Constantine Bay

Constantine Bay sweeps north of Treyarnon in a proper golden crescent, backed by low dunes and surprisingly quiet considering how accessible it is. The beach here is the sort that shifts with the tide - at low water you've got yards of firm sand perfect for walking; at high tide it narrows considerably but the water's clearer. Surfers come regularly, and you'll see why: the reef break works well enough to keep things interesting without being intimidating for beginners.

It's a solid family beach, honestly. The sand doesn't disappear entirely at high tide like some Cornish stretches, there's enough space to find your own spot even in summer, and the approach from the car park is straightforward - no brutal cliff walks required. Teenagers won't complain; younger kids will be happy building castles and paddling. Worth bringing a wetsuit even in summer; the Atlantic doesn't warm up much.

Stay based at Padstow Holiday Village or Dennis Cove Campsite just three or four miles away, and Constantine works as a quieter alternative to the busier beaches closer to Padstow itself. You're well placed for exploring Treyarnon and the wider north coast without feeling like you're in the thick of the holiday-park crush. The setting's natural enough - dunes, coastal scrub, no amusement arcades in sight. Bring a picnic rather than relying on facilities; there's not much beside the beach itself. Two or three hours here is about right unless you're seriously committed to the seaside day.