Posted on 23/04/201423/04/2014 by james — Leave a comment

Cornwall named most child friendly holiday destination…In the world!

Cornwall has been voted the most child-friendly holiday destination…in the world!

In a poll of over 2000 parents, our glorious county picked up the top spot beating off strong competition from the likes of Florida and Spain thanks to it’s beautiful beaches, child friendly restaurants and the short journey time to reach. Our neighbours Devon picked up a very respectable 3rd place.

A spokesman for the UK’s leading holiday home lettings company, who commissioned the research said,

“If you have young children, there is so much to consider when deciding when to go on holiday, where to go and what accommodation to stay in.

”Not only do you need to choose somewhere that is safe for children, but you also want somewhere that has plenty of things to do, food that fussy kids will be happy to eat and also a journey which will be as stress-free as possible.

”And it seems Cornwall is the place that fits the bill. It only involves a few hours in the car and you can be confident there will be the right food and plenty of activities to keep your children busy.

Families looking to holiday in Cornwall this summer can look forward to spending some fun relaxing time on some of our beautiful beaches below…

Porthminster Beach in St Ives Cornwall — Crystal turquoise waters of Porthminster Beach in St Ives, Cornwall

Sand dunes at Crantock Beach near Newquay in Cornwall — Escape the hustle and bustle at Crantock Beach near Newquay, Cornwall

Posted on 11/03/201411/03/2014 by james — Leave a comment

Surfers Against Sewage Big Spring Beach Clean

Surfers against Sewage, based in St Agnes, Cornwall are an environmental charity who’s mission is to protect the UK’s oceans, waves and beaches. They target coastal environmental issues such as marine litter, sewage pollution, climate change, toxic chemicals, shipping, industry and coastal development and raise awareness through community action, campaigning, volunteering, conservation, education and scientific research.

This month, from the 28th – 31st March 2014, SAS are asking for volunteers to get involved in the Big Spring Beach Clean campaign, by organising local beach cleans across coastal communities in the UK including Cornwall. Surfers Against Sewage hope the event will involve 150 beach cleans, with over 3000 volunteers and remove a minimum of 10 tonnes of debris. These beach cleans are especially important this year as a result of extra debris washed up from the recent Hercules storm to hit the UK.

For more information on finding a local beach clean near you, and how to get involved check out Surfers Against Sewage’s official website HERE

(Images © SAS / Andy Hughes )

Posted on 23/02/201423/02/2014 by james — Leave a comment

Cornwall Beaches Event Guide Summer 2014

Polo on the beach - Watergate Bay Beach Newquay Cornwall

What’s on in Cornwall this summer…

Cornwall’s beaches aren’t just a great place to relax, they’re also perfect locations to hold activites and events such as music festivals, world belly boarding championships and beach polo competitions!

To make sure you don’t miss out on anything whilst on holiday in Cornwall, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to what’s happening on and around Cornwall’s beaches this summer.

Scroll down to see the events in date order…

7-8th June – Electric Beach Festival – Watergate Bay beach – Newquay, Cornwall

A festival, on the beach, in summer, in Cornwall…what more could you ask for. The Electric Beach Festival returns to Watergate Bay in Newquay this summer. Artists such as De La Soul have performed in previous years.

Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th of June the music starts at 1pm and goes all through the day until 10pm (not forgetting the arter party!) with a licensed bar to keep your dancing juice topped up all night. Camping is available. For more info and the latest news check out the festivals official site HERE

5-6th July – Polo On The Beach – Watergate Bay Beach – Newquay,Cornwall

The usually tranquil, flat golden sands of Watergate bay in Newquay are turned into an equestrian battle ground for the sport of polo making for an action packed, champagne fuelled weekend of fun…and it’s free to watch!

Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July, a total of 3 matches will be played, featuring some of the countries finest polo players all hoping to take home this years crown and lift the Watergate Bay Trophy.

