Readymoney Cove Beach

The walk down to Readymoney Cove takes you through woodland that opens suddenly onto a proper cracking beach - small, sheltered, and utterly unspoilt. You're looking at a sandy cove backed by steep cliffs, with a Napoleonic fort sitting just above the beach itself, which gives the whole spot a bit of character most beaches lack.

It's the kind of place that rewards the effort. The route isn't exactly arduous, but it's steep enough that you won't find it rammed with day-trippers like some of the more famous spots near Polruan. Families with older kids will find it brilliant - there's actual space to spread out, rock pools to explore, and the whole thing feels a bit more adventurous than your standard seaside visit.

Go early in the day if you're visiting in summer, partly for parking and partly because the light hits the cove beautifully in the morning. Low tide opens up more beach, which matters if you're bringing young ones who like to dig about. The water's cold even in August - this is Cornwall - so wetsuits make sense for anything more than a paddle.

If you're staying at Par Sands or one of the other parks in the area, it's a decent morning outing that won't eat your whole day. Pair it with a walk along the coastal path or a pint in Polruan afterwards. Worth the detour, genuinely - especially if you've already done the busier beaches and want something quieter.