Beautiful Beaches to Explore

There is no denying that Cornwall comes alive in the summer and we absolutely love seeing visitors and locals soak up the incredible energy of our vibrant county. We have put together our take on the ultimate guide to Falmouth and Flushing, packed with our top tips and tricks for your stay, covering everything from our favourite independent spots to hidden gems and beaches just a scenic walk or ferry ride away.

Falmouth is lucky enough to have around 20 beaches dotted along its surrounding shoreline, ranging from rocky rock-pooling havens to wide stretches of golden sand. To give you a starting point for your coastal adventures, we’ve highlighted four of our personal favourite spots.

Located right in the heart of the seafront, Gylly offers beautiful views and clear, calm waters. It is loved mostly for its range of activities, and it really is a beach that has something for everyone. For those who enjoy getting out on the sea, there are two businesses close by that can help you out. Gylly Adventures and Blu Paddle offer paddleboard and kayak hire right on the beach. If you prefer a full coastal relax and reset, you can find Kiln Sauna, Gyllyngdune Gardens, St Michaels Spa, and the hydrothermal pool all within a five-minute walk. Gylly is also a proud Blue Flag beach.

Things to note with this beach, it is lifeguarded between 10am and 6pm from the middle of May until the end of September making it one of the safest beaches in Falmouth. For those visiting with dogs there is a seasonal ban between May 15th through till September 30th from 10am to 6pm but they are allowed before and after those times.

Spending the day here and need a little refreshment break? There are a few pop ups close by including Haven, known for their great coffee and cake, Base, the best spot if you are looking for matcha and smoothie bowls, Dough An Dowr, the spot for great pizza and bagels and Gylly Beach Cafe and takeaway shack.

The majority of our properties are not far from Gylly beach but a few to take a look at include Gylly Sunrise  and Lighthouse View. These two homes are seconds away from the beach and only a short walk into Falmouth’s town centre.

Located slightly further along the coast, Swanpool is a beautiful, sheltered cove offering gorgeous views and flat waters. For those who enjoy getting out on the sea, there is a lively watersports center Elemental, offering kayak, paddleboard and sail boat hire. For others who would like something a little different, there is a lovely crazy golf course and the beautiful Swanpool Nature Reserve right behind the beach where you can watch the wildlife.

Things to note with this beach, it is not lifeguarded, so extra care should be taken when swimming. For those visiting with dogs, there is a seasonal ban between the 1st of July and the 31st of August, but they are allowed on the sand before 10am after 6 in the evening.

There are a few food and drinks spots located on the beach, such as Swanpool Beach Cafe, which is famous for its quirky gourmet ice creams, hot drinks and ciabattas and Beach House Falmouth which is a fantastic seafood restaurant sitting just above the cove.

We have listed a few properties near Swanpool like The Quarterdeck and Sand ‘n’ Sea that are both 10 – 15 minute walk to Swanpool beach.

Sitting right below the historic Pendennis Castle, this beach is a fascinating mix of sand and rock pools that almost completely disappears when the tide comes in. It is a fantastic spot for rock pooling and a popular place for snorkelers, who come to explore the historic shipwrecks sitting just offshore, including the shallow remains of some German submarines. There isn’t lifeguard cover on this beach, so we always recommend taking extra care if you are heading into the water.

If you are planning a visit with four-legged friends, keep in mind this beach also has a seasonal-ban in place between 1st of July through to August 31st. Dogs are allowed on the beaches before 10am and after 6pm.

If you get peckish while exploring, you are perfectly placed for some great local treats. Just along the front you will find the Haven Coffee Box, which is a fantastic little stop for a caffeine fix and a sweet treat. For those after something fresh and vibrant, Just nearby, you’ll find Base. It’s a great little spot that serves up brilliant smoothie bowls and matchas to keep you fueled for the day and right on the beach you have Castle Beach Cafe known for its toasties, salad bowls and cakes.

If you want to enjoy this beautiful stretch of coastline right on your doorstep, we have a couple of holiday properties right by Castle Beach. First is Sailmakers, which sits opposite the beach and is completely dog-friendly. If you are traveling without pets, Tregellas is another fantastic choice. It does not allow dogs, but it is just moments from the sand and has some incredible sea views.

Tucked away just across the water from Falmouth is Flushing, home to Kiln Beach. A spot that offers a peaceful, picturesque escape with beautiful views across the Carrick Roads. Loved for its relaxed and gentle atmosphere, it is a hidden gem for those looking to enjoy the water at a slower pace. You can treat yourself to the ultimate coastal relaxation at Kiln Sauna, a beautiful wood fired sauna located right on the beach where you can heat up before taking a refreshing cold dip straight into the sea.

For those who want to explore, you can enjoy a scenic walk around Trefusis Point, sit on the historic stone quay for some crabbing, or take the charming foot ferry directly across to Falmouth for a day of exploring.

Things to note here is that Flushing is not a lifeguarded beach, so extra care should be taken when swimming. However, it is an absolute paradise for dog owners because unlike many neighbouring beaches, Flushing is dog friendly all year round, with no seasonal bans or time restrictions, so your four-legged friend can enjoy the beach with no worries.

When you need a little refreshment break, you can head into the village where you will find Tide, Harbour House and The Royal Standard Pub, which are all located just a short walk from each other. Tide is a great brunch spot but also perfect for evenings spent trying local seafood, while Harbour House sits right on the quay serving up local produce cooked over fire, alongside local craft beers and just a short stroll away is The Royal Standard, a traditional village pub with a great tiered garden that is well known for running its brilliant and frequent pizza nights.

Here are a few properties located in Flushing: Stable Cottage,  The Corner House  and Morvergh which are all walking distance to the pubs and shops and are all dog friendly.

Happy adventuring! Let us know your favourites by tagging us in your social snaps…