Praa Sands, Cornwall — Beach Guide & Water Quality

🛰 Satellite view

Water quality Excellent

Surface Sand

Dogs Seasonal (May–Sep 10am–6pm)

Surf Good

Parking Available

Toilets On site

Café On site

About Praa Sands

Praa Sands is a sand beach on the Cornish coast, close to Upheyle. It is a designated Environment Agency bathing water, currently rated Excellent for water quality. It picks up enough swell to be worth a surf on the right day.

On-site you'll find parking, public toilets and a café or refreshments. As with most Cornish beaches, facilities can be seasonal, so it's worth checking ahead out of the main summer months.

Seasonal dog restrictions apply in summer — dogs are usually welcome outside the restricted daytime hours. 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.

Long sandy beach, good for beginner surfers

Getting there

Praa Sands is reached from the coast near Upheyle. 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.

Nearest town / village: Upheyle
Parking: Available nearby
Coordinates: 50.10323, -5.39094

Water quality

Designated Environment Agency bathing water — current classification: Excellent. Sampled weekly through the bathing season (mid-May to end of September).

View full EA Swimfo profile ↗

Facilities

🅿 Parking available
🚻 Public toilets on site
☕ Café or refreshments on site

Dogs policy

Seasonal dog restrictions apply — typically dogs are not permitted on the beach between 10am and 6pm from May to September. Outside these hours and out of season, dogs are welcome. Check local council signage for exact dates.