If it’s the beach you seek during your stay then you’ll find it in (ahem) spades, here in Cornwall, which is synonymous with world-class coastal stretches.

Whether it’s a bone fide sand-between-the-toes experience you’re after or discovering beach life in other ways, the county’s island-like geography and coastal culture will guarantee to give thalassophiles a real treat, from surfing globally renowned breaks to admiring sea-inspired art.

Here’s our top pick of decidedly different beach-themed things to see and do this summer…

A World of My Own (until 8th September)

Discover the extraordinary voyage by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston: the first person to sail solo and non-stop around the world. Featuring objects and photographs from the famous mariner’s personal collection, the exhibition at Falmouth’s National Maritime Museum celebrates 50 years since his historic accomplishment.

Around the Mount Swim for The Chestnut Appeal (10th August, 1pm)

Explore the iconic island in a unique way and raise vital funds for the men’s health charity as you benevolently swim your way round St Michael’s Mount. If you have open water swimming experience and are a good swimmer then this event is a coveted one to sign up to as you hug the island’s crystal waters before celebrating your feat with a pasty on the beach.

Polkerris Swim Festival (24th August)

Pick from your top choice of open water swimming events including a 1km, 2km and 3k swim staged over an Australian-style lap course near the water’s edge – all part of the Mad Hatter Sports’ Big Hi5ive 2019 series.

Classic Sail Festival (30th August-1st September)

Attend the first ever Classic Sail Festival at Charlestown harbour for a brilliant celebration of everything maritime. Kick-started with a Parade of Sail and continuing with a range of entertainment including live music from Mad Dog Mcrea, shanty singing from The Old Gaffers and The Pirates of St Piran alongside The Wivelscombe String Quartet, there will be plenty of sailing eye candy via a variety of classic ships. Plus, with a feast of fabulous Cornish food and drink readily available, it looks set to be a sensory-packed day out for all.

Art Exhibitions

Tap into the little ones’ creativity and sense of adventure with Tate St Ives’ Beach Art Explorers (every Wednesday in August 10-30-12 and 2-3.30pm), as adults explore the sea-gazing gallery’s Allard Van Hoorn: Urban Songlines and Huguette Caland (until 1st September) exhibitions.

Or to delve more deeply into the ‘liquid planet’, head to The Exchange in Penzance for Simon Faithfull’s ‘Fathom’ (until 5th October).

Sarah Eddy will be exhibiting her latest collection of sublime coastal landscape paintings at an equally as soul-stirring locale near The Lizard at Roskilly’s Farm’s gorgeous new art gallery, CoastColorCanvas.

And Beside the Wave in Falmouth will feature a trio of artists over the summer that all take the ocean as muse: Benjamin Warner (26th July-1st August), Andrew Tozer (2nd-22nd August) and Amanda Hoskin (23rd August-5th September).

Snorkel Safari (31st July, 11am-2pm)

Head to Hannafore Beach in Looe for a supervised snorkelling event for 9-24 year olds as part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Your Shore Beach Ranger Project (equipment provided).

Looking for somewhere to stay? You can view all of our holiday cottages here >

Tags: Art | Charlestown | Falmouth | Marazion | St Ives |