The Marine Conservation Society has recently released their Good Beach Guide for 2009. The guide is taken from data compiled over the summer of 2008 and includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Island, as well as The Channel Islands and The Isle of Man. With many UK tourists opting to save their travel money and head to our own holiday resorts this summer, I thought I would compile my top five beaches in Cornwall. (All of the following have been recommended by the MCS as having excellent water quality).

5. Trebarwith Strand
Trebarwith lies on the north coast just over two miles from the popular destination, Tintagel.

Often regarded as one of the nicest stretches of coast in the country, the quality of water and waves make the beach a great destination for surfers. However, keep an eye on the tide times because the beach can be completely submerged at high tide, causing a high risk of being stranded on the rocks.

Map and Directions to Trebarwith Strand


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4. Mother Iveys Bay
More family friendly and just as breathtaking, Mother Iveys Bay retains its quality despite being popular with tourists.

Being near Padstow is another plus, whilst the surf is often also good. The beach gets its name after Mother Ivey, a white witch who is said to have cursed a local field in anger for Harlyn’s starving villagers.

Map and Directions to Mother Ivey


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3. Maenporth
Just around the corner from the busy harbour town of Falmouth and its beaches Gyllingvase and Swanpool, the beach at Maenporth is more sheltered and famed for its gently sloping bay.


Situated on the south coast, the area is not known for its surf but it does offer facilities that are sometimes hard to find at the nicer spots in Cornwall, such as car parking, the Cove restaurant and toilets.

Map and Directions to Maenporth


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2. Sennen Cove
Lands End is the most westerly area of mainland England, and Sennen Cove lies just north, boasting golden sands and crystal clear waters. The beach is popular with surfers and bathers but also benefits from its impressive length.




Map and Directions to Sennes Cove


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1. Porthcurno
Sheltered by high cliffs and offering a funnel shaped beach, Porthcurno is often considered number one by tourists and locals alike.

Dramatic geography and clean waters proved so beautiful, that Rowena Cade decided to build an open air theatre to overlook the bay as a backdrop. Subsequently the beach is very popular with visitors who are also drawn to the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.


Map and Directions to Porthcurno


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With its abundant coastline and rolling green hills, camping in English countryside used to be something of a holiday must. However, in the pre-recession years more and more of us favoured nice hotels and the golden sands of increasingly accessible faraway countries. Well you guessed it, with international tourism officially on the decline, camping is back and if you stay in England you shouldn’t have to fork out too much for travel insurance. Here are my top five moors to camp on.

5. Bodmin Moor
Cornwall is not famed for its moorland; this is no doubt due to the great coastline that is on offer to those who visit the county and the fact that Bodmin is by no means as rugged as its peers.


However, for those who merely want the option to visit the coast but are eager to explore inland Cornwall, then Bodmin is perfect.


Such lakes as Dozmary Pool and Colliford are worth seeing, whilst the surrounding granite tors are less gruelling for the more mature holiday-maker.

4. Exmoor
Where Exmoor meets the North Devon and Somerset coast could well be regarded as some of the most dramatic coastline in the country.


3. West Pennine Moors
Moving north, the West Pennine Moors in Lancashire are known as the Little Lake District.


Perhaps most famous for its lakes, such as Anglezarke and Yarrow, the area is also notable for its architecture and many unique structures including Rivington Pike, Jubilee Tower and the many scattered lead mines. Haslingden Glene is a popular destination for walkers.

2. Dartmoor
Like the aforementioned Bodmin, most holidaymakers who travel to the South West are more interested in the coast than the inland areas.

Dartmoor, however, is even more dramatic than Bodmin and subsequently busier during the summer.

Its tors, such as Hound Tor, Rippon Tor and Hay Tor are perhaps some of the most impressive and distinctive granite tors of the country, and the area is also known for the evidence of its Bronze Age past.

1. Peak District
The Peak District in Northern England is concentrated mostly in the county of Derbyshire, and is the oldest national park in the country. Subsequently, the area is popular with tourists and is easy to access from surrounding cities such as Manchester and Sheffield.

Unlike Dartmoor and Bodmin, the area is a limestone moor, and some attractions such as Thor’s Cave are distinct because of this. The area is also associated with outdoor activities such as rock climbing and paragliding.

We have had a terrible summer weather wise, similar to last summer. Now the kids are back to school and the weather forecast for September is good, you can pick up some great bargains at holiday parks throughout Cornwall.

September is a great month to get away with the children back at school the prices are reduced and you will be more likely to find a real bargain. Cornwall is a fantastic holiday location with so much to do and see and all you need to do in get in your car and go.

Take a look around the Internet for the best deals and pick up a September bargain.