Hidden beaches and secret coves: explore the quieter side of Devon and Cornwall
Posted by Perfect Stays on Updated on
Six little-known hideaways to discover on your next trip
There’s nothing better than heading off the beaten track, getting away from the crowds and exploring a secluded slice of Cornwall and Devon. Whether it’s a hidden cove that can only be reached by boat or a beach that requires a hike down a steep coastal path, the pristine sand and turquoise water at the end will certainly make it worthwhile.
Bosahan Cove - Helford Estuary
Perched along the banks of the Helford River and backed by ancient woodland, Bosahan Cove is a secret paradise in Cornwall with soft white sand and crystal-clear water. This secret cove is the perfect spot for a luxury lunch with a difference, pack a picnic and indulge by the seashore.
How to find it: Best discovered by water, we suggest hiring kayaks and paddling along the Helford River to reach this hidden gem | View on map
Where to stay: Seathrift or The Old School House in Porthleven
Bossiney Cove - Near Tintagel
Hidden on the outskirts of Tintagel and Boscastle, you’ll find a great alternative to some of the busier beaches. Bossiney Cove is home to beautiful golden sands, stretching into the neighbouring shore of Benoath’s Cove during low tide. Known for its rocky farmland footpath and steep cliff steps, the walk down from the rugged coastal path is best suited for those adventurous walkers but the chance to visit Elephant Rock nestled amongst the cliff face and occasionally spot dolphins dancing amongst the crashing waves certainly makes up for it.
How to find it: Park at the small lay-by or car park at Bossiney and walk along the coastal path for about 15 minutes before finding yourself at the cove | View on map
Where to stay: The Yellow Cottage and The Paddock in Trebarwith Strand
Housel Bay - Lizard
Nestled at the bottom of craggy cliffs, just around the corner from the famous Lizard Point, you’ll find the pristine Housel Bay Beach. Reached via coarse steps within the cliff edge, this stunning cove has a small stretch of lovely sandy beach and crystal-clear water. Pop a bottle of something cold in your bag and watch the sun go down in this unspoilt spot.
How to find it: Meander along the coast path from Lizard Point for about 15 minutes and you'll soon spot this lovely bay | View on map
Where to stay: Compass Point in Coverack
Nanjizal Cove - Lands End
A remote gem, nestled just beyond Lands End, this remote beach is well worth the long walk. You won’t find a large car park or tourist-packed café, but you can expect lush white sand and enchanting rock pools. Famed for the Song of the Sea, a tall, natural arch, we highly recommend heading down at low tide to explore the hidden caves and beautiful rock formations.
How to find it: Park at Lands End car park and walk along the coast path for about a mile | View on map
Where to stay: Breakwater in Sennen Cove
Moor Sands Beach - East Prawle
Set just beyond Prawle Point, between Dartmouth and Salcombe, Moor Sands is a beautiful pebble beach with panoramic views along the Devon coastline. A remote spot that’s perfect if you enjoy wild swimming, grab your snorkel and explore the nearby caves and crannies along the water’s edge. Perch on a rock and take in the peacefulness of the idyllic surroundings, if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of seals bobbing on the water or buzzards circling overhead.
How to find it: Park at Prawle Point and take the one hour walk along the coast path to discover this beautiful beach | View on map
Where to stay: Waterside in Salcombe
Tregardock - Near Port Isaac
Positioned halfway between Port Isaac and Trebarwith Strand, the sweeping sand and exposed rock seafront of Tregardock is the perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon dip. Enjoy panoramic North Cornwall coastline views and explore the tranquil waterfall found within the cliff face. A rocky cliff path is the only inland access down to the seafront or arrive by kayak and paddleboards for a beachside lunch stop.
