28th July 2025
Let us set the scene. After a gorgeous day exploring Cornwall’s stunning landscapes, you’re putting your feet up in a beachside bar with a refreshing pint as the sun goes down. Or perhaps you’re snuggled under a blanket beside a clifftop campfire with a hot chocolate. Either way, the sun is setting over a stunning coastal view. Absolute bliss.
When it comes to sunset spots in Cornwall, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice. Whether you prefer to be out on a clifftop in the sea breeze or lounging on the beach, there’s a perfect place just for you.
Five of the best Cornwall sunset spots
The prospect of a perfect sunset is present all year round in Cornwall. In winter, you don’t have to be out as late to catch the golden glow but the warmer evenings in summer make ideal conditions for beachside sunset spotting.
To get you started on your sunset quest, here are five of our favourite places to watch Cornwall sunsets.
Fistral Beach
Newquay’s Fistral Beach is known for two things: sunsets and surfing – ideally at the same time! Backed by high cliffs and rolling sand dunes, the beach is the ideal spot for a Cornwall sunset. Grab a blanket and a few friends to catch the reds, oranges and yellows shimmering on the water. The wild Atlantic swells have helped Fistral Beach gain prominence as a surfing destination and you’ll be sure to see the locals gliding across the waves. If you’re looking for the surfing mecca of the UK, Boardmasters’ famous international surf competition is held here every August, you truly couldn’t ask for a better setting to watch a Cornwall sunset.
Bedruthan Steps
Don’t worry, these aren’t actual stairs… not for humans at least. Local legend suggests a giant created the rocks to use as stepping stones across the bay. We’ll let you decide the truth but one thing is for certain, it’s the perfect spot for a Cornwall sunset. Watch the spectacular sunset form the clifftop or, if you time your travels perfectly, pull in at one of the laybys along the coastal road and watch the marvellous glow from the comfort of your car.
If you have time to spare before the sun goes down, head along the coast path around Park Head and Porth Mear cove, taking in the carpet of flowering squill and magnificent coastal views.
Holywell Bay Beach
Just three miles outside of Newquay, the golden sands of Holywell Bay Beach provide the perfect setting for a spectacular Cornwall sunset. It’s so stunning that numerous filmmakers have used Holywell Bay Beach as a filming location.
Fans of Poldark will instantly recognise the view as the Warleggan family’s beach and you might also spot the golden sands in Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon and James Bond flick, Die Another Day. It’s not hard to see why. Look out for Gull Rock, sitting out to sea and providing a stunning focal point. A barbecue with friends on the vast dunes might just be the perfect way watch a sspectacular Cornwall sunset.
Perranporth
Another unmissable sunset and surfing spot. Perranporth has been a surfing spot for so long that the UK’s first surfboards originated here. Inspired by tales of South African surfers, a local undertaker made the UK’s first bellyboards/surfboards out of coffin lids. There are less coffin lids out on the sea today but the waves are still perfect for surfers who want to spend the day out on the water.
The three miles of Perranporth beach are welcoming to all – dog walkers, families and picnickers alike. Children especially will enjoy exploring the rockpools and the seawater ‘swimming pool’ at Chapel Rock. And then, of course, there is one of the best views for Cornwall sunsets.
Land’s End
We’ll end our list of Cornwall sunset spots at Land’s End. There’s something poetic about watching the sun go down at ‘the end of the land.’ Set against the rugged granite cliffs, you really will feel at the edge of the earth. The already picturesque Enys Dodnan Arch becomes even more magical when lit up with a sunset’s golden glow. Look out for the Armed Knights further out to sea or a grey seal or two if you’re lucky as you gaze out to Longships Lighthouse. If you’re feeling adventurous, wander along the coast path to Sennan Cove or Gwennep Head beyond.
A hotel overlooking Fistral Beach
Whether it’s a family adventure, a last-minute getaway or a romantic escape, the Pentire Hotel has everything you need. Perfectly placed for sunset-spotting with easy access to the whole county, the hotel overlooks the iconic Fistral Beach so you won’t have to go far to catch that spectacular view as the sun goes down. With free parking, comfy rooms, a heated indoor pool and delicious local food, a friendly welcome awaits at the perfect destination in Cornwall.
