St Just Beaches

Overview

St Just, England's most westerly town, offers a unique coastal experience steeped in history and dramatic natural beauty. Situated on the wild Atlantic coast within a UNESCO World Heritage mining landscape, it's a haven for walkers and those seeking rugged scenery rather than a typical sandy beach resort right on the doorstep. The famous South West Coast Path runs nearby, linking dramatic coves and offering breathtaking views, making exploration a key part of visiting this area.

While St Just town itself isn't on a large sandy beach, the immediate coastline features fascinating spots like Priest Cove at Cape Cornwall, a working fishing cove offering dramatic views, and the unique Porth Nanven (Cot Valley), known for its 'dinosaur egg' boulders. These closer coves are typically rocky or pebbly, reflecting the area's geological heritage. However, stunning sandy beaches are just a short drive away. These include the famous beauty spot of Porthcurno, nestled below the Minack Theatre, and the lively expanse of Sennen Cove, a favourite for families and surfers, which often has lifeguard cover in season.

For those seeking seclusion and natural wonders, the hidden gem of Nanjizal Beach awaits, famed for its beautiful rock arch. Exploring this coastline often rewards visitors with glimpses of wildlife, including seals which are frequently spotted bobbing in the waves near beaches like Portheras Cove. Swimming is possible at sandy beaches like Sennen Cove and Porthcurno, but the more rugged, unlifeguarded coves require extra caution due to potential currents and rocks.

St Just provides a base for discovering a coastline defined by its wild beauty, mining heritage, and opportunities for adventure. Whether you're drawn to the iconic views at Cape Cornwall, the golden sands of Sennen Cove, the secluded beauty of Nanjizal Beach, or the world-renowned setting of Porthcurno, this corner of Cornwall offers unforgettable coastal moments. Explore our editor's picks and discover even more coastal spots in our full guide to beaches near St Just.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is St Just good for a typical beach holiday?

St Just is fantastic for exploring a rugged, dramatic coastline with coves and stunning scenery, popular with walkers and artists. However, the town itself isn't directly on a large sandy beach. If you're looking for a classic 'bucket and spade' holiday with easy beach access right from your accommodation, towns like St Ives or Penzance might be more suitable. St Just offers a different kind of coastal experience focused on wild beauty and heritage.

Can you swim safely at the beaches near St Just?

Swimming is possible at some nearby beaches like Sennen Cove (which often has lifeguard cover in season) and Porthcurno, though caution is always advised. Many coves closer to St Just, like those in Cot Valley (Porth Nanven) or at Cape Cornwall, are more rugged, can have strong currents, submerged rocks, and lack lifeguard services. Always check conditions, tides, and be aware of your abilities. Less confident swimmers might prefer beaches with lifeguard patrols further afield.

Sennen Cove

Porthcurno

Porth Nanven (Cot Valley)

What are the closest beaches to St Just town?

The nearest coastal access points to St Just town are Priest's Cove at Cape Cornwall (about 1.5 miles west) and Porth Nanven in Cot Valley (about 1 mile south). Priest's Cove is a small working fishing cove with pebbles and rock pools, while Porth Nanven is known for its unique 'dinosaur egg' boulders and is also rocky/pebbly. Neither are large sandy beaches.

Priest Cove

Porth Nanven (Cot Valley)

Are there any sandy beaches near St Just?

Yes, while the immediate coves are rocky, beautiful sandy beaches are within a short drive. Sennen Cove (approx. 4 miles south) offers a large expanse of golden sand popular with families and surfers. Gwynver beach (near Sennen) is also sandy. Porthcurno beach (approx. 7 miles south-east), famous for the Minack Theatre, is another stunning sandy option.

Sennen Cove

Gwynver Beach

Porthcurno

Which beaches near St Just are best for families with young children?

For families with young children, Sennen Cove is often the best bet near St Just due to its large sandy area, relatively easier access, seasonal lifeguard cover, and facilities like cafes and toilets. Porthcurno is also sandy and beautiful, though access can be steeper. The coves immediately around St Just (Priest's Cove, Porth Nanven) are less suitable due to rocky terrain and lack of facilities/lifeguards.

Sennen Cove

Porthcurno

Priest Cove

Porth Nanven (Cot Valley)

Are dogs allowed on beaches near St Just?

Dog restrictions vary. Many smaller coves like Porth Nanven and Priest's Cove generally allow dogs year-round. However, larger beaches popular with families often have seasonal restrictions. For example, Sennen Cove typically has a dog ban on the main beach area from 15th May to 30th September between 10 am and 6 pm. Always check the latest signage at the beach entrance for specific rules and dates.

Porth Nanven (Cot Valley)

Priest Cove

Sennen Cove

What's the parking like for beaches near St Just?

Parking varies significantly. Cape Cornwall has a National Trust car park. Cot Valley (for Porth Nanven) has very limited parking along the narrow lane. Sennen Cove has large pay-and-display car parks near the beach. Porthcurno also has pay-and-display parking, but it can fill up very quickly in peak season. Arriving early is recommended, especially during summer holidays.

Sennen Cove

Porthcurno

Porth Nanven (Cot Valley)

Is Cape Cornwall a beach you can swim at?

Cape Cornwall's Priest's Cove is primarily a working fishing cove with pebbles and rocks, not a typical swimming beach. While some locals might take a dip in the small sea pool at high tide or off the slipway in calm conditions, it's generally exposed, can have strong currents, and isn't recommended for casual swimming due to rocks and boat activity.

Priest Cove

What is Porth Nanven beach (Cot Valley) like?

Porth Nanven, at the end of Cot Valley, is a unique cove famous for its large, smooth, granite boulders, often called 'dinosaur eggs'. It's primarily pebbles and rocks, not sand, and popular with photographers and geologists. Access is via a footpath from the valley. It's beautiful and secluded but not ideal for traditional sunbathing or easy swimming due to the rocks and potential currents.

Porth Nanven (Cot Valley)

How do I get to the beaches from St Just?

Driving is the most common way to reach the main sandy beaches like Sennen and Porthcurno from St Just, typically taking 10-20 minutes. You can walk to Priest's Cove (Cape Cornwall) and Porth Nanven (Cot Valley) via footpaths, which takes around 30-40 minutes. Some local bus services connect St Just to nearby towns and coastal spots, but check timetables as services can be infrequent, especially out of season.

Sennen Cove

Porthcurno

Priest Cove

Porth Nanven (Cot Valley)

Are there cafes or toilets at the beaches near St Just?

Facilities vary. Larger beaches like Sennen Cove and Porthcurno have cafes, shops, and public toilets available, especially during the main season. Smaller, more remote coves like Porth Nanven and Priest's Cove generally lack facilities, although there might be toilets near the car park at Cape Cornwall.

Sennen Cove

Porthcurno

Porth Nanven (Cot Valley)

Priest Cove

What should I know about tides and currents on the St Just coast?

The coastline around St Just is exposed to the Atlantic and can experience strong currents, including rips, especially on larger beaches like Sennen and Gwynver. Tides can also come in quickly, potentially cutting off access around headlands or in coves. Always check tide times before setting out, be aware of the sea conditions, and heed any safety warnings. Avoid swimming alone in remote spots.

Sennen Cove

Gwynver Beach