Mother Ivy's Bay

A narrow strip of sand wedged between rocky outcrops, Mother Ivy's Bay is the sort of Cornish beach you stumble upon rather than plan for. It's small - maybe 200 metres of actual sand at high tide, less when the water's up - and that's precisely why it works. The cliffs behind are low and manageable, the rocks either side create natural windbreaks, and you'll rarely find the crowds that descend on Padstow or Polzeath.

The beach itself is fairly exposed, which means it gets proper waves when conditions are right. Surfers occasionally pop in, though it's not a destination spot. Swimmers should check the tide tables beforehand - the bay can feel cramped when the sea's high. At low tide, you've got more room to spread out and hunt through rockpools, which is where families with young kids tend to have the most fun.

Treyarnon is your nearest town, just a few minutes' drive away, though it's tiny - think newsagent and a café rather than a proper high street. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Dennis Cove Campsite or Porthilly Beach Holiday Park, Mother Ivy's makes for a decent half-day outing. It's close enough to pop to for an hour or two without committing your whole afternoon.

There's no lifeguard, no facilities, and nowhere to grab a coffee. Bring what you need. It's free to visit, naturally. Worth the drive if you're in the area and want something quieter than the bigger beaches, though it won't knock your socks off.