Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have the most underrated beaches in England, according to a new survey.
The data reveals the lesser-known but best-reviewed beaches in England with the final results featuring four of our best known as among the most popular.
CV Villas has analysed Tripadvisor data for 280 beaches in England, calculating the average amount of reviews for beaches in Europe before discounting any beaches receiving an above-average amount of reviews, ending up with those least reviewed. Then the percentage of excellent (5 stars) reviews among these was determined, arriving at the best-rated but least reviewed.
Among the results in this country, Porthcressa Beach on the Isles of Scilly is the most underrated in this survey, coming third overall behind Embleton Bay and Ross Back Sand Beach, both in Northumberland. It was joined in the top ten by Lundy Bay and Porth Joke Beach, both on the orth Cornwall coast, Rushy Bay on the Isles of Scilly, and Lelant Beach in west Cornwall. No beaches in Devon featured in the top ten, one making it to 11.
Tristan Symondson, managing director at CV Villas, said: “This summer will be different from any we have known before with sun-seekers actively looking to avoid crowds and head for quieter spots. We wanted to provide a useful, inspirational resource to bring some quieter, but much-loved beaches to the fore. Whether people are staying at home or looking to head abroad as soon as they can, our list of stunning beaches is the perfect starting point for sun, sand, and sea inspiration.”
This is what Tripadvisor reviewers had to say about each of Cornwall’s highest-rated beaches.
Porthcressa Beach, Hugh Town, Isles of Scilly
“Beautiful sands and rock pools off to the right. Public toilets, library, and tourist information all nearby. Curved seats set into the bank to shield from winds.”
“I stay very close to this beach when I am on holiday every year and this beach is perfect for families and for people who just want to relax quietly. If ever you visit this beach, don’t forget to introduce yourself to the three friendliest ducks in the UK – they even have their own Facebook page!”
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“The promenade area has been thoughtfully designed and built, with a tourist information office and public toilets nearby. There are lovely wooden benches, set into semicircular niches that offer some protection if there is a wind. The beach itself is gently shelving and people seem to enjoy swimming there at high tide. There are good views for birdwatchers out towards the rocks and sea.”
Lundy Bay, Polzeath
“This bay is quite a walk down from the National Trust car park. At low tide, there is a large golden sands beach, so enjoyable after the scramble down over the rocks to access.”
“You could spend all day here on a fine sunny day, this well kept local amenity is well worth a visit.”
“Lundy Bay is situated on one of the most beautiful and unspoiled stretches of the N Cornwall coast. There is a half-mile walk from the nearest car park but worth the effort.”
Porth Joke Beach, near Crantock
“A good walk but totally worth it. Quiet due to the lack of access but a beautiful little cove with decent waves. Feels like your in a different century. Loved it. No facilities apart from the big blue one in front of you, but if that keeps it quiet, all the better.”
“My wife and I were in Cornwall in July 2019 and ‘Polly Joke’ beach was recommended by the owners of the Red Fox Barn B&B and what a treat it was. The beach itself is massive and because you have to scale a rock staircase to get there it is very sparsely attended. That in combination with the incredible beauty of the area and the wind and surf made it a perfect stretch of beach. Also, you can pick up the coastal path for a dramatic clifftop walk down to Holywell Beach known to Poldark fans a couple of miles southwest. Would highly recommend it.”
“Had an amazing time here, lovely place it’s a wow, kids were in and out bodyboarding and me lol, Little Rock pools for them as well to muck around in, bit off a walk if you have little ones, not pushchair friendly if that young, but definitely worth the walk it’s not crowded plenty of space when sea out.”
Rushy Bay, Bryher, Isles of Scilly
“All of these magical islands have their own magical places and this is one of Bryher’s. An attractive bay with a stunning sandy beach and clear but cold waters in which to bathe. Overlooks the ex-inhabited island of Samson and if you’re lucky you may see seals swimming just off-shore.”
“The best ever beach overlooking the uninhabited island of Samson with beautiful white sand and clear blue sea.”
“This is a lovely little beach on Bryher in the Scilly Isles, quiet and peaceful with gorgeous clear water. There were even a couple of seals about 30 meters offshore that we enjoyed watching for a while.”
Lelant Beach, Hayle, West Cornwall
“I’ve visited Lelant during a heatwave, after a longish walk from Carbis Bay. It felt like a small piece of Heaven. The turquoise sea laps white powder sand, supporting a clear, pale sapphire sky that seems to glow like nowhere else. In the throws of summer, where the estuary runs into the sea, kids can paddle and wade safely as there are little or no currents. On our previous visit, in February, during the floods, the water was obviously higher and flowing with force. It was too cold to paddle anyway. Under a grey sky, with 40mph winds driving the rain sideways, the sand browned with damp, it wasn’t as beautiful (obviously), but I still couldn’t help but feel the magic of the place. Regardless of the time of year, it is rarely crowded, with people seemingly preferring the hustle and bustle of St Ives or Carbis Bay. I have been reluctant to post a review, hoping to keep Lelant to the few that know of it and let it remain uncrowded and unspoiled. There is little there than beach and sea, with any facilities set well back, but that’s part of its charm.”
“Unspoilt and quiet. You can walk to Carbis Bay when the tide is out. Dogs can run free but please watch them so you can pick up after them.”
“We stayed in Lelant at the Ferryman’s Rest right on the beach up a few steps. The beach is fantastic because it’s so quiet but so beautiful. There are no toilet facilities or restaurants and parking at the church is limited but it’s superb. It’s also dog friendly. We would definitely return. Highly recommend.”
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