Cornwall is blessed with some of the most breathtaking coastline in the UK — golden sands, turquoise waters, rugged cliffs and quiet coves that feel like they belong in another world. One of the joys of Stay A While is just how close you are to so many of these incredible beaches.

From your base in Illogan (at The Cowshed or The Lodge), you can reach a surprising number of Cornwall’s best beaches in under 20 minutes, making spontaneous seaside adventures part of everyday life during your stay.

Whether you’re craving a morning dip, a family beach day, a dog‑friendly stroll or a dramatic sunset, these nearby beaches offer something for every kind of traveller.

Portreath Beach - Approx. 7 minutes

A classic Cornish beach with soft sand, rolling waves and a friendly village atmosphere. Portreath is perfect for families, surfers and anyone who loves a beach with plenty of character.

Expect:

• A wide sandy beach

• Surf school and equipment hire

• Great cafés and pubs nearby

• Stunning cliff walks towards Porthtowan

It’s the kind of place where you can spend the whole day — from morning pastries to evening fish and chips by the sea.

Porthtowan Beach - Approx. 12 minutes

Porthtowan is one of Cornwall’s most dramatic beaches, framed by towering cliffs and known for its excellent surf. It’s a Blue Flag beach, making it a brilliant choice for families and swimmers.

Expect:

• A huge stretch of golden sand at low tide

• Tidal pool tucked into the cliffs

• Surf-friendly waves

• Iconic beach bars perfect for sunset

If you love a beach with energy and atmosphere, Porthtowan delivers.

Chapel Porth Beach - Approx. 15 minutes

Owned by the National Trust, Chapel Porth is a wild, rugged and utterly beautiful cove. At low tide, the beach opens up into a vast expanse of sand with caves and rock formations to explore.

Expect:

• Famous hedgehog ice creams

• Dramatic mining heritage scenery

• Excellent coastal walks to Wheal Coates

• Dog-friendly outside of summer restrictions

This is Cornwall at its most cinematic.

Gwithian & Godrevy - Approx. 18 minutes

If you’re looking for postcard-perfect Cornwall, this is it. Gwithian and Godrevy form part of a sweeping three-mile stretch of sand with views across St Ives Bay and the iconic Godrevy Lighthouse.

Expect:

• One of Cornwall’s best surfing beaches

• Miles of sand dunes and coastal paths

• Seal spotting at Godrevy

• Great cafés dotted along the coastline

It’s a beach you’ll want to return to again and again.

Tehidy Country Park (Bonus: Not a Beach, But 5 Minutes Away!)

While not a beach, Tehidy deserves a mention. Just moments from your accommodation, this peaceful woodland is perfect for shaded walks, wildlife spotting and gentle family strolls. It’s a lovely contrast to Cornwall’s coastal drama.

Why Staying in Illogan Is a Beach Lover’s Dream

Illogan places you in the heart of Cornwall’s north coast — close enough to reach the sea in minutes, yet tucked away in a peaceful village setting.

At Stay A While, both The Cowshed and The Lodge offer the perfect base for exploring these beaches at your own pace. Start your mornings with a coffee, spend your days discovering new stretches of sand, and return to your cosy retreat as the sun goes down.

Cornwall’s coastline is waiting — and it’s closer than you think.

Ready to plan your stay?

Explore The Cowshed
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