The best Blue Flag beaches to visit on a self-catering holiday

Known as the largest beach in Falmouth, Gyllngvase Beach or Gylly Beach as it is commonly known is just a stone’s throw from St Michaels Resort sitting just in front of the hotel. Just 10 minutes from the centre of town and accompanied by a selection of great amenities including Gylly Beach Café.

Frankie from the blog Meet Me By The Sea, a Cornwall lifestyle blog recommends Gylly Beach to those visiting the area or staying at St Michaels Resort, commenting: “Here in Cornwall, we are so lucky to have multiple Blue Flag beaches. One of my personal favourites is Gylly Beach, Falmouth’s largest beach. The beach is great for water sports as the water is generally quite calm – you can hire SUP boards from WeSUP which can be found to the right of Gylly Beach Café. The café is such a fantastic spot for a glass of wine or a bite to eat, either on a summer's day or as we enter winter, and the seas get a little wilder. Gylly Beach is always kept very clean – fortunately, local businesses and the community all come together to make sure that the beach is kept as nice as possible – after all, we are lucky to call Cornwall home and want to make sure that everyone can enjoy it!”

Penny from the blog The Great Cornish Outdoors also highly recommends Gylly Beach, explaining a little more about the activities you can enjoy whilst visiting: “I’m fond of Gyllyngvase Beach. It’s another Cornish seaside beach that simply glows in the sun and is perfect for sea swimming. With a pretty, well-tendered garden behind the beach, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in your own exclusive resort. Gyllyngvase is quite a vibrant beach with water sports and activities on offer, including beach yoga. Plus, the Gylly Beach Café overlooks the shore, making it the perfect place to wind down after a taxing day in the sun! 

Located within an area of outstanding natural beauty, Porthtowan Beach is just around the headland from St Agnes and gained its Blue Flag status in 2005. Unlike Carbis Bay, Porthtowan Beach is perfect for surfers due to its secluded location supported by rocky borders.

Anna, a blogger, and the face behind the website The Cornish Life recommends Porthowan Beach due to its unique nature compared to other popular Cornish beaches: “My favourite Blue Flag beaches are definitely Gylly Beach in Falmouth and Porthtowan Beach. They both offer something totally different from each and both are totally stunning! Porthtowan is on the north coast and typically has some great waves for surfing if that's your thing. It also has a dramatic coast path on either side of the beach to explore, and these are truly unique due to the old Cornish engine house ruins dotted along here too.”

“I love visiting Porthtowan Beach,” says Penny. “It’s excellent for little ones who like exploring rock pools and caves, not to mention its coveted tidal pool. Porthtowan Beach emulates relaxed surfer vibes and is home to some excellent places to eat and drink. At low tide, you can walk to neighbouring beach, Chapel Porth, which makes for an exhilarating and beautiful stroll.”

Closer to the Devon border than some of the other beaches on the list, Widemouth Bay Beach is just 3 miles south of Bude and accessible by the Southwest Coast Path from various directions. Known commonly for its abundance of rock pools that can be explored at low tide but also for its great surfing facilities, including local surf schools, as well as great waves all year round.

Visit Cornwall explains a little more about the beach on their website: “Viewing areas with free car parking are located at both the north and south end of the bay so you can enjoy the fantastic panorama without getting your feet sandy! Surfers will experience a variety of peaks from the north to the south end of the beach, breaking on sand or reef, producing spilling or heavy barrelling waves. You'll also spot the Black Rock landmark.”

Dogs are also welcome on the southern side of the beach all year round but only on the northern side of the beach outside of the summer season which runs from May 15th and September 30th.