Lifeguarded Beach
Disabled Access
Best Facilities Beach
Beach with Cafe
Accessible Beach
Watersport beach
Toilet Facilities
Parking
Gyllyngvase beach (known as Gylly) is probably the most popular beach in Falmouth, being only 10 minutes from the town centre, and an elite Blue-Flag beach to boot with summer lifeguard cover. It is also linked to Swanpool Beach and Nature Reserve via the South West Coast Path.
It’s a strange name, isn’t it? Rumour has it, it is named after William, the son of Henry I who was lost in a shipwreck off the coast here in 1120. However, it is more likely to be named after the Cornish word for ‘shallow inlet’.
Sitting in a wide sandy arc, this man-made gently sloping beach is ideal for calm water sports, such as tand up paddleboarding (SUP), bodyboarding or a relaxing swim, as it is not known for big surfing waves. It has delightful rock pools, too, for the children. See if they can find shrimps, crabs or even lobsters.
For those with four-legged friends, it’s worth noting that dogs aren’t permitted on Gyllyngvase beach between the 15 May and 30 September, 10am and 6pm.
The Lizard Peninsula shelters the beach from the roughest seas, ad it also has fabulous facilities from a café to beachside showers.
In the background lies sun-drenched Queen Mary’s gardens and the view takes you to Pendennis Castle and, of course, the shipping from bustling Falmouth Harbour.
Here you'll find local tips on making the most out of your visit... from where to eat and drink to checking out attractions that are close by.
Categories: South Cornwall Beaches