This truly unique, spectacular event is definitely one not to be missed, and with additional events planned,a champagne bar, BBQ and live music playing into the night theres plenty to keep you entertained! Full details can be found HERE

20th July- Dodgeball 2014 – Lusty Glaze Beach – Newquay,Cornwall

Dodge, Dip, Dive, Duck and Dodge – Those are the 5 rules of dodgeball!
Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay will be hosting it’s very own dodgeball tournament on Sunday 20th July, giving you and your team a chance to recreate some of your favourite scenes from the hollywood blockbuster. So if your a good at dodging,dipping, diving and ducking get a team together and have some fun on the beach! It’s great to watch too and Lusty Glaze is packed full of activities to keep the whole family entertained. Food and drink is available with a live band playing throughout the day and into the night.
For more information and details on how to submit your team click HERE

6-10th August – Boardmasters – Fistral Beach,Watergate Bay – Newquay, Cornwall

Boardmasters, the biggest music and surfing festival in Europe returns to Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay in Newquay Cornwall this summer for more adrenaline filled fun in the sun. Set over 5 days from 6th-10th August it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Attracting thousands of party people every year it’s easily the biggest and best event in Cornwall.

The festival is split across two legendary locations in Newquay on the North Cornish Coast – Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay…

Fistral beach, famous for its perfect surfing conditions is transformed into a pumping mini festival and will host the pro surf contests, and features skate and BMX half pipe, graffiti art installations, live music and a bustling surf shopping village.

A few miles up the road is Watergate Bay, host to the main headline music festival and campsite. Set overlooking the dramatic cliffs of the North Cornish Coast it’s a full three days of live music, food stalls, bars, fairground rides and more! Headliners this year include BRIT award winners Bastille and legendary drum & Bass duo, Chase & Status.

Now if that hasn’t whet your appetite were not sure what will. For tonnes more info and to buy tickets check out the official boardmasters site HERE

8-17th August – Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week – Falmouth, Cornwall

Henri Lloyd Falmouth Week is one of the biggest sailing regattas in the South West and has become one of Cornwall’s most vibrant and colourful festivals celebrating the spirit of the sea.
From Friday 8th- Sunday 17th August, the marine town of Falmouth will be buzzing with events on and off the sea catering for all ages and tastes. Carnivals, Live music, regatta racing and even an aerobatic display by the red arrows to finish things off! Sound good? We thought so!
For a full schedule of events check out Falmouth Week’s official website HERE

August (Date TBC) – St Ives Raft Race – Harbour Beach – St Ives, Cornwall

Organised by the St Ives Pilot Gig Club, the annual St Ives raft race is a fun evening for everyone involved participants and spectators alike. Local people and businesses are invited to take to the waters around the picturesque St Ives harbour in their homemade watercraft and race from one end to the other. This mixed with mermaids, fancy dress, flour bombs and general chaos makes it a memorable evening.

17-23rd August – Fowey Royal Regatta & Carnival Week

Every August, thousands of visitors flock to the harbour town of Fowey to enjoy a week filled with entertainment both on and off the sea in the Fowey Royal Regatta and Carnival.
As well as the daily boat races out on the water, the festival continues on land (and air) with endless activities throughout the week including a carnival, live music, children’s entertainment, crab catching, pasty eating contest and even an aerobatic display from the red arrows!
The regatta is wrapped up on the Saturday night with a beautiful illuminated dinghy procession followed by a spectacular fireworks display. A must see. To see the whole weeks schedule visit the Fowey Royal Regatta site HERE

22nd-24th August – Lusty Glaze Tag Rugby – Lusty Glaze Beach – Newquay, Cornwall

Lusty Glaze beach in Newquay will be holding it’s annual beach tag rugby tournament over the August bank holiday weekend from Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th. It’s a fun weekend, and tag rugby is a non contact sport suitable for all the family that promotes fitness and participation.A great way to spend the bank holiday at the beach and perfect if you have youth groups that would like to be involved. For more info on participating see the official Lusty Glaze website HERE

28th-31st August – Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta – Falmouth, Cornwall

Falmouth will play host to one of the biggest international sailing events in English waters when over 40 vessels from around the world, including a number of magnificent tall ships descend on the marine town for a three day regatta festival,

During their time berthed in Falmouth Docks, these majestic ships will be open to the public enabling people to go onboard and experience the sights and sounds of these giants of the sea. The town will also be awash with events including a colourful ships crew parade through the town centre.

