Hawkers Cove
A serene golden sand beach near Padstow, offering stunning estuary views and a peaceful escape. Perfect for families and dog walkers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Hawkers Cove
Best Time
Peaceful start to the day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene golden sand beach near Padstow, offering stunning estuary views and a peaceful escape. Perfect for families and dog walkers.
"Wonderful beach with amazing views, golden sand and shallow water. Great for families."
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Park for free on the road near Hawkers Cove and follow the path down to the beach.
🚶 Walk to Padstow
Enjoy a scenic walk from Hawkers Cove to Padstow, taking in the beautiful estuary views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Sands and Estuary Views
Hawkers Cove Beach
Experience the tranquility of golden sands and breathtaking views of the Camel Estuary. A perfect spot for relaxation and family fun.
South West Coast Path Access
Starts at Hawkers Cove
Embark on scenic walks along the renowned South West Coast Path, offering stunning vistas and access to hidden coves.
Dog-Friendly Paradise
Hawkers Cove
Bring your furry friends to enjoy the soft sand and calm waters of this beautiful, dog-friendly beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Escape the Padstow Crowds
Best Footwear for Coastal Walks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Park for free on the road near Hawkers Cove and follow the path down to the beach.
🚶 Walk to Padstow
Enjoy a scenic walk from Hawkers Cove to Padstow, taking in the beautiful estuary views.
☕ Visit Rest A While Cafe
Stop by the charming tea shop at the top for delicious cream teas and amazing bay views.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Hawkers Cove is a fantastic spot for dogs, with soft sand and calm waters for them to enjoy.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Park for free on the road near Hawkers Cove and follow the path down to the beach.
🚶 Walk to Padstow
Enjoy a scenic walk from Hawkers Cove to Padstow, taking in the beautiful estuary views.
☕ Visit Rest A While Cafe
Stop by the charming tea shop at the top for delicious cream teas and amazing bay views.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Hawkers Cove is a fantastic spot for dogs, with soft sand and calm waters for them to enjoy.
🏄♀️ Paddleboarding Potential
The calm sea at Hawkers Cove makes it a great location for paddleboarding enthusiasts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Hawkers Cove for its stunning natural beauty, golden sands, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a peaceful escape near Padstow. It's highly recommended for families and dog owners alike, offering a serene beach experience with beautiful estuary views. Some visitors note that while Padstow can be busy, Hawkers Cove provides a welcome respite.
"Wonderful beach with amazing views, golden sand and shallow water. Great for families. Car park nearby. Chill and peaceful, but near to Padstow."
Dime
"Great beach just a mile or so outside of Padstow a good place to escape the crowds.Be sure to go to Rest A while cafe"
Chris Stoppard
"Truly outstanding beach and dog friendly. ☺️"
Dave Sorrell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hawkers Cove is easily accessible from Padstow. You can enjoy a scenic walk along the South West Coast Path, which takes about 30-40 minutes, or drive a short distance (approx. 8 minutes) and park for free on the road before walking down to the beach.
Yes, there is free parking available on the road near Hawkers Cove. From there, it's a short walk down to the beach.
While direct public transport to Hawkers Cove is limited, Padstow is well-served by buses. From Padstow, you can then walk or take a short taxi ride to Hawkers Cove.
Many visitors enjoy walking from Padstow along the coast path, offering beautiful views. Alternatively, driving and parking nearby is a convenient option.
The Camel Trail, which runs near Padstow, is popular for cycling. While direct cycling to Hawkers Cove beach itself might be challenging, the surrounding areas offer great cycling opportunities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hawkers Cove is a natural beach and coastal area, and there is no entry fee. Parking is also free.
Hawkers Cove is accessible at all times, as it is a natural coastal area. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but always be mindful of tide times and coastal safety. Dogs are welcome year-round.
Information regarding Blue Flag status for Hawkers Cove is not readily available, but it is consistently praised for its cleanliness and natural beauty.
