Praa Sands, located on the south coast of Cornwall, is a mile-long (1.5km) southwest-facing stretch of sand and dunes with rock outcrops at either end. It is a family beach with plenty of space, good surfing, and swimming.
The beach is well-known for its good surfing conditions and is suitable for beginners and experienced surfers. A surf school on the beach offers lessons and equipment hire, making it easy for everyone to enjoy the waves. The beach has a better swell than its more sheltered neighbours, but this is a well-known surfing beach and can be busy on a good day in the area patrolled by the lifeguards.
Apart from the surfing, this is an excellent, no-frills family beach with fantastic sand and rock pools.
The far east end of the beach under the cliffs is Hendra Beach, and although it has a name in its own right, it is part of the large stretch of Praa Sands beach, although there are no facilities or lifeguard cover at the eastern end.
As you head eastwards down the beach, you can spot the famous Praa Sands Tree that was once above the beach but is now due to erosion on the beach itself.
Travelling with your dog? Praa Sands has seasonal dog restrictions, where dogs are not allowed from 1 July to 31 August between 10 am and 6 pm.
Getting there and access –ย from the A394 between Helston and Penzance, follow the signs for Praa Sands. There are several car parks at the western end of the beach. Access from the car parks to the sand is relatively straightforward.
Facilities include car parks, a cafe/restaurant, shops, a slipway, toilets, a campsite, and a caravan park. Lifeguards are present on the west end of the beach during the summer and all year round on weekends and school holidays.
If you are looking for something more energetic and surfing is not your thing, Praa Sands is a great location to access more beaches and coves from the southwest coast path. Here are our best two easy options:
- Kenneggy Sands is a large dog-friendly beach to the west, an easy walk from Praa Sands around Hoe Point.
- Rinsey Cove can be found to the east, sitting under Rinsey Head and the old mining engine house used as a location in the Poldark series. From the cliffs, you have a chance of spotting some seals, dolphins, or basking sharks. This dog-friendly walk is described over at MyPAWfectPlace.
Praa Sands is a perfect destination for those seeking a classic beach holiday with the added thrill of surfing in Cornwall. Its stunning natural beauty, excellent facilities, and various activities on and off the water make it an appealing choice. Whether you’re looking to catch some waves, relax on the sand with a good book, or explore the surrounding area’s rich history and natural beauty, Praa Sands offers a quintessential Cornish beach experience that is not to be missed.
