‘On my bucket list!’ The best beaches in Cornwall have ‘the most breathtaking sunsets in the UK’
Cornwall is set to dazzle sunset enthusiasts this spring with its spectacular coastal views, according to new rankings.
As the westernmost region of mainland Britain, Cornwall offers some of the most breathtaking sunset vistas in the UK.
With the clocks springing forward on March 30, 2025, visitors can enjoy longer evenings to witness nature’s daily spectacle. Travel experts at Parkdean Resorts have highlighted five best locations for sunset chasers this season.
The county’s west-facing beaches provide unobstructed views across the Atlantic Ocean, creating perfect conditions for vibrant sunset displays.
Most popular Cornwall beaches
- Fistral Beach, Newquay
- Holywell Bay, Newquay
- Porthmeor Beach, St Ives
- Watergate Bay, Newquay
- Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula
Fistral Beach in Newquay tops the list of Cornwall’s sunset hotspots. Local content creator @robynpoppy’s video of this location has garnered over 184.8k views and 33.8k likes on social media.
Viewers have commented that “North coast sunsets always hit” at this popular destination. Famous for its sandy shores and picturesque Atlantic Ocean views, Fistral Beach offers particularly breathtaking sunsets during the spring months.
Located just five miles from Newquay Holiday Park, it provides easy access for visitors seeking to capture the day’s end in spectacular fashion. Holywell Bay, just six miles outside Newquay, offers a more secluded sunset experience.
UK photographer @joeldoesphotography showcased its beauty in content that received over 15.3k views last year. One viewer commented: “Wow! This place is on my bucket list”.
With stunning sand dunes and turquoise waters, this hidden gem provides the perfect backdrop for sunset chasers. The bay is a short walk from Holywell Bay Holiday Park, making it easily accessible for visitors.
Cornwall’s top sunset spots also include Porthmeor Beach, Watergate Bay and Kynance Cove on the Lizard Peninsula. Porthmeor Beach in St Ives is another prime location for sunset watchers.
Local content creator @brittanyrosa_1 captured the beach’s orange sunset in a popular post. Followers responded enthusiastically, with one commenting “it’s the best isn’t it” while another simply stated “Home”.
Popular with both locals and tourists, Porthmeor Beach offers spectacular views of the Atlantic. Located just a short walk from the heart of St Ives, visitors can enjoy watching the sunset reflecting off crystal clear waters.
The beach is also frequented by surfers, adding dynamic silhouettes to the evening skyline. Watergate Bay, also in Newquay, offers dramatic coastal scenery for sunset enthusiasts.
This west-facing beach was highlighted by a content creator as another exceptional sunset location. Located near Newquay Holiday Park, Watergate Bay is easily accessible for visitors.
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Travel experts explained why Cornwall is the go-to destination for sunset lovers: “Along with having sunsets after 6pm this March, Cornwall is the westernmost region of mainland Britain, so witnesses some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the UK.
“Cornwall has beautiful west-facing beaches and coves, allowing visitors unrestricted views of the open horizon across the Atlantic Ocean.
“The Atlantic air usually holds moisture, which allows for Rayleigh scattering – the scattering of sunlight for creating vibrant colours such as reds, oranges and purples.
“Also, with minimal air and light pollution, Cornwall provides clear conditions for vivid and deep colours to transform the sky at sunset. As one of the largest stretches of coastline in the UK, the Cornish coast’s vast ocean aids in amplifying the sunset, by the crystal clear waters acting as a reflection of the sunset skies.”