Crantock Beach

Golden sand stretches for miles here, backed by proper Cornish dunes that kids love scrambling through. The beach sits in a lovely sheltered bay just minutes from Newquay, but feels worlds away from the town's summer crowds. At low tide you get masses of space for cricket, sandcastles and general mucking about.

Families rate this spot highly - the swimming's safer than some of Cornwall's wilder beaches, though you'll still want to keep an eye on little ones when the surf's up. Rock pools appear at the western end during low tide, perfect for crab hunting expeditions that can easily eat up an hour or two.

Walking enthusiasts should tackle the coast path that runs along the clifftops. The views back across the bay are cracking, especially on clear days when you can spot Newquay's headlands in the distance. Takes about 45 minutes to reach the Gannel estuary if you fancy extending the walk.

Parking can be a right pain in summer - arrive early or face a proper trek from the overspill areas. The beach is free to use year-round, naturally. If you're staying at nearby Crantock Beach Holiday Park or Trevornick, you're laughing - both sit within easy walking distance and make this your local beach for the week.