Carne Beach Carne Beach

Forming part of the Roseland Heritage Coast on Cornwall's glorious Roseland Peninsula, around 13 miles southeast of Truro, is the lovely south-facing Carne Beach. If you're planning a camping holiday in South Cornwall, this beach is absolute must-see.

This long strip of sand and shingle lies in Gerrans Bay, and joins with Pendower Beach at low tide to form a sweeping mile-long stretch of sand.

It's sheltered by the horn-like peninsula of Nare Head, which juts out into Gerrans Bay, and offers a lovely quiet retreat with all the picturesque sand, surf and scenery you've come to expect from Cornwall's beautiful coastline.

Carne Beach is the sandier part of this strip of coastline, however, the beach is almost entirely reclaimed by the sea at high tide. At this point you may wish to head off and explore the local area, which is highly popular with walkers.

There's a National Trust car park at the top of Carne Beach and a recommended 4-mile walk which starts at Carne Beach car park and continues to the tip of Nare Head, taking in a host of impressive sights including Carne Beacon, an Iron Age earthwork and a charming wooded valley.

And as with all beaches in this corner of the world, the famous South West Coast Path crosses nearby, offering a well-trodden route to see some of the best local sights and scenery.

The beach is accessible for disabled visitors via a slipway, and public toilets are positioned close to the car park.

You can grab a bite to eat in the local seafront hotels, such as the stylish Nare Hotel, but you can't beat a good old-fashioned picnic on the sands or up on the clifftops, where you can kick back and survey some of nature's finest work.

The beach is a popular one with surfers and dogs on leads are welcome all year round.