The other side of Cornwall this summer

Tucked away near Land’s End, Nanjizal feels wonderfully undiscovered. Reached only by foot along the coast path, this secluded cove rewards the walk with turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and the famous sea arch carved into the rock. On a warm summer morning, the water here is impossibly clear and calm, perfect for a quiet swim far away from Cornwall’s busier beaches. It’s the sort of place that reminds you just how wild the far west can feel.

Just along the coast from Cape Cornwall, Kenidjack Valley is where Cornwall’s industrial past meets untamed natural beauty. Old mine ruins sit quietly among the cliffs while narrow paths lead toward hidden sea views and the secluded tidal pool at Porthledden. The landscape here feels rugged and cinematic, shaped by Atlantic winds and crashing waves. Bring sturdy shoes, a flask of coffee and spend an afternoon wandering one of Cornwall’s most atmospheric corners.

Perfectly positioned between Looe and Polperro, Talland Bay offers the slower pace many people crave in summer. Sheltered and peaceful, this little beach is ideal for lazy afternoons spent swimming, paddleboarding or simply watching the sea roll in. The cafe overlooking the bay makes it easy to lose a few hours here, especially when the evening sun begins to warm the cliffs. While nearby towns bustle in summer, Talland quietly keeps its charm.

Hidden within ancient woodland near Tintagel, St Nectan’s Glen feels almost mythical. Follow the path through moss-covered trees and the sound of rushing water eventually leads you to the famous waterfall cascading through a natural hole in the rock. Cool, shaded, and deeply peaceful even in the height of summer, it’s a place that feels worlds away from Cornwall’s beaches. Whether you come for the scenery, the folklore, or simply a slower moment in nature, the glen leaves a lasting impression.

Near Porthleven, Prussia Cove is one of Cornwall’s most fascinating hidden stretches of coastline. Calm, crystal-clear waters make the coves ideal for swimming and rock pooling, particularly around Bessy’s Cove where the sea often feels sheltered and still. But beyond the beauty lies a story of smuggling and secrecy. In the 18th century, this was the base of John Carter – the infamous “King of Prussia” – who ran a thriving smuggling operation through hidden cellars and secret passageways along the cliffs. Today, the atmosphere remains wonderfully untouched, with history woven into every cove.

Tiny, quiet, and wonderfully authentic, Portloe feels like stepping into another era of Cornwall. Nestled on the Roseland Peninsula between Mevagissey and St Mawes, the village still revolves around the sea, with working fishing boats bringing in crab and lobster from Gerrans Bay. Narrow lanes tumble down toward the harbour, where colourful boats bob gently against the stone quay. In summer, while larger harbour towns overflow with visitors, Portloe keeps hold of its peaceful rhythm.

Further west beyond St Ives, Portheras Cove rewards those willing to wander off the beaten track. Accessible only via the South West Coast Path, this secluded beach sits hidden between Pendeen and Morvah on the Penwith Peninsula. White sand, clear water, and dramatic cliffs give the cove a wonderfully remote feel, while seals are often spotted playing just offshore. Even in peak summer, it’s possible to arrive here and hear little more than waves and seabirds.

Just south of St Austell, Porthpean Cove offers a gentler kind of summer beach day. Sheltered and south-facing, its calm azure waters and soft sand make it perfect for families, paddleboarding, kayaking, or relaxed swims in the sunshine. At low tide, large rock pools appear along the shoreline, turning the beach into an adventure for children and curious explorers alike. There’s an ease to Porthpean that makes it easy to return to again and again throughout summer.

Hidden beneath the cliffs near Lizard Point, Housel Bay feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Only accessible at low tide via a steep coastal path, this small cove reveals golden sand and astonishingly turquoise water framed by rugged cliffs and wildflowers. It’s wonderfully untouched – the kind of place where you can spend an hour simply watching the Atlantic shimmer beneath the sun. Keep an eye out for seals bobbing offshore, dolphins in the distance, and Cornish choughs circling above the cliffs. For those seeking the quieter side of Cornwall, few places feel more special.