Pentire Haven

The stretch of sand at Pentire Haven sits tucked between towering clifftops, accessible from New Polzeath by a decent coastal walk. You're looking at a proper secluded cove - the sort that rewards effort with genuine solitude, at least out of peak season. The beach itself is fairly modest in size, flanked by dramatic red sandstone cliffs that shift colour depending on the light. Low tide opens up more sand; high tide can make things a bit cramped, so timing matters here.

It's ideal for walkers rather than those after a full day of sunbathing and ice cream. The walk from New Polzeath takes twenty minutes or so and involves a fair stretch along the cliff path - nothing technical, but it's not flat. Families with young children might find the access a slog in summer heat. Swimmers and surfers won't get much out of Pentire Haven itself; it's more of a stopping point for those doing the longer Cornish coastal walks. Photographers get genuine value from the cliff formations, especially in golden hour.

With Porthilly Beach Holiday Park and St Minver Holiday Park both within a couple of miles, Pentire Haven works as a quiet alternative to the busier beaches closer to Padstow. It's the sort of place you'd build into a morning's clifftop ramble rather than plan a whole afternoon around. Worth the detour if you're in the area and fancy something less crowded than the main beaches.