillside on your approach. The beach is National Trust, and it has a car park, toilet facilities and a cafe, in case you forget to pack the picnic! Dogs are allowed on the beach too, anytime apart from 10am – 6pm in July and August.
- Grid reference: SW 69741 49486
- What3words: ///student.muted.outgoing
Prussia Cove
This is a real hidden gem. There is a small car park at the top of the hill with a short stroll down a footpath to the beach. It is a very pretty cove with turquoise water and a sheltered beach and a big plus is it allows dogs year round too. It is located in south Cornwall, between the Lizard Peninsula and Marazion. There is also a scenic walk along the south west coast path to Praa Sands, where you can enjoy the view of St Michaelâs Mount before heading back to Prussia for a little lunch. Due to this being quite a hidden spot, there are no facilities or cafes so make sure you pack a good lunch for your day trip!
- Grid reference: SW 55652 27978
- What3words: ///respond.capillary.include
Trebarwith Strand
This striking coastal hamlet is ideal for those seeking somewhere in Cornwall, but not too far to cross the border from Devon if youâre embarking on a long journey to get here. It is also a great picnic location for those travelling with their furry friend, as it is a dog friendly beach year round and the little hamlet has plenty of parking.8
- Grid reference: SX 05125 86439
- What3words: ///changes.lump.summaries
Poldhu Cove
The final on the list is Poldlu Cove, on the Lizard Peninsula. The beach is lovely and open, with plenty of space for children to run around and enjoy the golden sand whilst you sit back to enjoy ocean views. If the picnic doesnât quite satisfy your appetite, the cafe here does incredible hot chocolates and ice creams! The beach also has a car park, loo facilities in the summer months and allows dogs anytime other than between 10am – 6pm in July & August.9
- Grid reference: SW 66442 19906
- What3words: ///decisions.shaped.cloth
See: The Best Free Things to Do in Cornwall (Local Guide)
Article Sources
- National Trust (no date) Kynance Cove, Cornwall. Available at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/kynance-cove National Trust National Trust[↩]
- English Heritage (no date) Pendennis Castle. Available at: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/pendennis-castle/ English Heritage English Heritage[↩]
- National Trust (no date) Godrevy, Cornwall. Available at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/godrevy National Trust National Trust[↩]
- Marazion.info (no date) Beach and Sea, Marazion. Available at: https://www.marazion.info/beach-and-sea Marazion.info Marazion.info[↩]
- National Trust (no date) Crantock Beach, Cornwall. Available at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/crantock-beach National Trust National Trust[↩]
- Fowey.co.uk (no date) Readymoney Cove Beach. Available at: https://www.fowey.co.uk/things-to-do/readymoney-cove-beach-p473173 Fowey.co.uk Fowey.co.uk[↩]
- National Trust (no date) Chapel Porth, Cornwall. Available at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/chapel-porth National Trust National Trust[↩]
- Visit Cornwall (no date) 10 dog friendly beaches â all year round. Available at: https://www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do/beaches/10-dog-friendly-beaches-all-year-round Visit Cornwall Visit Cornwall[↩]
- National Trust (no date) Poldhu Cove, Cornwall. Available at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/poldhu-cove National Trust National Trust[↩]
Frequently Asked Questions
The Zennor to St Ives walk in West Cornwall is often hailed as the best coastal walk. At 6.5â7 miles, it offers stunning scenery, sea views, and a rewarding finish. Parking is available at both ends, with a bus return option.
For the perfect Cornish picnic spot, check weather and tides. Choose a sandy beach with shelter from wind, plenty of space at low tide, and sunshine. Nearby parking and a café for ice cream make it even better.
The best beach for a picnic in Cornwall would have to be Kynance Cove. Located on the Lizard Peninsula and in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Kynance not only offers incredible clifftop views, but also a sandy beach, a fabulous cafe, a National Trust car park, and wheelchair access to the beach.
Yes, you can picnic on National Trust sites, including beaches and coastpaths. They simply ask that you take your rubbish home with you.
The coastal path in Cornwall is 422 miles in total, and is free and open year round for walkers, nature lovers or those looking to simply picnic on the Cornish coast.
Dog-friendly picnic spots on the Cornwall Coast Path include Prussia Cove, Godrevy cliffs, and Trebarwith Strand. While some beaches have seasonal dog restrictions, clifftop picnic areas and coastal paths are generally dog-friendly year-round. Always check local signage before visiting.
Family-friendly Coast Path picnic spots in Cornwall include Chapel Porth, Marazion Beach, and Trevone near Padstow. These locations offer nearby parking, toilets, cafés, and gentler access, making them suitable for children and stress-free family picnics.
Facilities vary by location. Chapel Porth, St Mawes, and Godrevy offer car parks, toilets, and cafés nearby. More remote picnic spots such as Prussia Cove and Rosemullion Head have limited facilities, so visitors should bring food, water, and rubbish bags.
The best time to picnic on the South West Coast Path is May to September, when weather is milder and daylight is longer. Spring and early summer offer quieter paths and wildflowers, while autumn provides fewer crowds and dramatic coastal views.
Yes, picnicking is allowed on most Cornwall beaches and clifftops along the South West Coast Path. Some beaches have seasonal dog restrictions during summer, but picnics are still permitted. Visitors should follow local rules and leave no litter.
The best sunset picnic spots in Cornwall include Godrevy Cliffs, Marazion Beach, and west-facing headlands along St Ives Bay. These Coast Path locations offer open views over the Atlantic, making them ideal for evening picnics and coastal sunsets.
Marazion Beach is the best picnic spot with direct views of St Michaelâs Mount. The sandy beach and Coast Path nearby provide uninterrupted views of the tidal island, making it one of Cornwallâs most iconic picnic locations.
Written by
Penelopeâs background in marketing and literature, combined with her love of all things Cornwall, makes it a real joy for her to write about local towns, places to visit, and sights to see in this beautiful corner of the UK. Brought up on the south coast of Cornwall on an arable farm, Penelopeâs passion for the natural landscape and local communities shines through in her writing, particularly when creating guides to the best things to do at different times of the year.
10 articles published on Cornwall.co.uk
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