Readymoney Beach

The walk down to Readymoney Beach from Polruan takes about fifteen minutes and it's worth every step. You're descending through proper woodland, getting glimpses of the Fowey estuary through the trees before the beach itself comes into view - a crescent of fine shingle backed by high cliffs and a Napoleonic fort that sits rather dramatically on the headland above.

It's a working beach in the best sense. Fishing boats bob in the shallows, locals know the tides here intimately, and the whole place has that unfussy Cornish charm that never feels like it's trying. The fort - Readymoney itself, dating from the 1860s - is a draw for history types, though it's not always open to the public so check ahead. The main appeal is simply this: a sheltered cove with decent sand exposure at low tide, clean water that's popular with swimmers, and the kind of light that makes you understand why artists keep coming back to this stretch of coast.

Families with younger children will appreciate the gentler gradient here compared to some Cornish beaches, though the shingle can be tough underfoot. Allow two to three hours if you're just swimming and paddling; longer if you're settling in for the afternoon. It's a natural base if you're staying at Par Sands or Tremeer Farm, both within a couple of miles. Arrive early in summer to beat the crowds - this isn't a secret, but it never feels rammed either.