St Agnes Beach – Your Complete Guide to This Cornish Coastal Gem

Tucked along the rugged north Cornwall coast, St Agnes Beach (also known as Trevaunance Cove) is a charming blend of natural beauty, surfing waves, and traditional Cornish culture. Surrounded by cliffs, old mine ruins, and a vibrant village atmosphere, St Agnes Beach is a favourite for families, surfers, and walkers alike.

Whether you’re planning a beach day or a weekend getaway, here’s your complete guide to St Agnes Beach in Cornwall.

Where Is St Agnes Beach?

Location: St Agnes, North Cornwall, England
Beach Name: Trevaunance Cove (commonly called St Agnes Beach)
Coordinates: 50.3136° N, 5.2030° W
Nearest Towns: Perranporth (5 miles), Truro (9 miles)

Located in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Cornish mining, the beach sits at the base of the village of St Agnes.

What to Expect at St Agnes Beach

Golden Sandy Cove

St Agnes Beach is a small, sandy beach with a mixture of rock pools, cliffs, and caves. At low tide, it opens up for games, sunbathing, and family fun. At high tide, the beach becomes compact, with waves lapping close to the rocks.

Dog-Friendly Beach

Dogs are welcome year-round with no restrictions, making it a favourite for dog walkers.

Lifeguard Patrol

From May to September, the beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards, making it a safe spot for swimmers and families.

Surfing at St Agnes Beach

Conditions:

Great for intermediate surfers
Best swells from west/northwest
Tidal shifts affect the wave break – low to mid tide is ideal

Surf Schools:

Breakers Surf School offers lessons for all levels
Equipment rentals available near the beach

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Parking & Access

Beach car park just above Trevaunance Cove (limited spaces)
Overflow parking available in the village during busy months
Short, steep walk down to the beach from the parking area

Accessibility: A ramp is available but can be steep; limited wheelchair access.

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Food & Drink Near St Agnes Beach

Recommended Spots:

The Driftwood Spars – Historic pub and brewery with sea views
Genki Café – A tropical-inspired garden café serving smoothies, brunch, and coffee
Schooners Bistro – Beachfront dining with local seafood

Don’t miss Cornish pasties and ice cream from local vendors!

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Coastal Walks & Attractions

St Agnes is part of the South West Coast Path, offering dramatic views and nature experiences.

Walks From St Agnes Beach:

St Agnes Head Walk – Spectacular cliffs and views of Wheal Coates mine
Chapel Porth – Scenic walk to a neighboring cove
Porthtowan – A longer coastal hike for experienced walkers

Local Attractions:

Wheal Coates Tin Mine – Historic ruins with Instagram-worthy views
Blue Hills Tin Streams – A working tin mine experience
St Agnes Museum – Learn about the area’s mining and maritime past

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What to Bring for a Day at St Agnes Beach

Beach towel or blanket
Sunscreen and hat (minimal shade)
Surfboard or bodyboard
Waterproof shoes for rock pooling
Windbreaker or jacket (it can get breezy)

Best Time to Visit St Agnes Beach

Summer (June–August): Warmest weather, busiest season
Spring/Autumn (May, September): Fewer crowds, excellent surfing
Winter: Quieter and dramatic for photography, but swimming not advised

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Conclusion

St Agnes Beach is one of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets—a charming cove that blends natural beauty, coastal adventure, and local character. Whether you’re surfing, hiking the cliffs, or simply soaking up the sea breeze, Trevaunance Cove is the perfect Cornish escape for every kind of traveler.

FAQs

1. Is St Agnes Beach suitable for families?

Yes! The beach is great for children, especially during low tide with its shallow pools, lifeguard patrol, and sandy space for games.

2. Is there parking at St Agnes Beach?

Yes, there is a car park just above the beach, but it fills quickly in peak season. Additional parking is available in the village with a short walk to the cove.