Short answer: Constantine Bay is a west-facing surf beach near Padstow with dunes, rock pools and a reef at the south end. A 2025 list showed lifeguards from 3 May to 28 September. There is a small car park near the beach and a larger summer one, both charged, and the beach is about a 10 minute walk away. Dog rules vary by source, so check the signs.
Constantine Bay is a wide west-facing beach on the north coast near Padstow, backed by dunes, rock pools and a reef at the south end. It is one of the better-known surf beaches in the area, but there is little formal parking information online, so this guide separates what is confirmed from what to check on the day.
Yes. 360 Cornwall calls it one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, and Beachlets describes a west-facing beach with clean water that is popular with surfers. West-facing means it takes Atlantic swell, so the waves can be big. It is better for confident bodyboarders and surfers than for first-timers on a rough day. 360 Cornwall also lists strong currents and deep water as hazards, and a large rocky reef along the south end.
For lessons, the nearest operator I found is Constantine Bay Surf School, rated 5.0 from only 7 Google reviews, so treat that rating as an early signal. Reviewers say everything is provided, and one noted that it takes card payments at its trailer in the layby. A better-reviewed option is Harlyn Surf School, 4.9 from 263 Google reviews, at the next beach along. Our guide to surf lessons near Padstow compares the schools, and minimum ages by school is worth a look if you have young children.
360 Cornwall says there is a small car park near the beach and a large one that opens in summer, both with charges. I could not confirm the price from an official source, so check the machine on arrival. The beach is about a 10 minute walk from the car park, and wheelchair access is limited. A Google reviewer called parking limited, which they saw as a good thing for keeping crowds down, so arrive early in July and August.
If you want a longer walk, National Trust car parks at Trevose Head cost £2.50 for up to 1 hour, £5 for up to 4 hours and £9 for all day, with members and Blue Badge holders free. The machines take cash only (exact change, no notes), or you can use JustPark with code 80696 for the scenic car park or 80697 for the seasonal one, which is open Easter to October. For more on parking around the Padstow area, see Padstow parking on peak summer mornings.
Yes, in season. A 2025 list from Breaks in Cornwall showed lifeguards from 3 May to 28 September, and the National Trust notes that RNLI lifeguard cover is provided at Constantine and Booby's Bay. Dates change each year, so check the RNLI page. Swim between the red and yellow flags, and stay out of the water if there are none. With the reef and strong currents noted above, this is not a beach for casual swimming on a big-swell day.
The sources disagree, so this needs care. Cornwall Council's dogs on beaches page does not list Constantine Bay among its restricted beaches, and Beachlets says dogs are allowed all year. 360 Cornwall, however, says dogs are allowed in winter only, and our own dog-friendly Padstow beaches guide describes the beach as seasonal in summer. Look for signs at the access path, and if you are visiting between May and September, go to Harlyn Bay, which the same guide describes as dog-friendly all year.
4.6 from 48 Google reviews. Reviewers praise the flat white, hot chocolate with toasted marshmallows, ice cream in tubs and pasties. It suits families after a swim. Google lists it open 10am to 4pm daily, but check in winter. It is a small number of reviews, so a good place for a drink and snack rather than a long meal.
4.6 from 66 Google reviews, at neighbouring Treyarnon Bay. Reviewers praise the coffee, melted sandwiches, cinnamon buns and local ice cream, and it has a few picnic tables with a view. Expect queues in peak season, and note that one reviewer found the toasties stopped before the advertised time.
Beachlets says Constantine joins Booby's Bay to the north at low tide, and one reviewer describes Treyarnon, Constantine and Booby's joining up on very low tides. The National Trust's Booby's Bay walk is about 4 miles and takes in the coast and coves. Check tide times first. For other beaches, read our best beaches near Padstow guide and best sunset spots in Padstow. For the town, see our Padstow guide.
Yes. 360 Cornwall calls it one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, and it faces west into Atlantic swell. It can be rough for beginners, who may prefer Harlyn Bay.
Yes, in season. A 2025 list showed 3 May to 28 September. Check the RNLI page for this year's dates.
Sources disagree. Cornwall Council's page does not list a restriction, Beachlets says all year, and 360 Cornwall says winter only. Check signs on the day.
Yes. There are public toilets and a seasonal café, and Constantine Beach Café is rated 4.6 from 48 Google reviews.
360 Cornwall says it is about a 10 minute walk from the car park, and wheelchair access is limited.
Times, prices and dates are the businesses' and organisers' to change, so check before you travel. Spotted something we've got wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.
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