Talland Bay

The moment you round the corner near Looe and spot Talland Bay, you understand why people come back to this stretch of coast. It's a proper crescent of golden sand backed by low cliffs, the kind of place that feels almost private even when there are families scattered across the beach. The walk down is manageable - fifteen minutes from the car park, nothing steep - and you emerge onto a beach that's genuinely lovely, with rock pools worth exploring at low tide and enough space that you won't feel crowded even in summer.

What makes it work is the scale. This isn't a vast dramatic sweep - it's intimate enough that kids won't get lost, serious enough that adults won't feel bored after an hour. The cliffs shelter it from the worst of the wind, and the sand stays relatively firm. Walkers use it as a stop-off point on the coastal path; families with younger children treat it as their main spot for the day. If you're staying at Killigarth Manor or Tencreek - both within a mile - this is where you'll spend your beach time.

Go mid-week if you can. The car park's small and it fills quickly on weekends. High tide wipes out most of the sand, so check the times before you head over. Bring a picnic - there's nowhere to eat here, though you're only ten minutes from Looe's cafes and restaurants if you can't be bothered. Free to access, no facilities beyond the car park, and absolutely worth the short drive from wherever you're staying.