Perhaver Beach

Perhaver Beach sits just outside Gorran Haven on Cornwall's south coast, a proper working fishing village sort of place where you're more likely to spot lobster pots than deckchairs. The beach itself is small - maybe 200 metres of golden sand backed by low cliffs - and it's the kind of spot where locals actually outnumber tourists, which says something.

You'll find rock pools at low tide that keep kids occupied for hours, and the water's clear enough for a decent swim if you're brave. The village has a couple of cafes and a fish merchant that sells the catch from boats you can watch being unloaded. It's unglamorous and genuinely Cornish, without the polish of Padstow or Polperro.

Walkers get the most from this area. There's a coastal path section that connects to the wider South West Coast Path network, and the cliffs either side offer proper views towards Mevagissey. Families with younger kids will find it manageable - no massive facilities, but that's partly the appeal. You're looking at a couple of hours here if you're beach-pottering, longer if you're doing the coastal walk.

Treveague Campsite is less than a mile away, which makes Perhaver handy for a base. The nearest bigger park is Pentewan Sands at just over three miles, if you want more amenities. Summer weekends get busy, but weekday visits in shoulder season feel like you've found something the guidebooks missed. Worth the detour if you're staying in the area - skip it only if you need golden sands and beach bars.