As we come to the end of 2021, we’re already looking forward to next summer. When we can once again spend our days with the sand between our toes and the sound of children playing in the surf to fill our ears. If you too are looking forward to this, you might want to know more about some of Cornwall’s Blue Flag beaches.
Awarded to beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators around the world, the Blue Flag is a symbol of quality. Beaches awarded Blue Flag status are judged for their water quality, environmental impact, facilities, safety and educational efforts, and accessibility.
Around the world, there are currently 4831 Blue Flag beaches, marinas and boats across 50 countries. Ten of them are here in sunny Cornwall! In fact, 9 of Cornwall’s 10 Blue Flag beaches on the North coast- including two very close to us here at Harlyn Sands!
🌊 Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
A beautiful stretch of white sandy beach, just a short walk from the picturesque fishing town of St Ives. This beach is exceptional for families. Whether you’re surfing, splashing or looking for some great seaside food and drink, the facilities at Porthmeor are excellent.
🌊 Carbis Bay, St Ives
This golden sand beach is privately owned by the Carbis Bay Hotel Ltd, but free to the public all year round. The sheltered nature of this bay makes it a fantastic destination for swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding. Carbis Bay is known to have a great wealth of sea life, including seals, dolphins, spider crabs and more.
🌊 Portreath, Redruth
A mixture of sand and shingle make up this delightful beach close to the village of Portreath with its arcades, shops and family friendly pubs and cafes. This beach is popular amongst surfers who come to experience the unique waves created by the imposing sea wall.
🌊Porthtowan Beach, St Agnes
Golden sands and rock pools a plenty at Porthtowan Beach make this a popular stop for families as well as those wanting to hit the water. Porthtowan is within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Backed by large sand dunes and dramatic cliffs, with an expanse of soft golden sands, there’s even a play park.
🌊 Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth
This south facing beach is Falmouth’s largest and most popular. Just 10 minutes walk from the town centre, with plentiful amenities and watersports available. Gyllyngvase is wheelchair and pram friendly too. The beach is adjoined to Green Flag award winning Queen Mary Gardens which is home to a collection of sub-tropical plants.
🌊 Great Western Beach, Newquay
One of 4 beaches in Newquay, Great Western is popular with surfers and families alike. There are lots of rock pools and caves to explore in the rugged cliff faces. At low tide, it is possible to walk to both Towan and Tolcarne beaches.
🌊 Trevone Bay, nr Padstow
Of the ten 10 Blue Flag beaches, the closest to us here at Harlyn Sands is Trevone. A small, rural, secluded, sandy beach surrounded by low cliffs and rocky ledges, home to lots of wildlife. There can be a strong riptide on this beach so do beware when swimming.
🌊 Polzeath Beach, Wadebridge
Polzeath is often associated with its wealth of extreme watersports and incredible surf. Also a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with an expanse of golden sand at low tide. The village of Polzeath is well integrated with the beach and has everything you might need within a stones throw.
🌊 Widemouth Bay Beach Bude
Facing west, sandy Widemouth Bay Beach takes the full brunt of the Atlantic ocean, meaning it can get a little breezy. Whilst this is great for surfers, remember to top up the suntan lotion as you may not realise the heat of the sun until it’s too late. Widemouth stretches nearly 2 miles, with impressive rockpools to the southern end with no shortage of marine life. There are some sand dunes to offer a little shelter from the wind.
🌊 Crooklets Beach, Bude
The most Easterly of our Blue Flag beaches and on the Northern side of Bude sits Crooklets Beach. Crooklets is a relatively narrow pebble beach at mid-high tide, at low tide it opens up to an expanse of sand that merges with neighbouring beaches. This beach also has a skate park, play area and amusements close by.
Although these beaches are patrolled by lifeguards during the summer months, you must always be water safe. Tell someone where you are going and don’t take risks. You can find out what the lifeguard flags mean in our Beach Safe blog.
If you see someone in trouble at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
We can’t wait to see you all again next season,
