Lantivet Bay
A breathtaking Cornish cove with clear blue waters and dramatic coastal views, accessible via the scenic South West Coast Path.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Lantivet Bay
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking Cornish cove with clear blue waters and dramatic coastal views, accessible via the scenic South West Coast Path.
"Beautiful views, clear blue water, sandy beach. Its a must see destination if your in the area."
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The walk down and up is steep and can be rocky. Hiking boots or sturdy trainers are a must!
💧 Pack water & snacks
There are no facilities at the beach, so bring everything you need for your visit.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 23 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lantivet Bay Beach
The cove itself
A stunning Cornish cove with clear blue waters and a sandy/pebble beach, perfect for swimming and exploring.
South West Coast Path Views
Surrounding cliffs and trails
Breathtaking coastal vistas and well-marked paths offering incredible scenery along the South West Coast Path.
Wildlife Spotting
Tide pools and surrounding waters
Keep an eye out for fascinating marine life, including spider crabs and other sea creatures in the tide pools.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
The Trek Down (and Up!)
Beach Conditions & Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The walk down and up is steep and can be rocky. Hiking boots or sturdy trainers are a must!
💧 Pack water & snacks
There are no facilities at the beach, so bring everything you need for your visit.
🚗 Parking fees apply
The car park is Pay & Display, cash only unless you're a National Trust member.
🦀 Explore tide pools
Discover fascinating marine life like spider crabs at low tide.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
The walk down and up is steep and can be rocky. Hiking boots or sturdy trainers are a must!
💧 Pack water & snacks
There are no facilities at the beach, so bring everything you need for your visit.
🚗 Parking fees apply
The car park is Pay & Display, cash only unless you're a National Trust member.
🦀 Explore tide pools
Discover fascinating marine life like spider crabs at low tide.
🌊 Consider water shoes
The beach is pebbly, and jellyfish can be present, so water shoes are a good idea.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lantivet Bay is praised for its stunning natural beauty and clear blue waters, offering a rewarding experience for those who make the trek down. However, the steep and challenging path, along with the pebble beach and occasional seaweed, means it's not ideal for everyone, particularly families with young children or those with mobility issues. It's a beautiful spot for coastal walks and dog owners.
"Looks nice from a distance, walk down and if older and not steady on feet or have pram etc I would think twice as a bit hard going in places, would not recommend if not steady on feet etc. Beach was ok but lots of sea weed and flies when we went in July. Ruined the day a bit constantly waving them off you or anything eating. We were walking our dog so was good for this as dog friendly and would say because of the above not that busy so was ideal for a dog walk. Better beaches around if looking for day out at the beach with kids."
Simon Matthews
"First time visiting this place in Cornwall! And it was absolutely fantastic, we travelled 4hours away to this destination and it was everything and more. Beautiful views, clear blue water, sandy beach. Its a must see destination if your in the area. Lots of walking paths that are clearly signed up and mapped out. And if you want to relax on the beach please bare in mind you have to follow the trail down, into the cove. But its well worth it. Highly recommended and such a beautiful place"
RMB
"What a fantastic beach.... done it once never again though.... the walk back up killed me off.. if your going to go, go lite trust me you'll thank me after..."
Andy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lantivet Bay is accessible via the South West Coast Path. The nearest car park is opposite the entrance to the bay. Be cautious when crossing the road to access the path.
Yes, there is a Pay & Display car park. It's cash only unless you are a National Trust member and can scan your card.
Yes, the walk from Polperro to Lantivet Bay is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace. It involves steep sections and over 90 steps in places, so walking poles are recommended.
Yes, Lantivet Bay is dog-friendly, making it a good spot for dog walks.
The walk down to Lantivet Bay is steep and can be challenging, with rocky sections. The return journey uphill is particularly demanding.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the beach itself is free. However, there is a charge for parking in the designated car park unless you are a National Trust member.
Basic toilet facilities are available at the car park, which serve their purpose.
Lantivet Bay is a natural beach and coastal area, so it is accessible at all times. However, consider daylight hours for safety and enjoyment of the views.
No, Lantivet Bay is a natural attraction and does not require pre-booked tickets for entry.
Due to the steep and uneven terrain of the path down to the beach, Lantivet Bay is generally not recommended for prams.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, bodyboarding (waves can be good!), exploring the pebble beach, and walking along the South West Coast Path. Wildlife spotting in tide pools is also popular.
It's a beautiful cove with clear blue water, but it's a pebble beach, not purely sand. Seaweed can be present, especially in summer. +1
While beautiful, the challenging walk down and the pebble beach with potential seaweed and jellyfish might make it less ideal for very young children compared to other beaches.
The views are spectacular, offering classic Cornish coastal scenery. The surrounding South West Coast Path provides even more breathtaking panoramas. 
Yes, swimming is popular at Lantivet Bay, and the waves can be good for bodyboarding. Be mindful of potential jellyfish.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic coastal cliffs, the clear waters of the bay, and the textures of the pebble beach. Golden hour can create magical light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A polarizing filter can help with water reflections and enhance sky colors.
Look for interesting rock formations, the marine life in the tide pools, and the dramatic interplay of light and shadow on the cliffs.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm glow.
Drone regulations can vary. Always check local bylaws and ensure you fly responsibly and safely, respecting privacy.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit