Top 5 Cornish beaches to visit by train

7th October, 2021

Top 5 Cornish beaches to visit by train

This article is more than 2 years old.

1. East Looe beach

Take a trip on the scenic Looe Valley Line and wander through the attractive seaside town of Looe down to the beach. It’s sandy, family friendly and safe for swimming. If you’re after rock pools, head to the nearby Hannafore beach at West Looe.

How to get there?
0.6 miles walk from Looe station (map)

Look up train times

More about this beach

2. Gyllyngvase beach

Falmouth

Photo: Adam Gibbard / Visit Cornwall

Gyllyngvase is a lovely sandy beach which is great for families, and only a few minutes’ walk from Falmouth Town station. It’s the town’s largest and most popular beach, and has a great beach cafe that’s open all year round.

How to get there?
0.4 miles walk from Falmouth Town station (map)

Look up train times

More about this beach

3. Porthminster beach

St Ives

Enjoy spectacular coastal views from the train window as you arrive on the St Ives Bay Line. You’re then just a few paces from the picturesque and family-friendly Porthminster beach. For something to eat, check out the beach cafe or take the short walk into town.

How to get there?
Directly next to St Ives station (map)

Look up train times

More about this beach

4. Great Western beach

Newquay

Photo: Felipe Kos under Creative Commons license

Newquay station is in the heart of the town, and from there you can be on the beach in no time. Great Western beach (named after the railway) is the closest of a number of fantastic sandy beaches that you can walk to from the station.

How to get there?
0.2 miles walk from Newquay station (map)

Look up train times

More about this beach

5. Carbis Bay beach

Photo: Westbahn Films

Another great beach to explore on the scenic St Ives Bay Line. With a St Ives Bay Line Ranger ticket (£4) you can hop on and off and visit both Carbis Bay and St Ives’ Porthminster beach the same day. Alternatively, take a coastal walk between the two (here are walk directions).

How to get there?
Just 260ft from Carbis Bay station (map)

Look up train times

More about this beach

PS: All of these beaches can be reached on the county’s scenic branch lines, but don’t forget there are beaches accessible from the main line too, such as Hayle. Enjoy them all!