Yes, there are holiday cottages and accommodation options in and around Padstow, with some offering views towards Hawkers Cove.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy sunbathing, swimming in the shallow waters, walking along the beach, exploring the South West Coast Path, paddleboarding, and simply relaxing while taking in the stunning views.
Absolutely! The shallow, calm waters and soft golden sand make Hawkers Cove an ideal and safe destination for families with children.
Visitors have spotted various seabirds and marine life. The estuary is rich in biodiversity, and you might see seals or dolphins in the wider bay.
While there are no direct facilities on the beach itself, the nearby Rest A While tea garden offers refreshments and stunning views. Toilets and more extensive facilities are available in Padstow.
The entire cove offers picturesque views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The coastline and estuary provide excellent backdrops for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There isn't a restaurant directly on Hawkers Cove beach, but the 'Rest A While' tea garden is located nearby at the top, offering cream teas and light bites with fantastic views. Padstow, a short walk away, has numerous dining options.
Padstow is renowned for its culinary scene, with options ranging from Rick Stein's famous seafood restaurants to charming local pubs and cafes.
Yes, Hawkers Cove is a perfect spot for a picnic. Bring your own food and enjoy a meal with a view of the estuary and coastline.
Padstow is famous for its fresh seafood. Don't miss trying local crab, lobster, and fish dishes. Cream teas are also a quintessential Cornish experience.
Many pubs and cafes in Padstow are dog-friendly. It's always a good idea to check with the establishment beforehand.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful light for capturing the scenery of Hawkers Cove.
Hawkers Cove is ideal for landscape photography, capturing coastal scenes, estuary views, and beach photography. Drone photography also yields stunning results.
The entire stretch of the cove provides excellent photo opportunities. Walking along the South West Coast Path offers elevated perspectives of the beach and estuary.
Drone photography is popular at Hawkers Cove, offering unique aerial perspectives of the coastline and estuary. Always be aware of local drone regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With free parking nearby and a short, manageable walk to the beach, it's convenient for families with strollers or young children. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the sand, and consider a visit to the nearby 'Rest A While' tea garden for a treat.
🐶 Dog Owners
It's an ideal spot for long walks along the beach or connecting to the South West Coast Path. Remember to bring water and waste bags for your pets, and always be considerate of other visitors.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the terrain can be varied. The path offers breathtaking views of the estuary and the rugged Cornish coastline, making it a rewarding experience for any walker.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the South West Coast Path
The path is well-maintained but can be challenging in parts, so appropriate footwear is essential. Along the way, you might encounter local wildlife and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Cornish landscape. It's a popular route for both day-trippers and serious hikers looking to experience the dramatic scenery.
Consider stopping at the Rest A While tea garden for a well-deserved break and refreshments while enjoying the panoramic views. This section of the coast path is particularly rewarding for its blend of coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and estuary landscapes.
Hawkers Cove: A Family-Friendly Gem
The proximity to Padstow, a charming fishing town, adds to its appeal. Families can combine a visit to the beach with exploring Padstow's attractions, such as its harbor and shops. The ease of access, with free parking nearby and a relatively short walk to the beach, also makes it a convenient choice for those with young children.
Many reviews emphasize the unspoiled nature of the beach, making it a delightful spot for creating lasting family memories. The opportunity for simple pleasures like building sandcastles and enjoying the sea breeze makes Hawkers Cove a beloved spot for return visits.
Photography Opportunities at Hawkers Cove
Drone enthusiasts will find Hawkers Cove particularly rewarding, with aerial shots revealing the unique contours of the cove and its surroundings. The South West Coast Path provides elevated viewpoints, perfect for capturing panoramic shots of the beach and the wider bay. Whether you're using a professional camera or just your smartphone, the natural beauty of Hawkers Cove is sure to impress.
Artists have also found inspiration here, with some creating artwork inspired by the cove's serene beauty and vibrant colors. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with the breathtaking views, makes it a photographer's paradise.
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