Kennack Sands

The moment you crest the grassy dunes at Kennack Sands, you understand why people keep coming back to this stretch of Cornish coast. It's a proper working beach - surfers bobbing in the swell, families building castles, the odd dog chasing seagulls - rather than some Instagram-polished postcard. The sand is golden and wide, especially at low tide when you get a vast expanse to play with. There's no pretence here, no fancy beach clubs or overpriced cafes, which is exactly the point.

You'll find it near Helston, tucked into the quieter part of the Lizard Peninsula where fewer tourists seem to venture. The access is easy enough, though there's limited parking and it can get rammed during summer weekends - go early or hit it on a weekday if you can. The beach itself faces east, so it catches proper waves and can be choppy, but that's brilliant for surfers and body boarders. Families with younger kids will be fine in the shallows on calmer days.

Allow a couple of hours minimum, longer if you're the type to just sit and watch the swell roll in. It's free, naturally, and there's something refreshing about a beach that hasn't been turned into a retail opportunity. If you're staying at Henry's Camp Site - just three miles away with a solid 4.2 rating - or The Secret Garden Glamping further inland, Kennack makes an uncomplicated half-day trip. No facilities on the beach itself, so bring what you need.