Par Beach

Par Beach sits just outside Polmear on Cornwall's south coast, and it's the sort of place you'll either love or find a bit underwhelming depending on what you're after. The beach itself is a working one - there's a china clay port here, which gives it an industrial edge that's genuinely interesting if you're into that sort of thing. The sand is pale and the whole stretch feels less crowded than the honeypot beaches further west.

You get a decent walk along the seafront, and the beach works well for families who want a proper dip without fighting through hordes of tourists. The water's cold year-round, mind you, so a wetsuit isn't optional. The rock pools at either end are worth poking about in, especially when the tide's out. It's not a place for a full day lounging about, but two hours of exploring the shore will sort you out.

Par Sands Holiday Park is practically on your doorstep if you're staying locally, and Eden Valley Holiday Park is a short drive inland if you want a quieter base. The beach is free to access, no fees, no faffing about. Go early morning or late afternoon when the light's proper golden and the beach feels like yours alone. Winter storms can make it dramatic - grey skies, churning sea, the whole lot. Skip it in summer if you're after that postcard-perfect seaside moment. This is real Cornish coast, not Instagram coast.