Camborne Beaches

Overview

While not directly on the coast, Camborne serves as an excellent and convenient base for exploring the stunning beaches of West Cornwall. Within a short drive, typically 4 to 7 miles, you'll discover the dramatic cliffs and expansive golden sands that characterise the north coast. This proximity allows visitors to easily combine beach outings with explorations of Camborne's rich mining heritage, offering a diverse holiday experience.

The beaches near Camborne are renowned for their natural beauty and appeal to a wide range of visitors. For iconic lighthouse views and a quintessential Cornish coastal experience, Godrevy is a must-see. If stunning natural beauty is what you seek, Porthtowan, nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers breathtaking scenery with its golden sands and dramatic cliffs. Surfers and watersports enthusiasts will find their haven at Gwithian, a premier surf spot known for its consistent waves. For a taste of local life, Portreath is a family-friendly favourite among residents, offering good surf and a welcoming atmosphere. Many of these beaches offer good swimming conditions, especially on calmer days, though the Atlantic waters can be brisk.

Beyond our editor's picks, the coastline near Camborne is dotted with numerous other beaches, from wide sandy expanses to more secluded coves. Many of these, like the popular Chapel Porth which connects with Porthtowan at low tide, are well-regarded in top beach guides for the area. Whether you're looking for family-friendly shores, surfing hotspots, or simply a beautiful spot to relax, the beaches accessible from Camborne cater to all preferences. Our longer list of beaches in this guide provides further details to help you plan your perfect coastal escape.

The North Cliffs area, between Portreath and Godrevy, showcases a more rugged and dramatic side of the coastline. While offering spectacular scenery and access to the South West Coast Path, some coves in this area are more challenging to access and may not be suitable for swimming. This highlights the diverse coastal landscapes you can explore, all within easy reach of Camborne, making it a practical and rewarding choice for a beach-focused holiday in Cornwall.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Camborne a good place for a beach holiday?

Camborne itself is not directly on the coast, but it's a good base for exploring the many beaches of West Cornwall. Within a short drive (around 4-7 miles), you can reach popular sandy beaches on the north coast like Portreath, Gwithian, and Porthtowan. This makes it a convenient option if you want to visit various beaches and also explore the area's mining heritage.

Portreath

Gwithian

Porthtowan

What are the beaches like near Camborne?

The beaches near Camborne, primarily on the north coast of Cornwall, are known for their sandy stretches, dramatic cliffs, and good surfing conditions. Beaches like Portreath, Gwithian, and Porthtowan are popular with families and surfers. Gwithian Towans is a particularly large sandy beach with dunes and rock pools. Some smaller coves might be more rugged and pebbly.

Portreath

Gwithian

Porthtowan

How far is Camborne from the nearest beach?

The closest beaches to Camborne are on the north coast. Portreath Beach is approximately 3-4 miles away. Other popular beaches like Gwithian and Godrevy are around 4-5 miles from Camborne. Deadmans Cove is technically closer at just over 2 miles, but it's a rock and pebble beach that is difficult to access and not suitable for swimming or surfing.

Portreath

Gwithian

Godrevy

Can you swim in the sea near Camborne?

Yes, you can swim at many of the beaches near Camborne, such as Portreath, Gwithian, and Porthtowan, particularly during calmer days. However, the north coast of Cornwall can have strong currents and waves, so it's always important to be aware of the conditions, swim in lifeguarded areas when available, and check local advice. Water temperatures are typical for the UK, meaning they can be quite cold, especially outside of the peak summer months. A wetsuit is often recommended for extended time in the water.

Portreath

Gwithian

Porthtowan

Where can I stay near the beach if I'm visiting Camborne?

While Camborne itself is inland, if you want to stay closer to the beaches, you could look for accommodation in coastal villages like Portreath, Porthtowan, or Gwithian. These villages offer a range of options from holiday cottages and B&Bs to small hotels, putting you right by the sea. Camborne offers a good selection of holiday cottages if you prefer a town base with easy access to various beaches by car.

