10 of The Best Beaches in Cornwall for Artistic Inspiration 2025
Cure your creative block with inspiration from these stunning Cornish beaches.
Porthcurno beach and the Minack theatre, Penzance
When you first start out creating art or when you find yourself in a creative slump, the best thing you can do is look for inspiration in what you enjoy. For me, and many other UK seascape artists, Cornwall holds the key to unlocking creativity and gathering inspiration to start creating beautiful works of art.
There’s something magical and calming about being near the ocean. The wild waves of winter, the calm seas of summer, and the rugged, natural coastline create dramatic seascape stories that are just waiting to be told. Here are 10 of the best Cornwall beaches to ignite your creative spark and get you back in the mood to create the art you love.
Porthleven Beach.
The most southerly port in the UK, Porthleven Cornwall is famed for its wild coastline and dramatic winter storms and is fast gaining a reputation as a center for great art. Featuring an imposing double harbour and surrounded by coastline that is designated as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Porthleven is a truly inspirational place. Porthleven and its working fishing port is the most southerly on mainland Britain and faces southwest into the prevailing winds. Popular with experienced surfers, they come to do battle with one of the finest reef breaks in Cornwall. For centuries, Porthleven has provided a welcome refuge for distressed ships along the hazardous stretch of coastline. On a stormy day, you can see why as raging waves crash over the harbour wall and batter the infamous clock tower.
2. Porthgwarra Beach Cove.
Porthgwarra Cove, Penzance, Cornwall.
Once a thriving fishing port, Porthgwarra is now a tranquil escape from which to relax and enjoy nature. This picturesque inlet sits right at the bottom of west Cornwall, approximately 3 miles southeast of Lands End, and enjoys a peaceful existence surrounded by the local wildlife. With crystal clear, calm waters and bright, almost white, sand that can only be seen at low tide, make this secluded cove perfect for gathering inspiration for your latest art collection. In recent years, Porthgwarra Cove has been made famous as a set location in the BBC drama, Poldark, where Ross famously swam while being admired by Demelza from the cliff tops.
Buy Porthgwarra Cove Cornwall - Acrylic Painting
3. Lantic Bay, Polperro
Lantic Bay Beach, Polperro, Cornwall
Nestled between Fowey and Polperro, Lantic Bay is truly a hidden gem among Cornwall's more remote beaches. Known for its tranquil and unspoiled beauty, this National Trust-owned cove offers a peaceful escape, with its mix of soft sand, shingle, and pebbles that vary as you explore the shore. Although the climb back up from the beach can be challenging, the experience is well worth it for a perfect spot to paddle, picnic, or simply soak in the serene atmosphere. Its secluded location ensures that Lantic Bay never feels overcrowded, making it an ideal retreat. For artists, the untouched beauty of the bay, framed by rugged cliffs and clear blue waters, provides endless inspiration. The stunning views from the South West Coast Path and the interplay of light and textures on the beach make it a perfect setting for capturing Cornwall’s natural beauty.
4. Crantock Beach, Newquay
Summer on Crantock Beach, Newquay, Cornwall
Crantock Beach, located near Newquay in Cornwall, is a stunning stretch of golden sand backed by rolling dunes, offering a peaceful retreat away from the bustling nearby beaches. Owned by the National Trust, this beach sits at the mouth of the River Gannel, where the river meets the sea, creating a unique landscape that’s perfect for paddling, swimming, and picnicking. The sweeping coastline and expansive beach make it an ideal destination for families and surfers alike, while the nearby coastal paths offer scenic walks with breathtaking views. Crantock's natural beauty, with its dramatic cliffs, ever-changing tides, and the rich colors of the surrounding landscape, provides endless inspiration for artists. The blend of tranquil river scenes and the rugged coastline is perfect for capturing Cornwall’s wild and serene spirit on canvas.
5. Porth Joke Beach, Newquay
Porth Joke Beach, Newquay. Also Known as Polly Joke.
Porth Joke Beach, affectionately known as Polly Joke Beach, is a secluded and peaceful haven just five miles from Newquay, Cornwall. This hidden gem is tucked away between the headlands of Kelsey and Pentire, offering a quiet retreat compared to the busier beaches nearby. With its soft golden sands, rock pools, and clear waters, Polly Joke is a favorite spot for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a tranquil day by the sea. The surrounding countryside blooms with vibrant wildflowers in the spring and summer, adding to the beach's natural charm. For artists, Polly Joke features unspoiled beauty, dramatic cliffs, and ever-changing coastal light, making it an ideal location to capture the raw and untouched essence of Cornwall’s coastal landscape.