How to find it: Park on the roadside near the farm at Treligga and follow the rocky cliff path for 20 minutes towards the beach edge | View on map
Where to stay: Gwel Arvor in Port Isaac
Image credits: Bosahan Cove images | Bossiney Cove images from Wikimedia | Housel Bay images from Andrew and Kernowfile | Nanjizal Cove images from Wikimedia and Jomega | Moor Sands Beach image from Wikimedia | Tregardock images from Wikimedia | All other images are our own or from Pexels and Unsplash.
Posted by Perfect Stays
Featured in this post
Waterside
- Salcombe, Devon
- Sleeps: 6 - 8
- Bedrooms: 3 i
- Bathrooms: 3
Set right on the water’s edge and featuring a cinema room plus three coastal inspired bedrooms, Waterside enjoys sensational views over the Salcombe Estuary. The elevated terrace and open plan living space invite sociable evenings with friends and family, while the beautiful beach at Mill Bay sits just across the water.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3450Short breaks from
£3050
Compass Point
- Coverack, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 8
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 4
With transcendent views and a sunken cedar hot tub, this New England style beach house is anchored at the edge of the ocean. Sleeping up to eight guests, Compass Point transforms from airy summer aesthetic to cosy winter hideaway with ease. Dog-friendly and with Coverack Beach on your doorstep, it becomes the setting for seaside exploring and coast path trekking.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2850Short breaks from
£2550
Seagrass
- Polzeath, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10 - 12
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 6
Looking out across Polzeath Beach and Stepper Point, Seagrass is ideally located for walking and surfing holidays on the north coast. With its sun-trap balconies, sociable cinema room and stunning interior design, it’s a fantastically welcoming space for the whole family.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£3150Short breaks from
£2750
The Yellow Cottage
- Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 9
- Bedrooms: 4 i
- Bathrooms: 5
Set in a superb seaside location, this New England style beach house has lovely nautical interiors and a charming patio garden that’s ideal for taking in the view from the headland. A bright and airy lounge, Stephen Graver kitchen and four inviting bedrooms make it versatile for varying group sizes.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2750Short breaks from
£2350
Seathrift
- Porthleven, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 7 - 11
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 3
Frontline ocean views meet modern surf style decor in this spectacular West Cornwall home. Complete with a heated outdoor pool, pizza oven and wood burner, Seathrift is within walking distance of the foodie town of Porthleven. Soak up dramatic Cornish sunsets from the terrace after blissful afternoons exploring the coastline and harbour.
A low occupancy rate may be available for smaller groups out of season.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1950Short breaks from
£1650
Breakwater
- Sennen Cove, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 3
Home to breath-taking views over Sennen Cove and beyond, this elevated sanctuary promises a rejuvenating break for families and friends. Take your pick from one of five bedrooms, hunker down in the cinema room or enjoy a dip in the hot tub - striking architecture and pure relaxation await.
A low occupancy rate may be available for smaller groups out of season.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1995Short breaks from
£1695
The Paddock
- Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10 - 12
- Bedrooms: 6 i
- Bathrooms: 5
Sweeping coastal and countryside views surround The Paddock, which offers quiet tranquillity near the bustling town of Tintagel. Sleeping 10 - 12 guests across six bedrooms, it's an ideal base for multi-generational getaways on this dramatic stretch of Atlantic coastline. West-facing, the wraparound veranda and outdoor kitchen provide the perfect spot for al fresco dining in the warmth of the evening sun.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£2350Short breaks from
£2050
Gwel Arvor
- Port Isaac, Cornwall
- Sleeps: 10
- Bedrooms: 5 i
- Bathrooms: 4
A sea-view oasis that lends itself to family groups, Gwel Arvor promises a peaceful getaway in the heart of bustling Port Isaac. With a hot tub for summer days and a wood burner for winter nights, it’s a tempting retreat in all weathers, where you’ll find a myriad of restaurants and beaches nearby.
- Dog-Friendly
- Sea Views
- EV Charger
- Hot Tub
- Swimming Pool
- Games/TV Room
Per week from
£1990Short breaks from
£1590
