Carbis Bay Beach

The curved sweep of Carbis Bay Beach unfolds like a golden crescent, backed by low cliffs and surprisingly sheltered from the Atlantic wind that hammers other stretches of the Cornish coast. It's a proper family beach - the kind where toddlers can paddle without being knocked sideways by a rip current, and older kids actually want to stay longer than twenty minutes.

The sand is decent enough, though not as fine as you'll find further down the coast towards Perranporth. What makes it work is the accessibility. The beach sits just a short walk from Carbis Bay village, with reasonable parking and facilities nearby. At high tide it shrinks considerably, so time your visit for the hours either side of low water if you want proper beach real estate.

You're looking at two to three hours here comfortably - enough for a swim, a play in the rock pools, and a pasty from one of the local cafes. It's ideal if you're basing yourself at Polmanter Touring Park or Haven Riviere Sands Holiday Park, both within walking distance. The beach itself is free, naturally.

Walkers will find it a decent starting point for coastal path rambles heading towards St. Ives, though the main appeal is straightforward seaside lounging rather than dramatic scenery. Not a showstopper - you're not going to photograph it for a travel magazine - but it punches above its weight for a bank holiday afternoon with the family.