A Collection of Cornish Coves

The dictionary states that a cove is 'a part of the coast where the land curves inwards so that the sea is partly enclosed' In Cornwall we have many of them, though they are not always 'named' coves. A lot of them are only known to locals, and we intend to keep it that way, whilst others are known to everybody like Kynance, Mullion and Lamorna.

Here we are going to introduce you to several others that might not be quite so well known, unless of course you holiday in Cornwall regularly.

Gunwalloe Church Cove: (pictured above) Owned and looked after by the National Trust, the beach is overlooked by the tiny church of St Wynwallow, with its detached tower set into the solid rock of the headland. Behind the church, the headland was once home to an Iron Age fort, though you would struggle to make anything out nowadays. You may have seen the cove on Poldark when nightime wrecking scenes were filmed here. There's a NT carpark, toilets and a seasonal cafe at Winnianton Farm, just to the north of the cove.

Hawker's Cove Beach: Best reached on foot from Padstow along the South West Coast Path, although there is a carpark at nearby Lellizzick Farm. The large expanse of sand exposed at low tide hides the fact that when covered by water this makes up part of the infamous Doom Bar, wrecker of many a boat over the years. Two of Padstow's former lifeboat stations can be seen in the cove, as well as the terrace of six cottages built by Trinity House. More Here.

Porthluney Cove: (above) A large secluded family beach of golden sand on the Roseland, plus some wonderful rockpools on the western side when the tide is out. The beach belongs to Caerhays Castle and Gardens, which provide a striking backdrop and are great to explore in the spring when the gardens are full of colour. There's plenty of room for beach games and he beach is safe for swimming. There's a car park and seasonal cafe, picnic area and basic toilet facilities. Dogs need to be on a lead and under control in the summer months. More Here.

Portheras Cove: (above) Tucked in amongst the rugged cliffs of West Cornwall, between the villages of Morvah and Pendeen, this cove is a real locals beach. It's hard to find, requiring a walk along the South West Coast Path, but well worth the effort. The soft, sandy beach is located at the end of a small valley that runs down from the high moors, reaching the beach via a waterfall. Seals are a common sight here so please keep dogs under control. You can go swimming but take care as currents can be dangerous.

Readymoney Cove: Situated at the mouth of the Fowey River, this popular beach faces east and is protected by high cliffs all around. Good for swimming but don't go out too far in to the estuary. There's usually a swimming platform moored just off the beach in the summer and at low tide there's plenty of rockpools to explore. On the southside of the cove is St Catherine's Castle, built in the 1500s and offering great views up the river and out to sea. There's a small shop that also does drinks and snacks, toilets and car parking about five minutes walk away. Dogs are banned from the beach during the summer.

Prussia Cove: (Above) If you are looking for smuggling coves, then this little hidden away gem in West Cornwall is the place to go, Said to be the home of John Carter, the 'King of Prussia' in 18th century Cornwall. He and his family sailed from this secluded spot to bring back 'free trade' from France and the Channel Islands. To go in search of the cove you will need to navigate narrow lanes, hope to find a parking space and then be prepared to walk about a mile down to the little harbour. There's no facilities, but you never know, you might find a hidden barrel?

Trevaunance Cove: The main beach for St Agnes with the remains of the old harbour to explore at low tide, a link to the fact that this area was part of Cornwall's industrial heritage and central to the original Poldark novels. Nowadays it's a family favourite with plenty to keep the kids amused, and nearby cafes and the Driftwood Spars pub just up the road. With the right sea conditions, the beach is popular with surfers, but it can also be dangerous and lifeguards are on duty during the main summer months. Parking is availiable nearby. Dogs are allowed on the beach but must be kept on leads.

Sennen Cove: (Above) When is a cove not a cove? Sennen is more of a large expanse of beach stretching from the towering cliffs of Pedn-men-du at the southern end, beloved by rock climbers, to Gwynver beach to the north. But it's called a cove, so we are including it here. A favourite of surfers, families and walkers, there's plenty of room for everyone, especially once the tide goes out. Behind the beach the village has a choice of places to eat and drink, shops and galleries, or you can just sit on a bench and watch the world go by. Plenty of parking, lifeguards during the summer months when dogs are banned from the beach.