Buy Porth Joke Beach Textured Painting
6. Porthcurno Beach, Penzance
Porthcurno Beach, Near Lands End, Cornwall
Porthcurno Beach, situated on Cornwall's dramatic western coastline, is renowned for its striking beauty and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Nestled beneath towering granite cliffs, this sheltered cove boasts soft white sand that makes it one of the most picturesque beaches in the region. Despite its natural seclusion, Porthcurno is easily accessible, with a short walk from the nearby car park leading to breathtaking coastal views. Just above the beach, the famous Minack Theatre perches on the cliffside, adding a cultural charm to the area. Porthcurno's stunning landscape, with its dramatic cliffs and shimmering waters, has long inspired artists and photographers alike. The unique play of light and colour, especially during sunrise and sunset, offers a perfect setting for capturing the beauty of Cornwall's coastline.
Buy Porthcurno Textured Painting
7. Seaton Beach.
Seaton Beach, Cornwall
Seaton Beach, located on Cornwall’s south coast near Looe, is a charming stretch of coastline that offers a mix of sand and shingle, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors. The beach is bordered by the scenic Seaton Valley, where a tranquil river flows into the sea, creating a serene environment perfect for families, dog walkers, and those looking to relax by the water. With easy access and ample parking, Seaton Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere while still providing plenty of space for swimming, paddling, and beachside picnics. For artists, Seaton Beach is an inspirational location, with its gentle waves, dramatic coastal cliffs, and the interplay between the valley’s greenery and the wide-open sea. The beach’s natural beauty, combined with the quiet, reflective environment, makes it an ideal setting for capturing the calming essence of Cornwall’s southern coastline.
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8. East Looe Beach
Summer on East Looe Beach
East Looe Beach, situated in the vibrant fishing town of Looe, Cornwall, is a popular destination known for its wide expanse of golden sand and safe, sheltered waters. The beach is ideal for families, offering plenty of opportunities for swimming, paddling, and building sandcastles, all within easy reach of the town’s amenities and charming streets. With the iconic Banjo Pier marking one end of the beach and picturesque views of the harbor, East Looe Beach is both accessible and visually striking. For artists, this beach provides endless inspiration, from the lively activity of the working harbor to the beauty of the sandy shore and sparkling blue waters. The contrasts between the bustling town and the peaceful sea make East Looe Beach a perfect subject for capturing the dynamic spirit of Cornwall’s coastal life.
9. Praa Sands Beach, Penzance
Praa Sands, A Mile Long Beach in Penzance
Praa Sands Beach, located near Penzance on Cornwall’s south coast, is a long, sweeping stretch of golden sand bordered by rolling dunes and rugged cliffs. Renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, this beach is popular with both locals and visitors seeking sun, sea, and waves. With its gentle slope into the Atlantic, Praa Sands is also ideal for swimming, paddling, and beach games, making it a family-friendly destination. The beach’s dramatic landscape, combined with the vibrant hues of the ocean and sky, makes it a haven for artists looking to capture the natural beauty of Cornwall’s coastline. The combination of soft sands, crashing waves, and stunning sunsets offers endless creative inspiration, whether on canvas or in photography, making Praa Sands a perfect spot to explore Cornwall’s wild, untamed charm.
10. Pedn Vounder Beach
The Mesmerising Turquoise Waters of Pedn Vounder
Pedn Vounder Beach, located near Porthcurno in West Cornwall, is a breathtakingly beautiful, secluded cove that feels like a hidden paradise. Nestled beneath towering cliffs and accessible via a steep path or from the South West Coast Path, this beach offers stunning views of crystal-clear turquoise waters and golden sands, especially at low tide when the sandbars create natural tidal pools. The remoteness and unspoiled beauty of Pedn Vounder make it a true escape for those seeking tranquility. Artists are especially drawn to its dramatic landscape and ever-changing seascape, with the cliffs, shimmering waters, and peaceful isolation providing an ideal setting to capture Cornwall’s raw, untamed beauty. The unique light and colours of Pedn Vounder offer a perfect muse for artists looking to portray the natural charm of the Cornish coast.
Cornwall's beaches offer more than just breathtaking views and relaxing getaways—they provide endless artistic inspiration with their dramatic landscapes, unique coastal light, and serene, unspoiled beauty. From the golden sands of Crantock Beach to the hidden gem of Lantic Bay, each beach has its own distinct character that invites creativity. Whether you're an artist seeking a peaceful retreat or simply looking to immerse yourself in nature's wonders, these Cornish beaches are sure to stir your imagination. If you feel inspired by the beauty of Cornwall's coastline, be sure to check out my collection of Cornwall-inspired seascape paintings, where I’ve captured the essence of these remarkable locations on canvas.
