Talland Bay Cornwall
A picturesque Cornish cove with dramatic rock formations, stunning coastal walks, and a charming beach cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore tide pools & fewer crowds
Talland Bay Cornwall
Best Time
Explore tide pools & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque Cornish cove with dramatic rock formations, stunning coastal walks, and a charming beach cafe.
"Beautiful beautiful beach! They make the most amazing coffees."
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The rocks are sharp! Appropriate shoes are a must for exploring the beach safely.
🚗 Drive Carefully on Access Roads
Narrow, single-lane roads lead to the bay. Be prepared for tight squeezes and drive cautiously.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dramatic Rock Formations
The beach
Explore unique green and purple rocks, especially stunning at low tide. Perfect for clambering and discovering rock pools.
Coastal Path Walks
South West Coast Path
Enjoy breathtaking views on walks connecting Talland Bay to Looe and Polperro. Well-marked trails for all levels.
Talland Bay Cafe
Beachfront
Savor delicious coffee, crab sandwiches, and ice cream with unparalleled sea views. A perfect pit stop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating to Talland Bay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The rocks are sharp! Appropriate shoes are a must for exploring the beach safely.
🚗 Drive Carefully on Access Roads
Narrow, single-lane roads lead to the bay. Be prepared for tight squeezes and drive cautiously.
☕ Enjoy the Beach Cafe
Fantastic coffee, crab sandwiches, and ice cream with stunning views. A must-visit!
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Adventures
Walk from Looe or Polperro for incredible scenery and a great way to arrive. 
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The rocks are sharp! Appropriate shoes are a must for exploring the beach safely.
🚗 Drive Carefully on Access Roads
Narrow, single-lane roads lead to the bay. Be prepared for tight squeezes and drive cautiously.
☕ Enjoy the Beach Cafe
Fantastic coffee, crab sandwiches, and ice cream with stunning views. A must-visit!
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Adventures
Walk from Looe or Polperro for incredible scenery and a great way to arrive.
🌊 Check Tide Times
Low tide reveals the best rock formations and tide pools for exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Talland Bay is a beautiful cove praised for its dramatic rock formations and stunning coastal path walks. Visitors love the unique geology, the charming beach cafe with great food, and the dog-friendly atmosphere. However, some find the beach stony and the access roads challenging.
"Green and purple rocks, best seen at low tide for full effect. Fun clambering over rocks and exploring rock pools, but you will need appropriate footwear as rocks can be sharp. Some paddle board / plastic canoes available for hire at the shop. Beach is a reasonable size at low tide, but shrinks quite a bit at high tide. Mixture of sand and (mostly) stones. Water cold but ok to swim in. Local toilet block has been closed for some time, but the cafe has installed portaloos at the end of the car park."
Susan S
"Beautiful beautiful beach! There’s a lovely cafe shop near the beach. They make the most amazing coffees. Water was clear and beach was as perfect for dogs"
Chloe Oxford
"A lovely cove of black rocks, smugglers caves and crisp, green water. Steep climb to reach it,and steep to get back. Shale and sand. Not too crowded, considering it was a glorious day. We saw it from the SW Coastal path that we walked from Looe to Polperra."
Lindy Armstrong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Talland Bay is accessible via narrow, single-lane roads from Looe and Polperro. Driving requires caution. Many visitors opt for the scenic South West Coast Path walk from nearby towns, which offers stunning views. +1
Yes, there is parking available, but it can be limited and fills up quickly, especially during peak season. Be prepared for tight access roads.
Absolutely! The walk from Looe to Talland Bay is a popular and beautiful section of the South West Coast Path, offering spectacular coastal scenery.
The walk between Polperro and Talland Bay is generally well-marked and offers gorgeous coastline views. It's a rewarding walk with places to eat and drink at both ends.
The nearest towns are Looe and Polperro, both charming Cornish villages easily reachable by coastal path or road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Talland Bay itself is a natural beach and cove, so there is no entrance fee to access it. Parking may have a charge.
As a natural beach, Talland Bay is accessible at all times. However, facilities like the cafe and any hired equipment will have their own operating hours.
No booking is generally required for visiting the beach itself. If you plan to stay at the Talland Bay Hotel or hire equipment, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Historically, the local toilet block has been closed. However, the cafe has installed portaloos at the end of the car park for visitor convenience.
