North Cornwall, with its stunning coastline and picturesque landscapes, is the perfect destination for family-friendly holidays. Known for its beautiful coastline and charming little villages, the region offers endless opportunities for families to create unforgettable memories. North Cornwall’s family-friendly beaches, in particular, are a favourite amongst parents and their children, providing a mix of relaxation and adventure suitable for families with young children and teenagers alike.
Top Family-Friendly Beaches in North Cornwall
North Cornwall’s coastline boasts a beautiful coastline with glorious sandy beaches that are fantastic for from rock pooling, surfing, building sandcastles and much more. So, without further ado, here are three of our favourite family-friendly beaches in North Cornwall:
Polzeath Beach
Polzeath Beach is a popular destination known for its golden sands and excellent surfing conditions. The beach is huge at low tide offering stunning views and plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy a day by the sea. You will find restrooms, showers, and ample parking at Polzeath Beach making it an ideal spot for families. During peak seasons, lifeguards are on duty to ensure everyone’s safety. In addition, there are a number of beachside cafés and shops here where you can grab refreshments or rent surfboards and other beach equipment.
This accessible Blue Flag beach is perfect for a variety of activities with kids and teenagers. Children can spend their time building sandcastles and exploring the numerous rock pools teeming with marine life. The gentle slow-breaking waves and the presence of lifeguards also make it an ideal spot for young children to paddle and play safely. For families interested in water sports, beginner surfing lessons are available, so if your older kids and teenagers are interested in learning to surf in a safe environment, this is the place!
Needless to say, you can also enjoy scenic coastal walks at this family-friendly Cornish beach and admire the beautiful views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline.
Harlyn Bay
Possibly one of the safest family-friendly beaches in North Cornwall, Harlyn Bay is a wide sandy cove, with calm and shallow waters, making it an ideal spot for families with younger children. This beach offers a range of facilities, including clean restrooms, a café serving light snacks and drinks, and plenty of parking.
You will find lifeguards in operation from April through to early autumn, so families with children can enjoy the water with added peace of mind. The beach is accessible, with designated pathways leading down to the sand. Overall, Harlyn Bay offers a serene environment that is perfect for outings with kids.
Thanks to the calm, shallow waters and the beach’s flat, expansive sand area, families with young children can safely go for a paddle, play beach games, or simply relax here. The water here is also perfect if your kids like the idea of giving surfing a go, with a number of local surfing schools giving lessons here. Otherwise, the beach lends itself to activities, such as beach volleyball, picnicking, and nature walks along the low cliffs.
Treyarnon Bay
Treyarnon Bay is a charming and picturesque beach known for its natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere. Facilities include clean restrooms, a seasonal shop where visitors can purchase snacks, drinks, and beach essentials, and nearby camping facilities for those looking to stay overnight. The beach is dog friendly throughout the year, so you can bring your pooch along if you want.
This family-friendly beach in North Cornwall has lifeguards on duty during high season and several paths leading to the beach that are fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Treyarnon Bay is perfect for a variety of kid-friendly activities, such as rock pooling and body boarding due to the beach’s gentle waves and sandy shore. Several rental shops nearby offer equipment for all ages. You could also go “beachcombing” along the shore, looking for shells, driftwood, and other treasures washed up by the tide. For single parents who might just wish to relax, the expansive sandy area offers plenty of space for sunbathing, picnicking, and playing beach games.
What sets Treyarnon Bay apart from other family-friendly beaches in North Cornwall is its natural tidal pool, which provides a safe and exciting area for children to swim and play. The tidal pool fills with seawater during high tide, creating a secure environment for kids to enjoy the water without the stronger waves of the open sea.
Accommodation near North Cornwall’s Beaches
You will find no shortage of family-Friendly places to stay in North Cornwall that are suitable for families of all sizes and budgets:
- Hotels: Numerous family-friendly hotels are available near North Cornwall’s beaches, offering comfortable and convenient stays. Options range from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations.
- Cottages: Renting a cottage provides a homely and flexible option for parents with kids, with many located close to North Cornwall’s family-friendly beaches.
- Campsites: For a more adventurous stay, several campgrounds offer excellent facilities and are situated near popular beaches, such as Polzeath and Harlyn Bay.
How to Keep Children Safe on the Beach
Keeping the kids safe and healthy on holiday sounds is easier said than done, especially when you are a single parent with only one set of hands and eyes. But there are ways to make sure that you can all have a safe experience at the beach this summer:
Beach Safety
Lifeguard presence is a crucial aspect of beach safety, and knowing which areas of North Cornwall’s family-friendly beaches are supervised might give parents peace of mind but does not relieve them of their duty to supervise their kids at all times. If you are a single parent, it might be wise to bring a friend along, so that there are two sets of eyes watching the little ones. This will also allow you to take turns watching you children and give you the chance to take little breaks.
At Polzeath Beach, lifeguards are on duty during peak season and designated swimming areas are clearly marked to guide visitors to the safest parts of the beach. This ensures that both children and adults can enjoy swimming and other water activities under the vigilant watch of trained professionals.
Harlyn Bay also provides lifeguard services during the summer months. The beach features clearly defined safe zones for swimming, which are ideal for families with young children. These zones are monitored to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment for beachgoers of all ages.
Similarly, Treyarnon Bay has lifeguards present in the high season, overseeing the beach and its visitors. Safe swimming areas are diligently monitored, providing a secure space for children to swim and play.
Sun Protection
Protecting your family from the sun’s harmful rays is essential for a day at the beach. High SPF sunscreen should be applied generously and frequently, especially after swimming, to ensure effective protection. Sunscreen helps avoid sunburn on holiday and reduces the risk of skin damage caused by UV exposure.
Wearing protective clothing can also significantly enhance your family’s sun protection and means less faff with sun lotion. Hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective swimwear are excellent choices to shield your children from the sun. These items provide an extra layer of defence against harmful rays and are particularly important during peak sun hours.
Seeking shade is another vital strategy for sun protection. Parasols and tents can offer much-needed relief from direct sunlight, providing a cool and shaded area for your family to rest. Utilizing these shaded spots, especially during the midday hours when the sun is at its strongest, helps prevent overexposure and keeps everyone comfortable.
Tide Information
Understanding tide schedules is crucial for beach safety in the UK. Being aware of tide times can help you avoid the risks associated with rising tides, which can quickly change the landscape of the beach and potentially trap unaware visitors!
Before heading to the beach, check the tide schedules for that day. This knowledge allows you to plan your activities around low and high tides, ensuring you and your family stay within safe areas. It’s important to follow guidelines and stay within zones recommended for families to ensure everyone’s safety.
Endnote
The beautiful, family-friendly beaches in North Cornwall are the perfect place to relax and create memories with children. There is plenty to keep kids of all ages entertained here, and no shortage of accommodation options in the area should you decide to stay for one of your next single parent family holidays. Tempted? Why not rent a cottage and have an unforgettable family adventure on North Cornwall’s beautiful golden beaches…
