Harlyn Bay


For a proper surf, this wide, sandy beach is the best option within easy reach of Padstow. There's a surf school based here, and summer-long lifeguarding. It's a lively and popular spot, and can be a bit overcrowded in summer.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Mother Ivey's Bay

0.8 MILES

Backed by a large caravan park and accessed from the coast path, this small beach is a little off the beaten track, and mainly used by campers and…

2. Trevone

0.99 MILES

The nearest beach to Padstow is this small bay sheltered from the wind by Roundhole Point. It's a good place for swimming, and has a lifeguard in summer.

3. Constantine Bay

1.28 MILES

Arcing along the west side of the headland from Trevose Head, Constantine is one of the most impressive sweeps of sand near Padstow. It's a long, west…

4. Treyarnon

1.51 MILES

A good family beach, with easy access from the car park, lots of fine sand at low tide and a small area for swimming, that's framed by rocks on either…

5. Trevose Head

1.57 MILES

Four miles west of Padstow town is the distinctive outcrop of Trevose Head, a notorious shipping hazard that was once used as a quarry, and has been…

6. Prideaux Place

2.33 MILES

Much favoured by directors of costume dramas and period films, this stately Grade I–listed manor was built by the Prideaux-Brune family, purportedly…

7. Porthcothan

2.47 MILES

A long, narrow, northwest-facing beach backed by grass-covered dunes, tall cliffs and divided by a tidal stream. It's best visited at low tide, when there…

8. Tregirls Beach

2.59 MILES

Given how close it is to Padstow, this grand beach stays surprisingly quiet most of the year. It looks out over the mouth of the Camel Estuary and, thanks…