Tolcarne Beach

Golden sand stretches for about half a mile beneath dramatic cliffs, making this one of Cornwall's most reliable family beaches. I've watched countless children spend entire afternoons here building sandcastles while their parents actually manage to read a book.

Lifeguards patrol during summer months, which is proper reassuring when the kids are splashing about. The waves are gentle enough for little ones but still give older children something to play in. Rock pools appear at low tide on the southern end - bring a bucket and you'll find crabs and anemones hiding in the crevices.

Porth village sits just above the beach, so you're never far from a pasty or ice cream when energy levels drop. Parking can be tricky in peak season, but there's a decent-sized car park that fills up by mid-morning in July and August.

Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Hendra or the Parkdean resorts at Crantock Beach will find this makes an excellent day out. It's about a 20-minute walk from Porth village centre, and the coastal path offers lovely views if you fancy stretching your legs. The beach works well for a half-day visit, though you could easily spend longer if the weather's good. Gets busy at weekends, but there's enough space that it never feels cramped.