Porthleven Sands

The beach at Porthleven curves in a proper crescent of golden sand, backed by the fishing village itself - all working boats and pasties rather than amusement arcades. It's a proper working harbour, which means the vibe is refreshingly unstuffy. The sand shelves gently, making it decent for younger swimmers, and at low tide there's plenty of room to spread out without feeling rammed in with half of Cornwall.

It's not the sort of beach where you'll find yourself queuing for a parking space on a sunny Saturday. That's partly because it sits a touch off the main tourist drag - Praa Sands is just along the coast if you want something slightly busier - but mostly because locals have quietly kept the best bits to themselves. The village itself is worth a wander after a swim: proper fish and chips joints, a working fish market, and the sort of pubs that serve actual ale rather than anything craft-related.

Walkers should time it around the tide. At high water the beach compresses considerably, but the South West Coast Path runs right past, so you can string together a longer day if the mood takes. The Secret Garden Glamping sits a few miles inland - close enough for an evening beach stroll without feeling like you're commuting.

Go when the light's golden and the swell's manageable. You'll understand why the fishermen keep coming back.