Carne and Pendower Beach

Two miles of golden sand backed by low cliffs and wild coastal scrub - that's what you get at Carne and Pendower, and it's one of those Cornish beaches that actually feels proper instead of rammed with day-trippers. The beach is managed by the National Trust, which means the car park doesn't cost the earth and the facilities are straightforward without being intrusive.

The real appeal here is the space. At high tide the sand narrows considerably, but come in mid-tide and you've got room to spread out properly. Families with younger kids do well because the beach shelves gently and there are rockpools at both ends worth exploring. The western end near Pendower is sandier; the eastern stretch toward Carne has more character if you're after something less obvious.

Walkers should factor in the South West Coast Path, which runs right past here - it's an easy stretch compared to some sections. On a clear day you can see across to Dodman Point. Allow a morning or full afternoon depending on whether you're combining it with a coastal walk.

It's a ten-minute drive from Truro, which helps if you're basing yourself inland. Veryan Camping and Caravanning Club Site sits just 2.5 miles away, making this a natural pairing if you're doing the caravan circuit. The beach gets decent swell in autumn, so surfers do pass through, though it's not a dedicated spot. Go when the sun's westerly facing - the afternoon light here is genuinely lovely.