Top 5 Cornish beaches to visit by train

Skip the car and take a scenic train ride to some of Cornwall’s most beautiful beaches. From family-friendly spots to hidden rock pools, here are our top 5 picks, all just a short walk from the station…

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1. East Looe Beach, Looe

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.

Train journey: Liskeard to Looe (30 mins)

Station to Beach: 10 min walk

More about this beach | Look up train times

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2. Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth

Gyllyngvase is a lovely sandy beach that’s great for families and only a few minutes’ walk from Falmouth Town station, which you can reach on the Maritime Line. It’s the town’s largest and most popular beach, with a fantastic café that’s open all year round.

Train journey: Truro to Falmouth Town (20 mins)

Station to Beach: 9 min walk

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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 a short walk into town.

Train journey: St Erth to St Ives (12 mins)

Station to Beach: 3 min walk

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4. Great Western Beach, Newquay

Newquay station, on the Atlantic Coast Line, is right in the heart of the town, making it easy to reach by train. From there, you can be on the beach in no time. Great Western Beach, named after the railway, is the closest of several fantastic sandy beaches within walking distance.

Please note: buses replace trains between Par and Newquay from Mon 24 Feb to Sun 23 March, to enable work towards Mid Cornwall Metro.

Train journey: Par to Newquay (50 min)

Station to Beach: 4 min walk

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5. Carbis Bay Beach, St Ives

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!

Train journey: St Erth to Carbis Bay (8 mins)

Station to Beach: 3 min walk

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

Train times and tickets

Look up train times and buy rail tickets on the GWR website or app.

Save a third off the adult fare for you and a friend (with kids travelling for just £1) with a Devon & Cornwall Railcard – just £12 a year for local residents. Now available to buy online.