Skip to content
One thing widely known about Praa Sands is that it is the village equivalent of the scone (scON/scOWN?) debate. I have never been able to decide the right pronunciation!
Nestled midway on the road between Helston and Penzance, this coastal village is a local's and tourist's haven. The mile long sandy beach hosts spectacular rockpools at low tide, a stream that kids just love to play in and surfing opportunities most days.
Me? I love being here because it is peaceful at either end of the beach, it's one of my favourite places to bodyboard and it's the perfect place to bring the dog for a walk when the annual ban (boo) is not in place*.
It really is a beach that 'does it all'. During the summer you can enjoy kayak and surfing opportunities with local hire companies and even do a spot of coastal exploring with Coasteering Adventures.
One of my favourite things to do is grab my snorkel and head for the right hand side of the bay. Although it doesn't look it, there are some great opportunities here to see shrimp, blennies, lobster, wrasse and jellyfish all drifting around in the reef created by the rocks. Head over the cliff at either end to explore the stunning South West Coast Path walks to Rinsey and Kenneggy Sands with dramatic scenery and epic views along the coast.
Yes, there is something magical about Praa Sands. I'm not sure if it's the time I have spent here with family; swimming, boarding or sitting at the café with a drink, but it is always my go-to place to relax. With all day parking options, you can make a day of it and really experience this south-coast paradise.
Beach highlight: visit when the tide is going out... the water left behind leaves a mirror effect on the sand which is perfect for capturing some pretty incredible photos!
* In the summer months you can bring your dog on the beach before 10am and after 6pm.
