Sandymouth Bay
A stunning National Trust beach in Cornwall, famed for its dramatic waterfalls, rock pools, and dramatic cliffs. Dog-friendly and ideal for coastal wa...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Max beach space & rock pools
Sandymouth Bay
Best Time
Max beach space & rock pools
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning National Trust beach in Cornwall, famed for its dramatic waterfalls, rock pools, and dramatic cliffs. Dog-friendly and ideal for coastal walks.
"The waterfalls and rock formations make this beach absolutely worth the challenging walk down!"
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the lower car park; the walk up to the overflow is tough! :car:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide reveals the best of the beach, including rock pools and more sand. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Waterfalls
Cascading down cliffs onto the beach
Witness magical waterfalls flowing from the fields onto the sand, creating unique photo opportunities.
Expansive Rock Pools
Along the shoreline at low tide
Discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life in the numerous rock pools revealed at low tide.
Coastal Cliff Formations
Framing the beach
Marvel at the impressive rock formations and caves carved by the sea, adding to the beach's dramatic beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Beach Access
Navigating the Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the lower car park; the walk up to the overflow is tough! :car:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide reveals the best of the beach, including rock pools and more sand.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The path down can be tricky, especially near the end. Wear sensible shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends are welcome here, making it a great spot for the whole family. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for the lower car park; the walk up to the overflow is tough! :car:
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide reveals the best of the beach, including rock pools and more sand.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The path down can be tricky, especially near the end. Wear sensible shoes! :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Your furry friends are welcome here, making it a great spot for the whole family. :dog:
☕ On-site Cafe
Grab a tasty bite or hot drink at the cafe with a good view. +1 :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sandymouth Bay is widely praised as a stunning and unique beach, particularly for its dramatic waterfalls and extensive rock pools. Visitors appreciate the National Trust management, on-site cafe, and dog-friendly nature. However, the steep and sometimes challenging access to the beach is a recurring point of concern for some. +1
"The best beach I have ever visited, although if you struggle to walk up or down hills I would suggest getting there early so you can park in the lower car park as the walk up the hill to the over flow is tough! Very tough! even the walk to the beach from the main car park is a challenge. But once you get down there the views the rock formations, caves and waterfalls all make it worth it, rock pools and waves bigger than me (over 6 feet) perfect for surfing or body boarding! It’s fully overseen by vigilante life guards who regularly move the safety flags too! Great for the whole family and dogs too!"
JAMES HAYDEN
"It's a very beautiful, well-maintained beach. If you're a National Trust member, you don't have to pay for parking; the staff is very friendly. The beach has a café that sells everything, and the food is very tasty. The tip is to go to the beach in the morning because after 2:00 p.m. the tide is already quite high, so you can enjoy the sea more. There are also plenty of trails for those who enjoy hiking in the mountains. When I went, it was quite crowded, but I still didn't miss the chance to take a look at the top of the mountains. The view is beautiful!"
TIZIANA GRAZIANI
"Sandymouth Bay Beach Bude, Cornwall, managed by the National Trust, is an absolute gem and deserves every one of its five stars! From the moment we arrived, the convenience of the car park made access incredibly easy, a huge plus for a beach trip.
The facilities are top-notch. The toilets were clean and well-maintained, which is always appreciated. We visited during the season, and it was reassuring to see the RNLI lifeguards on duty, providing that extra layer of safety for swimmers and families.
The beach itself is stunning, with dramatic cliffs and plenty of space to spread out. A real highlight are the two beautiful waterfalls cascading down the cliffs onto the beach, they add a magical touch and make for fantastic photo opportunities! We were delighted to find a lovely cafe on-site, perfect for grabbing a hot drink & a bite to eat after a refreshing walk along the shore. And for those of us with furry friends, it's fantastic that dogs are allowed on the beach, making it a truly inclusive and enjoyable experience for the whole family.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing day by the sea, a family adventure or a bracing walk with your dog, Sandymouth Bay Beach has it all."
AJMAL KAZMI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sandymouth Bay is located near Bude, Cornwall. It's managed by the National Trust and has parking available. The nearest postcode is EX23 9HW.
Access to the beach involves a steep walk down, and the steps near the beach can be deteriorated. It may be challenging for prams or wheelchairs. +1
There are two connected car parks at the top, offering ample parking. National Trust members often get free parking. +1 Arriving early is recommended, especially during peak season.
Yes, Sandymouth Bay is part of the stunning Cornish coastline and can be reached via coastal paths. For example, it's a stretch from Bude to Widemouth Bay.
Absolutely! The coastal paths around Sandymouth Bay offer beautiful hiking opportunities with dramatic sea views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Parking is free for National Trust members. For non-members, parking fees apply and can be quite expensive. +1
Sandymouth Bay itself is a public beach, but there are charges for parking if you are not a National Trust member.
As a natural beach, Sandymouth Bay is generally accessible at all times. However, facilities like the cafe and restrooms will have specific operating hours, often seasonal.
Yes, RNLI lifeguards are on duty during the season, providing safety for swimmers and families. Always swim between the safety flags.
There are no tickets required for entry to the beach itself. Parking fees are payable on-site if you are not a National Trust member.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find clean restrooms, a seasonal cafe, and parking facilities. Lifeguards are present during the summer months.
Yes, Sandymouth Bay is known for its extensive rock pools, which are best explored at low tide.
Enjoy swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, exploring rock pools, walking the coastal paths, and photography.
It's a fantastic family destination with space to play, rock pools, waterfalls, and lifeguards for safety. +1
Yes, Sandymouth Bay is dog-friendly, making it a great place for a walk with your pet.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located at the top of the beach, offering tasty food and drinks with a good view. +1
The cafe sells a variety of items, including hot drinks and snacks. Reviews suggest the food is tasty. +1
While not specifically designated picnic areas, the beach offers plenty of space to spread out a blanket and enjoy a picnic, especially at low tide.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy on the beach.
The nearest town, Bude, offers a range of dining options from cafes to restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfalls cascading onto the beach, dramatic cliff formations, rock pools, and the expansive coastline offer stunning photographic subjects.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide beautiful soft light for landscape photography. Low tide is ideal for capturing rock pools.
The cliff tops offer panoramic views of the bay, and the beach itself provides unique perspectives with the waterfalls and rock formations.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with the National Trust or local authorities regarding drone operation policies before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline and cliffs. A macro lens can be useful for detailed shots of rock pools.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
+1 You can enjoy challenging hikes with dramatic sea views or gentler strolls along the shoreline. The varied terrain, from cliff tops to beach level, provides a rewarding experience for all levels of walkers. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Tides at Sandymouth Bay
Conversely, high tide can dramatically alter the beach's appearance. The water can come in quite high, reducing the sandy area and leaving behind a more pebbly shoreline. This is why checking the tide times before your visit is crucial for planning your activities and ensuring you experience the bay at its most appealing.
Understanding the tidal patterns will significantly enhance your visit, allowing you to make the most of the beach's dynamic beauty. Navigating the Terrain: A Traveler's Perspective
Travelers often recommend arriving early to secure a spot in the lower car park, which minimizes the uphill trek back.
Beyond the Beach: Coastal Walks and Natural Wonders
+1 These trails provide an opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the area, discover hidden coves, and enjoy invigorating hikes. The bay itself is a natural wonder, characterized by its dramatic cliff formations, sea caves, and the unique waterfalls that cascade directly onto the beach.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit