Downderry Beach
A charming Cornish beach with easy access, known for its beachfront Inn, clear waters, and dog-friendly atmosphere. Perfect for walks and water sports...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warm weather for swimming & play
Downderry Beach
Best Time
Warm weather for swimming & play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming Cornish beach with easy access, known for its beachfront Inn, clear waters, and dog-friendly atmosphere. Perfect for walks and water sports.
"Basic but versatile beach with clear waters and great for dog walking."
🚗 Easy Parking & Access
Parking is available just across the road from the beach, making access straightforward.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Year-Round
Downderry Beach welcomes dogs all year, making it a great spot for pet owners.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Inn On The Shore
Directly on the beach
Enjoy stunning sea views, live music, and delicious food right by the sand. Perfect for sunset drinks.
+1Coastal Walks
SW Coast Path nearby
Dramatic beach walks with beautiful views, especially in autumn. Connects to Seaton Beach at low tide.
Water Sports
Downderry Beach
Ideal spot for windsurfing and other water activities, with sunshine and wind creating fun conditions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beach Access & Facilities
Tides & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Parking & Access
Parking is available just across the road from the beach, making access straightforward.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Year-Round
Downderry Beach welcomes dogs all year, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🚶♀️ Walk to Seaton Beach
At low tide, you can walk to Seaton Beach, but be mindful of the returning tide.
🌅 Sunset Views
The beach offers stunning sunset views, especially during golden hour.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Parking & Access
Parking is available just across the road from the beach, making access straightforward.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Year-Round
Downderry Beach welcomes dogs all year, making it a great spot for pet owners.
🚶♀️ Walk to Seaton Beach
At low tide, you can walk to Seaton Beach, but be mindful of the returning tide.
🌅 Sunset Views
The beach offers stunning sunset views, especially during golden hour.
🍽️ Beachfront Dining
Enjoy food and drinks with a view at the Inn on the Shore, located right on the beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Downderry Beach is appreciated for its easy access, dog-friendly policy, and the picturesque Inn on the Shore. While some find it rocky and less scenic than other Cornish beaches, its clear waters are great for swimming and it offers good opportunities for coastal walks and water sports. +2
"Not my favourite type of beach. It’s rather rocky, the views are a bit “meh”, lots of motor boats about so smells not nice either. But access is pretty easy, parking just over the road, public toilets near the beach entrance, pubs and cafés also close by. Good spot for dog owners as doggies are welcome all year round 🥰"
Anya The Cornish Seal
"So this was not the beach we intended on visiting! Enjoying the run of hot weather we decided a Tuesday afternoon would likely be quiet. How wrong we were! Tregantle and whitsand Bay were packed not ideal for the whole social distancing. Also as we drove along the coastal road, the path down to the beach, a mile or two below, looked a bit sketchy. Especially with young kids, bbq, bodyboards and more toys than smyths!
Quick Google search and up comes Downderry. Off the bat the 4 stars are due to lack of facilities such as toilets, car park etc. A basic stoney beach nice and quiet mostly in use by locals. Waters were beautifully clear and fantastic to swim in. The weather was stunning sunshine all afternoon till we left around 8:30pm. Low tide allowed some limited exploration of rock pools most were heavily populated by seaweed. No complaints from my tribe in the 6 hours plus we were there, which is rare. Basic but versatile beach."
Alan Wormald
"The beach is long of gravely sand and pebbles. O.k. for dog walking. No where to park out of the way as the village roads are narrow. Seaton beach is sandy and only half a mile away with lots of parking. This beach is listed amongst nudist beaches, it is so open with no seclusion and easily accessible I very much doubt it."
Ewan Baxter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Downderry Beach is accessible via Beach Lane, a short lane leading down from the main road. Parking is available just over the road from the beach entrance. +1
Yes, there is parking available just across the road from the beach. However, village roads can be narrow, so out-of-the-way parking might be limited. +1
Yes, at low tide, it's possible to walk to Seaton Beach from Downderry. Always be aware of the returning tide to avoid getting caught out.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed in social media, the village amenities suggest some local transport may be available. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, you can drive to Downderry Beach, with parking available nearby. The coastal road offers scenic views on your approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Downderry Beach is a public beach and does not require tickets for entry. Access is free for all visitors.
As a natural beach, Downderry Beach is open 24/7. However, amenities like the Inn on the Shore will have their own operating hours.
No, there are no entry fees to access Downderry Beach. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
Access to the beach is generally easy, with parking close by. However, the terrain is a mix of sand and pebbles, which may present challenges for some mobility aids.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Downderry Beach all year round, making it a great spot for dog owners.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Downderry Beach is described as a mix of sand and gravel, with pebbles. It's not a soft, sandy beach but offers opportunities for rock pooling. +1
Public toilets are available near the beach entrance, though some reviews mention limited facilities.
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, dog walking, coastal walks, and water sports like windsurfing.
The waters at Downderry Beach are often described as beautifully clear and fantastic for swimming.
Yes, at low tide, you can walk through to Seaton Beach. It's important to be aware of the tide times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Inn on the Shore is located directly on the beach, offering food, drinks, and accommodation with stunning sea views.
The Inn on the Shore offers a menu that includes tapas and cocktails, with a large alfresco terrace overlooking the sea.
Picnicking is a great option, especially if you plan to spend a longer time. You can bring your own food or enjoy meals at the nearby Inn on the Shore.
The Inn on the Shore serves as a pub and restaurant right on the beach, offering a convenient spot for refreshments.
The Inn on the Shore is a family-friendly option with a great location. Bringing your own picnic is also a good choice for families.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, especially at sunset, offers beautiful light and dramatic skies over Downderry and Seaton Beach.
The Inn on the Shore with its beachfront location, the dramatic coastal views, and the patterns on the stones washed ashore are great photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The beach offers direct sea views, and on windy days, you can capture dynamic shots of waves and spray.
Look for the interesting patterns and colors on the stones and pebbles, as well as the kelp during water sports.
Landscape photography, sunset shots, and action shots of water sports like windsurfing are popular.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that facilities like toilets are available but can be limited, so packing essentials is a good idea. Be mindful of the tides if you plan to walk to Seaton Beach, as it's easy to get caught out.
🐶 Dog Owners
With easy access and parking nearby, it's a convenient spot for a day out with your pet. The clear waters are also suitable for dogs to swim in. Just be aware of the tides if you venture towards Seaton Beach, and always keep an eye on your dog, especially near the water.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Hikers
You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beach itself, taking in the unique patterns of the stones. At low tide, the beach connects to Seaton Beach, allowing for a longer and more varied walk.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Downderry Beach: A Mix of Sand and Pebbles
The beach's accessibility is a key feature, with parking conveniently located just across the road. This ease of access makes it a popular choice for locals and day-trippers alike. However, it's important to note that the beach can be affected by motorboats, which may influence the water's clarity and smell at times.
For those looking for a more expansive sandy experience, Seaton Beach is just a short walk away at low tide, offering a complementary coastal environment.
The Inn on the Shore: Beachfront Dining and Accommodation
+1 The establishment is known for its vibrant atmosphere, including live music nights and a great vibe, creating a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Visitors can enjoy a range of offerings, from tapas and cocktails to full meals, all while taking in the panoramic ocean vistas from their restaurant or expansive alfresco terrace.
+1 The Inn also provides en-suite rooms, with sea-view options highly recommended for an immersive coastal experience. It's a perfect place to unwind after a day at the beach or to enjoy a memorable sunset. This beachfront establishment significantly enhances the Downderry Beach experience, providing a convenient and picturesque hub for food, drinks, and even overnight stays, all with the sound of the sea as a constant companion.
Coastal Walks and Water Sports at Downderry
The beach itself is great for a refreshing walk, and at low tide, it's possible to extend your exploration by walking through to Seaton Beach. For the more adventurous, Downderry Beach is also a recognized spot for water sports. Windsurfing enthusiasts, in particular, find the conditions favorable, with sunshine and wind creating opportunities for fun and dynamic sessions.
The beach's open nature and proximity to the sea make it an inviting location for various aquatic activities. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll along the shore or an exhilarating time on the water, Downderry Beach provides a beautiful backdrop for both. The combination of scenic walking routes and water sport potential makes it a versatile destination for active visitors.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit