4 UNMISSABLE PLACES
Explore some of the most photogenic places in Cornwall that are certainly worth a visit for any keen photographer, or just someone who wants to add some beautiful photos to their Instagram feed. Cornwall has some of the most beautiful white sandy beaches, turquoise seas and historic harbours/towns.
PORTHCURNO/PEDN VOUNDER
This is my absolute favourite place in Cornwall. The crystal clear waters and the soft white sands make you feel like you’re away somewhere tropical.
This location gets extremely busy during summer – the best time to visit for nice weather and less people is May/early June and September. The carpark gets very busy and there is no other parking nearby. I recommend getting to the carpark no later than 10am to make sure you get a spot. There are also no shops nearby so I would bring a picnic.
Porthcurno is very easily accessed with a short 5 minute walk from the carpark. There are two different ways of accessing Pedn Vounder beach. One is a scramble and one is by water. When you arrive at Porthcurno beach, you can take a left turn which will lead you onto the coastal path. After about a 15 minute walk there is a right turn onto a coastal path that goes down towards Pedn Vounder beach. It is quite a difficult rocky scramble down once you get close to the beach. I would definitely recommend wearing trainers and taking a backpack so you are hands free to support yourself as you climb down. The other option for accessing this beach is going via paddle board. You can launch your paddle board at Porthcurno, take your waterproof backpack with a picnic and paddle round to the left until you reach the beach. Just make sure you check the sea conditions on the day as you definitely won’t want to be doing this when it is wavy.
POLSTREATH BEACH
This beach is a stunning hidden gem found on the south coast. It is found not far from the working harbour of Mevagissey.
This beach is quite often pretty quiet as not many people know about it and the access is not the easiest. To get here you need to head to Mevagissey harbour and take the coastal path up to the left. After walking along here there is a sign for the beach which you follow down through a bushy area until you reach the stairs. There are approximately 200 steep steps down to this beach which is why it’s not everyone’s favourite as the walk back up on a hot day is far from ideal. However, it is so worth it for the views and the beauty of this beach. This beach feels like you’ve arrived in Thailand. It is a beautiful location for snorkelling. This beach is also dog friendly all year round. The local town is not far so it is not necessary to take a picnic as there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
NANJIZAL
This is a lovely place for a little dip. It is not a beach that you’d want to sit at all day as it is quite a rocky beach with large boulders. There is a beautiful little tidal pool here which is why it is so popular. The pool has crystal clear water but you need to make sure you check the tide times as this pool is only there during low tides. There is not much parking available for this beach. I usually get as close to the beach as possible and park in a small lay-by on the road. From there you can walk down a farm track for about 20 minutes until you can see the beach. From here you walk through a small open area where you can often see a couple of ponies. You will then see the steps down to the beach.
The tidal pool is found on the left hand side of the beach. To access the pool you have to climb over very large slippy rocks covered in algae. I would advise that you wear trainers and take a backpack so your hands are free to support yourself over the rocks. You can often see lots of seals swimming around in the sea here. But please do remember to keep your distance to help protect these animals.
RINSEY TIDAL POOL
I absolutely love finding new tidal pools. Tidal pools are great when you need a quiet little dip without any waves. Most tidal pools have slightly awkward access but they are always so worth it and this one definitely is.
There is a National Trust carpark with spaces for about 25 cars at the end of Rinsey Lane. From here you go through a gate where you can either go right which takes you to Rinsey beach. Or you can turn left along the coastal path towards the tidal pool. On your walk along the path you will pass a beautiful old engine house. If you keep walking past this for around 5 more minutes you will see the tidal pool down below on the right. This is quite a scramble down the cliff but it can be done safely if you are careful. Is it definitely not suitable to take dogs or children. Wear suitable shoes, take a backpack and make sure to hold on as you make your descent. This pool can only be accessed when there is a low tide so make sure you check this before going otherwise you will be very disappointed.
SAFETY
Please do remember that the sea can be very dangerous. You should always check the sea conditions and tide times when going in the water. You should always have a mobile phone nearby so you are able to call someone if you get into any trouble. You can call 999 and ask for the coastguard if you need assistance.
Polly in Paradise 
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