Perhaps you, like me, dream of going to England someday. Perhaps you, like me, love beaches. If so, you must visit Cornwall, England’s south-westernmost county. Cornwall offers the sunniest, mildest weather in all of the UK. Home to dramatic sea cliffs and sheer drops, Cornwall borders the Celtic Sea and the English Channel and has over 250 miles of coast. It’s not all rugged cliffs, however. Cornwall boasts over 150 individual beaches, most of them sandy and family-friendly. This list of the top six beaches in Cornwall should help you maximize your time there.

Perran Beach

• Two beaches, Perranporth and Penhale, merge during low tide to create a huge blonde sand expanse.
• Enjoy nearby Perranporth, an entertaining beach town.
• Penhale features a Special Area of Conservation, sand dunes which cover the ancient church of the patron saint of Cornwall.
• Visit rock pools, caves, a stream, and Chapel Rock.
• Beloved by surfers and families.
• Overlooked by the South West Coast Path, high above on fascinating English cliffs.
• When joined, one of the largest beaches in Cornwall.

Porthcurno Beach

• Soft, sandy beach popular with families.
• Area for advanced swimmers due to steeply shelved beach.
• Area for children in stream also on beach.
• Lifeguards provided May through September.
• Near MinackTheater and Telegraphy Museum.
• Near Land’s End and St. Ive’s.
• Large parking lot with bathrooms.

St. Ive’s Harbour Beach

• Sheltered, sandy beach that doesn’t disappear even in high tide.
• Working harbor provides plenty to see and do.
• Backs to St. Ive’s, full of cafes, shops and eateries.
• Surrounded by scenic views and historic buildings.
• In low tide, joins with nearby beaches.
• Gives access to the famous South West Coast Path.

Watergate Bay

• Clear blue-green water backed by flower-covered cliffs.
• Golden sand beach near Newquay.
• Huge stretch of beach will allow you to find seclusion, avoid crowds.
• Excellent waves good for surfing, kitesurfing and kite buggying.
• Lifeguards provided May through September.
• Dogs welcomed year-round .

Fistral Beach

• Internationally recognized surfing center.
• Beautiful golden sand.
• Between Pentire and Towan, towns with lovely Victorian buildings.
• Three beaches in one: South Firstal, the Main Beach, and Little Fistral, only there at low tide.
• Lifeguards provided April through October.
• Dogs welcomed all year.
• Near bathrooms, cafes, surfboard and wetsuit rental shops, surf instructors, and the Surf Centre.

Kynance Cove

• Turquoise water and white sand.
• Dotted with islands and caves.
• Unique cliffs and rock formations appear at low tide.
• Owned, protected and maintained by the National Trust.
• One of the most beautiful and scenic coves in Cornwall.
• Accessible by the South West Coat Path.
• Near the Lizard National Nature Reserve, the Lizard Lighthouse and Heritage Center, and Mullion Cove.

It’s hard to go wrong when visit Cornwall’s many gorgeous beaches. Before you go, decide what type of experience you’re hoping for, and then search for a beach that can make your dreams a reality. Hopefully these six beaches will be on your list!

Abi writes for The Cornwall Hotel Collection, owners of The Greenbank and Alverton. For a quality restaurant in Truro  or wedding venue in Falmouth visit The Cornwall Hotel Collection.