The last night of the regatta will see a fantastic fireworks display, with the fleet leaving in style the following day by forming a spectacular parade of sail between the twin tudor castles of St Mawes and Pendennis in Falmouth Bay.

For a complete list of events over the 3 days check out the official Falmouth Tall Ships website HERE

7th September – World Belly board Championship – Chapel Porth Beach – St Agnes, Cornwall

The world belly board championships, held on Chapel Porth beach in St Agnes Cornwall is a unique celebration of all things connected with the art of riding traditional wooden surf boards.

Now in it’s 12th year, hundreds of people of all ages bravely take to the water dressed in vintage bathing suits equipped with their primitive wooden surf boards to ride the waves hoping to become this years belly board world champion.

For more information and how to get involved this year visit the official belly boarding championship website HERE

Posted on 21/02/2014 by james — Leave a comment

Boardmasters 2014 – Fistral Beach & Watergate Bay – Newquay, Cornwall

Boardmasters Festival of Music and Surfing newquay Cornwall

Boardmasters, the biggest music and surfing festival in Europe returns to Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay in Newquay Cornwall this summer for more adrenaline filled fun in the sun. Set over 5 days from 6th-10th August 2014 it promises to be bigger and better than ever. Attracting thousands of party people every year it’s easily the biggest and best event in Cornwall.

The festival is split across two legendary locations in Newquay on the North Cornish Coast – Fistral Beach and Watergate Bay…

Fistral beach, famous for its perfect surfing conditions is transformed into a pumping mini festival and will host thr pro surf contests, and features skate and BMX half pipe, graffiti art installations, live music and a bustling surf shopping village.

Now if that hasn’t whet your appetite were not sure what will. Check out the pictures / video below for a taster of the festival, and for tonnes more info and how to buy tickets check out the official boardmasters site HERE

Posted on 17/02/201417/02/2014 by james — Leave a comment

Watergate Bay Beach in Newquay, Cornwall to Host English National Surfing Championships 2014

Watergate Bay Newquay Cornwall English National Surfing Championships

Watergate Bay beach in Newquay, Cornwall will be the location for the 42nd English National Surfing Championships held over 3 days from May 4th – 6th 2014 ( bank holiday weekend)

So if you’re in Newquay why not head down to see some top surfing and soak up the great atmosphere or if surfings not your thing just take in the gorgeous views. Watergate bay is also home to Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant if you would prefer to watch tucking into some posh nosh!

Here are some shots from last years event and you have to admit it does look pretty awesome. To keep an eye on updates you can follow the championships official Facebook page here

Posted on 17/02/201417/02/2014 by james — Leave a comment

Free Pocket Cornwall Beach Guides to launch summer 2014!

Cornish travel website 360degreebeaches.com, are producing the first of a series of free pocket beach guides for visitors to Cornwall.

Launching this summer in West Cornwall, the handy guides will highlight the areas top 10 beaches and provide useful information such as directions, amenities, lifeguard times and dog rules as well as advice on beach safety.

The guides will be free to pick up and an initial print run of 7,500 will be distributed across hotels, camp sites, holiday cottages and beaches throughout the summer months.

360º Beaches is giving local businesses the opportunity to advertise in the beach guide, putting their business in front of thousands of visitors enjoying their time in Cornwall, encouraging incentive based adverts to entice visitors into their premises.

James Beresford explains…

“By offering coupons / offers, their adverts will not only just promote their business, but be genuinely useful, and will encourage readers to visit and in turn be converted into customers. Whether it’s a free scoop of ice cream, 10% off a pasty or a free surf lesson it’s a vital connection made”

360º Beaches is asking any local businesses interested in advertising to get in touch with James via email at info@360degreebeaches.com. The print deadline for the summer 2014 issue is June 15th. A design service is also available.

Posted on 14/02/201415/02/2014 by james — Leave a comment

RedBull Storm Chase – Gwithian Beach Cornwall (VIDEO)

Red Bull Storm Chasers Gwithian Beach Cornwall

As most people in Cornwall try and shelter from the storms that have been relentlessly battering the Cornish coast recently, a select group of professional windsurfers, part of Redbull’s ‘Storm Chase’ series descended on Gwithian Towans Beach and St Ives Bay on February 8th 2014 to take on the monster 30ft waves, chew them up and spit them out. Here’s what happened…Watch in awe!

Here’s some jaw-dropping images of the event (Courtesy of RedBull / © Sebastian Marko)

And when Gwithian Towans beach isn’t being battered by gale force storms and 30ft waves, it looks something like this. A beautiful stretch of golden sand and crystal blue waters. Click here to be transported their with our 360º panorama

Posted on 04/02/201404/02/2014 by james — Leave a comment

Pandora Inn in Cornwall officially the best pub in the South West!

One of our favourite pubs in Cornwall, The Pandora Inn at Restronguet Creek has won Gold at the 2013/14 South West Tourism Awards for ‘Tourism Pub of the Year’. It’s the second year in a row that it the Pandora Inn has been awarded this accolade, and the achievements are even more remarkable knowing that the pub was severely damaged by a fire in March 2011.

Sitting on the edge of Restronguet Creek, near Falmouth in Cornwall it’s easy to see how the Pandora Inn is a firm favourite among tourists and locals alike. The buildings original low beamed ceilings, flagstone floor and thatched roof take you back to days gone by and give it a unique charming atmosphere ( mind your head though!). This mixed with great food and it’s very own pontoon, giving you the option to travel there by boat makes the Pandora Inn a place like no other.

So if you are visiting Cornwall on holiday this year, make sure you take a trip to the Pandora Inn. Check out their website www.pandorainn.com for more info and to check out the menus.

Pictures courtesy of the Pandora Inn

Posted on 28/01/201428/01/2014 by james — Leave a comment

Cornwall Wins Again…

Cornwall, and it’s glorious beaches has been voted the country’s favourite holiday destination, according to BBC’s Countryfile Magazine awards 2013-14.

With over 6000 experts voting in 10 categories, Cornwall came up trumps in 2 categories: Favourite holiday destination & best heritage site, awarded to The Lost Gardens of Heligan. St Ives was pipped to the post for “Best Market Town” by Whitby in Yorkshire. I’ve personally never been but it must be a beautiful place to knock St Ives off the top spot.

If you would like to see the full survey click here

Posted on 28/01/201429/01/2014 by james — Leave a comment

Cornwall Beaches are the best in the UK…

Travel website 101holidays have recently conducted an extensive holiday survey of the UK’s most experienced and influential travel journalists to find their favourite cities, countries, beach resorts and airlines, with Cornwall ranking highly in it’s respective areas.

Within the survey, Cornwall topped the charts in various categories including “What is your favourite beach in the UK?” where the endless sands of Watergate Bay in Newquay came 4th place, while Cornwall as a whole came first in “UK regions with the most ‘best beach’ votes”, and a very respectable 5th place for “Favourite UK travel destination”.

Well done Cornwall, mixing it up there with the big boys. A true testament to our County’s natural beauty. You can see the whole survey here

Posted on 14/04/201314/04/2013 by james — Leave a comment

The best beach in Cornwall…

Every spring, Cornwall’s beaches crop up in the national press topping many lists and being showered with awards. This year was no different, and although there is no official way to “score” a beach, popular travel website Tripadvisor rated Porthminster Beach in St Ives third favourite, and Fistral Beach in Newquay 6th in their “Travellers’ Choice” awards. As soon as the news hit, eyebrows were raised and opinions divided.