Yes, the water at Talland Bay is generally clear and suitable for swimming, though it can be cold.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the unique rock formations, clamber over rocks, discover rock pools at low tide, enjoy coastal walks, swim, and relax at the beach cafe. Paddleboards and canoes can also be hired. +1
Yes, families can enjoy exploring the rock pools and the beach. The cafe offers refreshments, and the coastal walks can be adapted for shorter legs.
Talland Bay is a mix of sand and stones, with a significant amount of shale. The rock formations are a key feature. +1
Yes, Talland Bay is described as being perfect for dogs, making it a great spot for pet owners.
The rock pools at Talland Bay are a highlight, especially at low tide, offering a great opportunity for exploration and discovering marine life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a popular beach cafe at Talland Bay that serves coffee, ciders, great crab sandwiches, and ice cream. It also offers stunning views.
The cafe is known for its coffees, ciders, delicious crab sandwiches, and ice cream. They also offer canapés and wine pairings for a more refined experience.
Besides the beach cafe, the Talland Bay Hotel offers a more upscale dining experience, including a 9-course taster menu.
While not explicitly stated as 'takeaway', the cafe offers food and drinks that can be enjoyed on the beach or at tables with views.
Yes, the Talland Bay Hotel is highly recommended for its spectacular 9-course taster menu and overall dining experience.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic green and purple rock formations, especially at low tide, offer unique photographic subjects. The coastal views from the path and the charming beach cafe are also picturesque.
Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the colors of the rocks and sea. Low tide is crucial for capturing the full extent of the rock formations.
Aerial shots of Talland Bay showcase its beauty, with clear waters and coastal landscapes. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
The distinctive green and purple hues of the rocks, combined with their interesting shapes and textures, make them a fascinating subject for photographers.
Yes, the coastal path offers stunning vistas of the bay and surrounding coastline, providing excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Coastal Walkers
+2 These walks are celebrated for their breathtaking scenery and well-maintained trails. You can plan a circular route or a linear walk, with the option to enjoy refreshments at the Talland Bay Cafe or in the nearby villages. Be prepared for some inclines, as the path often hugs the dramatic cliff edges, providing exhilarating views.🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Unique Geology of Talland Bay
The beach itself is a mix of sand and stones, with a notable presence of shale.
Beyond the immediate beach, the South West Coast Path winds its way along the cliffs, providing elevated perspectives of the bay and its surroundings.
This path not only offers stunning views but also connects Talland Bay to the picturesque villages of Looe and Polperro, making it a popular route for walkers seeking to experience the beauty of the Cornish coast.The Charm of Talland Bay Hotel and Cafe
+1 This country house hotel boasts lush gardens dotted with curiosities and offers a magical coastal getaway. It's particularly noted for its 9-course taster menu, which has been highly praised for its spectacular culinary experience. For those seeking a more luxurious stay or a special dining occasion, the hotel provides an enchanting setting.Complementing the hotel is the Talland Bay Cafe, a beloved spot nestled perfectly by the beach.
It's the ideal place to refuel after a coastal walk or a day exploring the bay, all while enjoying breathtaking sea views. The cafe also offers a selection of wines and canapés, providing a delightful pairing experience.Both the hotel and the cafe contribute significantly to the appeal of Talland Bay, offering distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether you're looking for a fine dining experience or a casual bite with a view, these establishments enhance the overall visit to this beautiful Cornish cove.
Coastal Walks: Connecting Talland Bay to Looe and Polperro
+2 These walks are not just about reaching a destination; they are about immersing yourself in the stunning Cornish coastline. The paths are generally well-marked, making them accessible for a range of fitness levels, though some sections can be steep.The walk from Looe to Talland Bay, and onward to Polperro, is frequently highlighted by visitors for its gorgeous views.
+1 You'll encounter dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and expansive sea vistas. The journey provides a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of Cornwall and offers a sense of accomplishment upon arrival at each village. Many recommend this as a primary way to experience the area, often preferring it to driving due to the scenic rewards.At both ends of these walks, you'll find charming villages with amenities. Looe and Polperro offer places to eat and drink, providing perfect spots to rest and recharge before heading back or continuing your exploration.
The ability to walk between these locations, with Talland Bay as a beautiful midpoint, makes for a well-rounded and memorable day out exploring the Cornish coast.
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