Great Bay, Cornwall — Beach Guide & Water Quality

Nearest town / village: Isles of Scilly
Parking: Limited / none on site — check locally
Coordinates: 49.97040, -6.29250

About Great Bay

Great Bay is a sand beach on the Cornish coast, close to Isles of Scilly. It picks up enough swell to be worth a surf on the right day.

This is one of Cornwall's quieter, more natural spots with few or no facilities on site — bring what you need for the day, and take your litter home with you.

Dogs are welcome here all year round. Cornish beaches can have strong tides and fast-changing conditions, so check the tide times and any local safety signage before you head down, and take particular care if you plan to swim.

Great Bay is St Martin's wild north beach and, for many, the best beach in the British Isles — half a mile of untouched white sand facing the open Atlantic, with not a building in sight. It is reached on foot across the downs, and at low tide connects to White Island (cut off on the flood, so watch the water). No facilities, no crowds, no shelter: just the beach as nature drew it.

Getting there

Great Bay is reached from the coast near Isles of Scilly. Head for the village and follow the signs or the coast path down to the shore — many Cornish coves involve a short walk from the nearest parking.