Not long after the dust settled, the Radio Times compiled a list of it’s “8 Best British Beaches” inspired by the TV series Coast. This time, Crantock Beach in Newquay came first, and the Times wrote, “This quaint hidden cove is the place to escape the rowdy hordes in nearby Newquay”…a back handed compliment for the popular resort of Newquay some might say. Once again opinions were divided and this time cries were heard to stop exposing Cornwall’s “hidden” beaches to the masses, almost akin to a surfer and his secret spots.

With all these different awards and lists, no wonder people are torn on where to visit. But this in itself highlights the diverse selection of beautiful beaches Cornwall has to offer, and that everybody has their own favourite, for different reasons.

So, if you’re a 20yr old surfer looking for a beach with good swell, or a family of 4 looking for a relaxing day by the sea, Cornwall’s got it covered. We hope by browsing our website you will find your perfect beach and visit the next time you’re holidaying in Cornwall.

Posted on 04/04/201313/04/2013 by james — Leave a comment

Kynance Cove on The Lizard.

Kynance Cove - The Lizard in Cornwall - ©360º Beaches

Stunning? Breathtaking? Beautiful? mesmerising? How about all of the above.

I’m writing this post whilst sporting my first freckles of the year and a hint of a tan after spending a beautiful sunny day out photographing Cornwall’s beautiful beaches. Yesterday’s trip was around The Lizard Peninsula, located in West Cornwall and the county’s most southerly point. Home to traditional small fishing ports such as Coverack and Mullion, The Lizard also hosts a handful of glorious beaches, nestled between the dramatic cliff coastline.

Kynance Cove is one of these beaches, located on the west side of The Lizard approximately 2 miles up from Lizard point and despite it’s remote location, it’s quite easy to find. Starting from the town of Helston, head for the air base RNAS Culdrose (look for the low flying planes if you having trouble finding it…).and drive around the boundary of the base, heading south on the A3083 signposted “The Lizard” and just keep driving straight, for approximately 7 miles / 10minutes which will take you through Ruan Minor. Once you’ve passed through the village, look closely for the roadside signs for Kynance Cove, and the turning will on the right. For those with Sat Nav, the post code you want is this: TR12 7PJ

Once off the main road you drive for about 1 mile along an open narrow road, with lots of speed bumps (and potholes :-S ) so best to go slow if you want to keep your wheels and wing mirrors intact. Just as it seems as if you’re heading on a road to nowhere, like a mirage in a desert, you will arrive at the entrance to the large car park, and are greeted by the National trust attendant. The charge to park is £3.50 (or free if you’re a member) and all the money collected goes back into keeping Kynance Cove looking as beautiful as it is.

To see a fantastic 360º interactive panoramic view of Kynance Cove and a full list of it’s facilities click the link below:
Kynance Cove Beach

Posted on 02/04/201302/04/2013 by james — Leave a comment

New Live Beach Search!

We’ve just added a really useful “live search” tool to our site, which autocompletes your search queries – making it easier to search Cornwall’s beaches and perfect for if you can’t remember the exact name of that wonderful beach you visited last summer! This is in addition to our “regional” map search and can be found in the top right of every page. We hope you enjoy the new addition and look out for more search facilities coming soon!

Posted on 28/12/201229/03/2013 by james — Leave a comment

Beach Canvas Prints

Fancy having a lasting memory of your holiday to Cornwall? Well our beach canvas prints will be the perfect idea to let you take some of the magic back with you.

These beautiful images of your chosen beach will be available in a variety of sizes and finishes to suit all styles and budgets. We’re also looking into the possibility of customising your print with text to make it truly personal.

We are still in the beginning stages of this exciting project and so the canvases are not available to buy just yet, but we’re busy behind the scenes making this work and will keep you updated!

Posted on 25/11/201227/11/2012 by james — Leave a comment

Welcome!

Welcome to 360º Beaches – the ultimate Cornish beach guide. During the cold winter months ahead we will be busy adding our in-depth guides to Cornwall’s finest beaches that will provide you with essential information to help you plan your holiday in Cornwall next summer.