Fox Cove

A short stretch of sand tucked away near Trethias, Fox Cove is the sort of beach you stumble upon rather than deliberately trek to. It's small - properly small - with golden sand that gets decent sun exposure and a handful of rock pools when the tide's out. The cove itself sits between low cliffs, offering enough shelter to make it appealing even when there's a bit of wind coming off the water.

This is a locals' spot rather than a destination beach. You won't find cafes or facilities, so pack what you need. Families with young kids tend to do well here because it's quiet enough that children can actually play without fighting through crowds, though the lack of amenities means you're self-sufficient. Walkers get more from it as a waypoint along the coastal path than as a standalone visit - it's worth a paddle and a sit-down, not necessarily a full afternoon.

The beach is free to access, naturally. Allow an hour if you're making it your sole stop, or twenty minutes if you're passing through. Go when the tide's out to get the most sand and decent rock pool action for kids. It works as a gentle break if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Padstow Holiday Village, Sun Haven, or Watergate Bay Touring Park are all within reasonable driving distance - but don't build your whole day around it. It's pleasant rather than spectacular, and that's precisely its appeal if you're after somewhere quiet.