Kennack Sands Beach: Is it the Best Beach in Cornwall for Kids?
Kennack Sands Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in Cornwall. It’s beautiful, there are great facilities, and it’s a lovely place for a family to spend the day.
If you’re planning to visit Cornwall with family or dogs, Kennack sands should be at the top of your list!
Let’s go over everything you need to know before you go.
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Getting to Kennack Sands Beach
Kennack Sands Beach is on the Northeastern side of the Lizard Peninsula, one of the most epic coastlines in the UK. Driving down the A308 is the best way to get to Kennack Sands, though there is a bus stop for the #34 bus a 15 minute walk (0.6 miles) away.
The road down is narrow, so be prepared to reverse if you meet another car. There are also some blind corners, so drive with care.
The nearest town is Kuggar, where there is a small Nisa convenience store where you can stop for snacks, drinks, and a small selection of beach toys. There is no petrol station in Kuggar, so it’s best to fill up before you reach the peninsula.
Getting to Cornwall from London or other parts of the UK is best with a car, but there are several other options, too.
Parking at Kennack Sands Beach
There is a large parking lot at Kennack Sands Beach, and it’s very cheap! The machines accept contactless payment. Be sure to pay and display your ticket; there are CCTV cameras that enforce parking rules.
The parking lot is close to the beach and it’s mostly paved all the way down to the sand. It’s easy to pack up a buggy or wagon with all your things and wheel them down to the beach.
Kennack Sands West vs Kennack Sands East
This beach is actually two beaches! You arrive and park at the West beach, which as all the facilities.
If you’d like a more quiet and remote experience, take the 10 minute walk over the hill to Kennack Sands East. It’s two beaches in one! When the tide is very low, the two beaches are basically one.
Facilities
There are nice clean toilets near the car park, which is especially important when visiting the beach with kids!
Restaurants
You have two choices for restaurants at this beach: Mora Cafe, which has a full menu as well as coffee and ice cream. Turbo’s Cafe, just across the way, also has a full menu, coffee, ice cream, and Cornish Pasties. You’re spoilt for choice!
Mora Cafe was just opening when I arrived, and I met the lovely family who owns and operates it. I had a delicious iced latte and enjoyed it whilst wandering the beach in the sun.
Is Kennack Sands Dog Friendly?
Dogs are welcome year round at Kennack Sands East (the second beach, a 10 minute walk from the car park). Dogs are welcome most of the year at Kennack Sands West (the main beach), except for July and August.
This is typical of a lot of the beaches in Cornwall; dogs usually aren’t allowed in the summer months. It’s nice that you can still bring your fur baby to the East side of the beach in the summer at this beach.
Kennack Sands: One of the Best Beaches for Kids in Cornwall?
I’m definitely coming back with my kids to enjoy this incredible beach. Here’s why it’s one of the best beaches for kids in Cornwall.
- It’s mostly sand! So many of the beaches in Cornwall are rocky. This one is smooth and easy to navigate for little feet.
- It’s easy to get to. You can park right near the beach (ok, this isn’t a reason it’s good for kids; it’s a reason it’s good for mum and dad).
- It has great facilities: nice toilets, and two restaurants to choose from.
- At low tide the tide pools are everywhere, and so fun for kids to explore.
- It’s huge. Even during the crowded summer months, there is so much space to spread out at Kennack Sands that you’ll rarely even be near other people. At low tide, this beach is absolutely massive.
- Also check out Poldhu Cove for another family friendly beach on the Lizard Peninsula.
Where to Stay Near Kennack Sands
You’ve got lots of choices to stay nearby, from camping to caravans to hotels. Let’s explore the best options.
- The Bay Hotel, Coverack: a lovely hotel in Coverack, just 15 minutes drive up the coast.
- YHA Coverack: have your meals cooked for you and stay in an affordable big family room? Perfect. Just a few minutes drive from Kennack Sands.
- Parkdean Resorts Sea Acres Holiday Park: Just up the road is this lovely, friendly holiday park. It’s a short walk to Kennack Sands, and great for families.
- Camping: Namparra Campsites nearby is just a 20 minute walk to the beach and offers great facilities.
Final Tips
This incredible beach is definitely one of the best beaches for kids in Cornwall, but it’s also great for adults, couples, nan, and furry family members.
Enjoy your lovely trip to Cornwall, and don’t forget to check out the other incredible beaches on the Lizard Peninsula!
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