If you are thinking about booking Cornwall holiday homes for your next break, you are probably keen to spend some time on the beach.

There are plenty of beaches to choose from, so whether you plan to try your hand at surfing, want a secluded spot for romantic walks or just plan to spend a few hours relaxing in the Cornish summer sun, you are sure to find somewhere suitable.

Many of the best coastal spots have cottages available for rental nearby, so the only difficulty you will have is deciding which area to look for beach holiday homes in.

If you are planning to stay in north Cornwall, you will find that Newquay has excellent beaches. The town is world famous for its surfing, but the four busy beaches are also ideal for families, as there are plenty of places to paddle and lots of facilities.

The resorts of Bude and Perranporth also have beaches perfect for families, but if you fancy a day trip to somewhere a bit more peaceful, why not try Polzeath or Porthtowan? Both have Blue Flag beaches in beautiful surroundings, but the sand is much less busy than in the better known resorts.

You will also find plenty of cottages by the sea available in south Cornwall. The fishing port of Looe is a popular spot with families and if you choose to stay here, you will not be disappointed with the sandy beach.

There are also a number of small villages here that are ideal for quiet beach breaks. The sandy beach in the small cove at Portmellon is perfect for a lazy day, while the shingle beach in picturesque Portloe is as tranquil a spot as you will find anywhere in Cornwall for a walk.

West Cornwall is also blessed with some magnificent beaches, with the town of Penzance and the resort of St Ives both home to stretches of sand suitable for family days out. But if you want somewhere a little off the beaten track, try surfer-friendly Sennen Cove or the beautiful white sand beach at Carbis Bay.