Hallane Beach

Drive down the narrow lane towards Pentewan and you'll find Hallane Beach tucked away where most tourists never venture. It's a proper pocket-sized cove with soft sand backed by low cliffs, the kind of place that fills up with locals rather than day-trippers. The beach itself is manageable - maybe a quarter mile of usable sand at high tide, less at low water - and it faces south so you get proper warmth when the sun's out.

Walkers will appreciate the easy access and the clifftop paths that connect through to neighbouring coves. Families with young kids do well here because it's sheltered and the water's usually calm. Bring a spade and bucket and they'll be content for a good couple of hours. The car park sits right above the beach, which is convenient if you've got toddlers in tow, though it does get tight on summer weekends.

It's free to visit and park, which feels increasingly rare along the Cornish coast. Allow an hour for a proper splash about, longer if you're the type to explore the rockpools or walk the coastal path. Weather matters - when the Atlantic swell rolls in from the west, it can get choppy, so check conditions beforehand.

Stay at Tregarton Park or Treveague Campsite nearby and you've got a proper base for exploring this stretch of coast. Hallane doesn't demand a full day, but it's worth knowing about when you want something quieter than the honeypot beaches closer to Mevagissey.