Porthbeer Cove

The walk down to Porthbeer Cove is steep - proper steep - but the effort pays off once you hit the sand. This is a small, sheltered beach tucked into the Cornish coastline, the sort of place that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards those who make the journey. Golden sand, rock pools scattered across the beach floor, cliffs rising up behind you. It's exposed enough to catch decent swells if you've got a board with you, but calm enough on most days for a proper swim without getting thrown about.

You'll see families here, dog walkers, a few serious swimmers, but it never feels rammed. That's the appeal - there are enough people about that it feels lived-in, but not so many that you're fighting for a spot. The rock pools are the real draw for kids, though the tide timing matters; get it wrong and there's less to explore. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you've got little ones.

From Henry's Camp Site, you're only about six miles away, making Porthbeer an easy half-day excursion when you want to escape the tent. It's one of those beaches that works year-round too - summer crowds are manageable, and winter storms create something genuinely dramatic to watch from a safe distance.

Free to access, no facilities on the beach itself, so bring what you need. The car park is small and gets full in peak season, so early morning is your friend.