Polstreath

A modest cove tucked between Mevagissey and Pentewan, Polstreath is the sort of beach you stumble upon rather than plan for. Golden sand, rock pools at low tide, and proper shelter from the Atlantic wind make it a solid choice when the bigger beaches feel rammed. The walk down is gentle enough - nothing that'll have the kids complaining before you've even started the day.

What you get here is authenticity without the crowds. There's no seafront arcade or overpriced ice-cream van, which means you're either here for a swim and a bit of peace or you're not really here for the right reasons. The beach works best at low tide when the sand opens up and the pools are worth exploring. Families with young children will appreciate how manageable it feels, and walkers can string it into a longer route along the coast path towards Pentewan.

The nearest holiday parks - Pentewan Sands is barely a mile away, Heligan Caravan and Camping Park just under two - make it an easy pit stop during a wider South Cornwall circuit. It's not your destination beach, but it's definitely your secret weapon on a day when everywhere else feels like a bank holiday weekend. Allow a couple of hours, time your visit for low tide if you can, and don't bother if you're after facilities.