Portreath

Porthtowan

Gwithian

Which beaches near Camborne are good for families?

Portreath Beach and Porthtowan Beach are popular choices for families near Camborne. Portreath has a sandy and shingle beach with good facilities and is popular with families. Porthtowan is also a sandy beach, backed by cliffs, and has a children's play park at the top of the beach. Gwithian Towans, with its vast expanse of sand and rock pools at low tide, is also great for families.

Portreath

Porthtowan

Gwithian

Are there dog-friendly beaches near Camborne?

Yes, there are several dog-friendly beaches near Camborne. However, some have seasonal restrictions. For example, Gwithian Beach has restrictions from May 1st to September 30th between 8 am and 7 pm on certain parts of the beach. Beaches like Upton Towans and Chapel Porth are known to be dog-friendly, with Chapel Porth often highlighted as a local favourite. It's always best to check the specific rules for each beach before you visit, as restrictions can change.

Gwithian

Upton Towans Beach

Chapel Porth Beach

What are the best surfing beaches near Camborne?

The north coast beaches near Camborne are well-known for surfing. Gwithian Beach is very popular with surfers of all abilities. Porthtowan is another key surfing beach, known for producing powerful waves. Portreath can also offer good waves, especially for more experienced surfers near the harbour wall on big swells. These beaches pick up Atlantic swells and offer fairly consistent conditions.

Gwithian

Porthtowan

Portreath

How do you get to the beaches from Camborne?

The easiest way to reach the beaches from Camborne is by car, as this gives you the most flexibility to explore different coastal spots. Driving to Portreath takes around 10-15 minutes. There are also bus services that connect Camborne to some coastal villages like Portreath; for example, the line 49 bus. However, for some more remote coves, a car would be necessary.

Portreath

Is there parking at the beaches near Camborne?

Yes, most of the main beaches near Camborne, such as Portreath, Gwithian, and Porthtowan, have car parks. Some are council-run, others are private, and charges usually apply, especially during the peak season. It's advisable to arrive early during busy periods to secure a parking space.

Portreath

Gwithian

Porthtowan

Are Porthtowan and Chapel Porth beaches connected?

Yes, Porthtowan and Chapel Porth beaches join up at low tide, allowing you to walk between the two. This creates a much larger expanse of sand to explore. It's important to be aware of tide times if you plan to walk between them to avoid being cut off.

Porthtowan

Chapel Porth Beach

What is the water temperature like at Cornish beaches?

The sea temperature in Cornwall typically ranges from around 8°C (46°F) in late winter/early spring to about 18°C (64°F) in late summer. In May, you can expect water temperatures around 11-12°C (52-54°F). Most people find a wetsuit necessary for comfortable swimming or surfing for much of the year.

Are there any quieter, less crowded beaches near Camborne?

While the main beaches like Portreath and Porthtowan can get busy, you might find quieter spots. Chapel Porth, managed by the National Trust, can sometimes be less crowded, though it's popular with locals. Exploring smaller coves along the coast path between the main beaches, such as Bassetts Cove or Fishing Cove, could also lead to more secluded spots, but access can be more challenging.

Portreath

Porthtowan

Chapel Porth Beach

What facilities are usually available at the beaches near Camborne?

The larger, more popular beaches like Portreath, Gwithian, and Porthtowan generally have good facilities. These often include car parks, public toilets, cafes or small shops, and seasonal lifeguard services. Smaller coves may have limited or no facilities.

Portreath

Gwithian

Porthtowan

What is the North Cliffs area near Camborne like?

The North Cliffs, located between Portreath and Godrevy, is a stretch of rugged coastline characterized by high, dramatic cliffs and heathland. It includes spots like Deadman's Cove and Hell's Mouth. While visually stunning and offering access to the South West Coast Path for walking, some beaches in this area, like Deadman's Cove, are difficult to access, potentially dangerous due to rockfalls, and not suitable for swimming. It's an area known more for its dramatic scenery and coastal walks than for traditional sandy beach days.

Portreath

Godrevy