Andrew Alderson, chief reporter of the Sunday Telegraph, has lived in Cornwall all his life. Here he pinpoints the best beaches for families with childrenClick here forCornish Family Beaches Overview.
Daymer Bay, near Rock on Cornwall's north coast, is perfect for small children. A wide expanse of sand with an abundance of rock pools at low tide, the beach has dunes, a gentle incline and is largely free from the strong currents of neighbouring coves.
If you want watersports galore - with the exception of surfing - you cannot do better than Mylor Yacht Harbour. This marina looks like St Tropez on a sunny day and offers excellent sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and waterskiing.
Polzeath, six miles from the north coast town of Wadebridge, is one of the finest surfing beaches in the world for beginners and intermediates. At low tide, there is a huge expanse of sand, rock pools and, occasionally, a school of dolphins arrive to keep swimmers company.
If you would like to see seals then this is the one. Situated on the north coast of Cornwall in the picturesque St Ives Bay, this beautiful three-mile stretch of pale sand is big enough to accommodate everyone, even in the height of summer.
This beach, near St Ives, is ideal for families with safe paddling even at high tide. Best of all though is the Porthminster Café, a fabulous beach-side eaterie with great food, views and staff.
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Daymer Bay, near Rock on Cornwall's north coast, is perfect for small children. A wide expanse of sand with an abundance of rock pools at low tide, the beach has dunes, a gentle incline and is largely free from the strong currents of neighbouring coves.
If you want watersports galore - with the exception of surfing - you cannot do better than Mylor Yacht Harbour. This marina looks like St Tropez on a sunny day and offers excellent sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and waterskiing.
Polzeath, six miles from the north coast town of Wadebridge, is one of the finest surfing beaches in the world for beginners and intermediates. At low tide, there is a huge expanse of sand, rock pools and, occasionally, a school of dolphins arrive to keep swimmers company.
If you would like to see seals then this is the one. Situated on the north coast of Cornwall in the picturesque St Ives Bay, this beautiful three-mile stretch of pale sand is big enough to accommodate everyone, even in the height of summer.