Polkirt Beach

Small fishing boats bob in the protected waters while families pick their way across the rocky outcrops at low tide. Polkirt Beach sits just east of Mevagissey, a proper little cove that most visitors to this stretch of Cornwall miss entirely. The beach itself is more shingle than sand, with rock pools that keep young children entertained for ages.

Dog walkers and locals seem to outnumber tourists here, which gives it a lovely authentic feel. At high tide there's not much beach to speak of, so timing matters if you want space to spread out. The water stays fairly calm thanks to the shelter from surrounding cliffs, making it decent for a quick dip on warmer days.

Families staying at nearby Pentewan Sands Holiday Park or Heligan Caravan and Camping Park will find it a pleasant change from busier beaches. It's the sort of place where you'll spend an hour or two rather than a full day - perfect for a morning explore before heading into Mevagissey for lunch. The walk down can be a bit steep with pushchairs, so factor that in. Free to visit, naturally, though parking near the coast path access can get tight in summer.