Hannafore Beach

The sandy curve of Hannafore Beach, just outside Looe, is one of those Cornish coves that feels properly lived-in rather than picture-postcard pristine. You get golden sand backed by low cliffs, rock pools that reveal themselves at low tide, and enough space that you won't feel hemmed in even during summer holidays.

It's a family-friendly sort of place. The sand slopes gently into the water, which matters when you've got young kids who need confidence-building shallow bits before they'll venture deeper. At low tide the pools are excellent for crab-hunting and general mucking about, though the usual warnings apply - slippery rocks, sneaker waves, watch them constantly.

The main appeal here is straightforward: a decent beach without the circus. Looe itself sits just along the coast and has the usual seaside shops and chip shops if you need them, but Hannafore itself is refreshingly low-key. There's parking nearby, though it fills up midday in peak season.

If you're staying at Tencreek Holiday Park, barely a mile away, or any of the other parks clustered around Looe, this is an easy morning or afternoon venture. Come at low tide if you want the pools, or on a weekday if you want elbow room. It won't blow your mind, but it's a proper working beach that doesn't feel like it's been designed for Instagram. That's rather the point.