Portmellon Beach

The beach at Portmellon curves in a proper crescent just east of Mevagissey, backed by a cluster of cottages and a working fishing village that hasn't been too knocked about by tourism. The sand is decent - golden, wide at low tide - and the water's clearer than you'd expect for this stretch of coast. What makes it different from the busier beaches nearby is the lack of infrastructure. No lifeguards, no beach bars, no fairground nonsense. Just the beach, some rocks to poke about on, and the occasional fishing boat heading out.

It's the sort of place families with young kids genuinely enjoy because there's enough to do - paddling, rock pooling, building whatever kids build - without feeling herded. Older children might find it quiet after an hour, depending on what they're used to. For adults after a proper walk, the South West Coast Path passes through, so you can link it to longer stretches if you fancy it.

The village behind the beach has a couple of cafes and a pub. Park at Mevagissey itself - it's only a short walk downhill - and explore from there. Summer gets busy but never rammed. Winter is genuinely lovely if you don't mind cold water and the occasional moody sky.

If you're staying at Pentewan Sands or Tregarton Park, this is practically on your doorstep and worth the effort to get down to. Treveague Campsite is also close enough for a morning visit before doing something else. It won't blow your mind, but it's honest and unpretentious.