A guide to Trebarwith Strand, the dramatic low-tide beach just south of Tintagel.
Trebarwith Strand is one of North Cornwall's most dramatic beaches. At high tide, the sea crashes against the rocks below the slipway. At low tide, a long stretch of golden sand appears, backed by tall cliffs, with Gull Rock standing offshore. It's a wonderful place for a walk, a swim, surfing or watching the sun set over the sea.
Where is Trebarwith Strand?
Trebarwith Strand is just south of Tintagel, at the end of a steep, narrow lane. From Lower Pennycrocker Farm, it's a drive of roughly 8 to 10 miles through Boscastle and Tintagel.
Tides: the key to visiting
The sand appears at low tide
Trebarwith is a true low-tide beach. At high tide, there's no sand at all, and the sea comes right up to the rocks and slipway. As the tide falls, a large sandy beach is uncovered.
Check tide times
Plan your visit around low tide. Arrive on a falling tide, roughly two to three hours before low water, to make the most of the sand.
Don't get cut off
The incoming tide can cover the beach quickly. Keep track of the time, and head back towards the slipway well before the tide turns. Read our Cornwall beach safety guide.
Getting onto the beach
From the bottom of the lane, a slipway and rocks lead down to the sand. The rocks can be slippery, so wear sensible shoes. It isn't easy for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
Parking
Parking at Trebarwith Strand is limited, with small car parks on the lane. They fill up fast on sunny summer days, so arrive early or later in the afternoon. The lane is steep and narrow, which isn't ideal for large motorhomes. See our Cornish lanes guide.
Things to do
Walking on the sand
At low tide, the beach is perfect for a long walk, with cliffs on one side and the sea on the other.
Surfing
Trebarwith can have good surf at the right stage of the tide. It's best for confident surfers, as the beach and rocks can be challenging. Beginners should head to Bude or Widemouth Bay. See our surf camping guide.
Swimming
On calm days at lower tides, swimming can be lovely. Check for lifeguard cover and flags, and only swim in suitable conditions.
Rock pooling
The rocks around the beach have good rock pools at low tide.
Gull Rock
Gull Rock is the large island offshore. It's a striking backdrop for photographs, especially at sunset.
Sunsets
Facing west, Trebarwith Strand is one of the best places on this stretch of coast to watch the sun go down. Even at high tide, you can watch from the rocks or the cliffs above. Read our sunsets and stargazing post.
Food and drink
There are places to eat and drink near the beach, which can be busy in summer. Opening times vary through the season, so check before you go, or bring a picnic.
The coast path
The South West Coast Path passes above Trebarwith Strand. Walk north towards Tintagel for great views, or south towards Port Isaac for a longer, hillier walk. See our coast path guide.
Dogs
Some beaches have seasonal dog restrictions. Check signs at the beach. Keep dogs on leads on the cliffs and near the rocks.
Combine with Tintagel
Trebarwith Strand is just a few minutes from Tintagel village and castle. Spend the morning at Tintagel and the afternoon on the beach at low tide. See our Tintagel page.
Best time to visit
- Spring and autumn: quieter, with easier parking.
- Summer: busiest, but great for swimming and surfing.
- Evening: for sunsets.
What to bring
- A tide timetable.
- Grippy shoes for the rocks and slipway.
- Wetsuit if you're swimming or surfing.
- Warm layers for evenings.
- Bags to take rubbish home.
A day plan
Check the tides the night before. If low water is around midday, spend the morning at Tintagel, arrive at Trebarwith a couple of hours before low tide, and enjoy the sand until the tide turns. Then climb up to the coast path for the views, and stay on for the sunset if the timing works.
A note on storms
In stormy weather, Trebarwith is a powerful place to watch the sea, but keep well back. Big waves can surge up the slipway and over the rocks without warning. Watch from a safe distance above the beach, never from the slipway or rocks.
Staying nearby
Our farm campsite is about two miles from Boscastle. Trebarwith Strand is an easy drive for a morning on the sand or an evening sunset. Adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. Read our beaches near Boscastle guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
When can I see the sand at Trebarwith Strand?
Only around low tide. At high tide, the sand is covered.
Is Trebarwith Strand good for surfing?
It can be, at the right tide, for confident surfers. Beginners should try Bude or Widemouth Bay.
Is there parking at Trebarwith Strand?
Yes, but it's limited. Arrive early on sunny days.
How far is Trebarwith Strand from Boscastle?
It's just south of Tintagel, roughly 8 to 10 miles by road from our campsite.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
Looking for somewhere to stay on this part of the coast? See camping near Port Isaac at our quiet farm site near Boscastle.
