Whitsand Bay Beach

Whitsand Bay Beach showing general coastal views
Whitsand Bay Beach featuring a coastal town and a sandy beach as well as a family
Whitsand Bay Beach
Whitsand Bay Beach showing mist or fog and a beach
Whitsand Bay Beach featuring flowers and a beach


Relax on this well-hidden beach that offers miles of sand, stretching all the way from Portwrinkle to Rame Head.

Soak up the sun on Whitsand Bay Beach. Walk the sands and take in the scenery or swim out in the sea. Grab a board and go surfing or dive among the submerged wrecks hidden in the bay.

Whitsand Bay Beach is actually made up of four sand beaches which join together at low tide. In 1859 the bay was identified as a weak point in the military defenses of Plymouth and two forts were built here. Find these fortifications here today Fort Trengantle is still in use by the military, while the Polhawn Battery was sold in 1927 and is now a hotel. Today the beach is popular with surfers, divers and walkers.

Head down the cliff paths from the parking lots at either end of the beach to reach the sands of the bay. Stretch out on the sand and relax in the sun. Go for a walk along the beach and peer into rock pools to see what you can find. Cool off with a dip in the Cornish Sea, but be aware that there are strong currents farther out.

Bring your surfboard and hit the waves or or head below them on a diving trip. Out in the bay you’ll find a number of shipwrecks forming artificial reefs. Explore the HMS Scylla, a former navy frigate which was scuppered in 2004. Nearby you’ll find the remains of the James Eagan Layne, a U.S. liberty ship sunk by the Germans in World War II. You can also find the remains of the HMS A7, an early Royal Navy submarine. These are classified as controlled sites, however, and require special permission to dive.

Whitsand Bay Beach is 24 miles (38 kilometres) from Plymouth by car. Park at either end of the bay, near Tregantle Fort or at Sharrow Point. Alternatively, take the Torpoint ferry 7 miles (11 kilometres) from Plymouth. Access to the beach can be difficult, with steep and uneven paths. The bay is dog friendly. Be aware that the beach is closed during Tregantle’s firing range practice and that the ocean has strong rip currents.

Plan a trip to see Whitsand Bay Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Esplanade Hotel
OYO Newquay Beach Hotel
St Michael's Resort

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The Liscawn

The Liscawn

4 out of 5
Crafthole, Torpoint, England
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Cormorant - Beachside House with Terrace Hot Tub & Stunning Views

Cormorant - Beachside House with Terrace Hot Tub & Stunning Views

Portwrinkle, Cornwall
Cormorant - Beachside House with Terrace Hot Tub & Stunning Views
Sandpiper - Beach-side House with Terrace Hot Tub and Stunning Views

Sandpiper - Beach-side House with Terrace Hot Tub and Stunning Views

Portwrinkle, Cornwall
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Fulmar - Beachside House with Terrace Hot Tub & Stunning Views

Fulmar - Beachside House with Terrace Hot Tub & Stunning Views

Portwrinkle, Cornwall
Fulmar - Beachside House with Terrace Hot Tub & Stunning Views
Luxury  Beach House Rental with Hot Tub, 30 meters to Beach

Luxury Beach House Rental with Hot Tub, 30 meters to Beach

Port wrinkle, Cornwall
Luxury Beach House Rental with Hot Tub, 30 meters to Beach
Thanckes House - Amazing Views, Hot Tub, Indoor Pool & Outdoor Kitchen

Thanckes House - Amazing Views, Hot Tub, Indoor Pool & Outdoor Kitchen

Portwrinkle, Cornwall
Thanckes House - Amazing Views, Hot Tub, Indoor Pool & Outdoor Kitchen
Three Views Lodge

Three Views Lodge

3 out of 5
Lodge 67 Whitsand Bay Holiday Park, Donkey Lane Millbrook, Torpoint, England
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The Fish Cellars - Luxury Holiday Cottage

The Fish Cellars - Luxury Holiday Cottage

Portwrinkle, Cornwall
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Luxury Beachside Cottage - Unspoilt Cornish Village - Child/Dog Friendly

Luxury Beachside Cottage - Unspoilt Cornish Village - Child/Dog Friendly

Portwrinkle, Torpoint, ENG
Luxury Beachside Cottage - Unspoilt Cornish Village - Child/Dog Friendly
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Whitsand Bay Beach

Whitsand Bay Beach offers visitors the chance to embark on their own adventures, such as exploring the stunning coastline, enjoying water sports like surfing and kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sandy shores. The area is perfect for hiking, with scenic trails leading to breathtaking views, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. Don't miss the opportunity to discover the local wildlife and enjoy some peaceful moments by the sea.

Shopping

The nearest shopping centre is Drake Circus, located 3.7km from Whitsand Bay Beach, offering a mix of high street stores and entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, you can visit Tavistock Pannier Market and Country Cheeses, both 9.3km away, for unique gifts and local produce.

Recreation

At Whitsand Bay Hotel Country Club, indulge in exquisite spa treatments and leisure activities, all while enjoying breathtaking coastal views. Just a short drive away, China Fleet Country Club offers a serene retreat with luxurious amenities and relaxation options, perfect for rejuvenating your mind and body.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water sports at Adventure Bay Surf School, a mere 1.2km from Whitsand Bay Beach. For karting enthusiasts, Kartworld offers adrenaline-pumping fun, located 5.0km away. If you fancy a hike, The Granite Way provides stunning scenery and adventure vibes, situated 14.9km from the beach.

Nightlife

The nightlife at Whitsand Bay Beach offers a delightful mix of activities. Enjoy a captivating performance at the Theatre Royal, only 3.7km away, or unleash your adventurous spirit at Adrenalin Quarry, 5.0km distant. For a romantic film experience, The Watermark cinema is a charming choice, located 13.7km away.

Find the best attractions near Whitsand Bay Beach

Whitsand Bay Beach, located near Torpoint, offers a delightful mix of attractions for all types of visitors. Explore the stunning beaches, historic houses, and forts while enjoying the beautiful views and outdoor experiences. Whether you're interested in the iconic Whitsand Bay or checking the tides, there’s plenty to discover and enjoy in this picturesque coastal area.

  • Royal William Yard: This vibrant tourist precinct, located 3.1km from Whitsand Bay Beach, boasts an array of family-friendly dining and shopping options amidst stunning historical architecture, perfect for leisurely strolls by the waterfront.
  • Whitsand Bay: Just 435m away, this picturesque bay offers breathtaking scenery and a sandy beach ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the great outdoors, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and adventure.
  • Hoe Park: Situated 3.7km from Whitsand Bay Beach, this urban park is a delightful family-friendly space featuring beautiful gardens and open areas for picnics, all while providing a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Best time to go to Whitsand Bay Beach

The best time to visit Whitsand Bay Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. February is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March45.3°F (7.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November49.3°F (9.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Whitsand Bay Beach

To save on your visit to Whitsand Bay Beach, consider travelling during the off-peak months of November to January, when accommodation prices drop. Thursdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options and eco-certified hotels by sorting results from lowest to highest price. Additionally, look for package deals that combine your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Exploring the area on foot is a great way to enjoy free activities while keeping costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Whitsand Bay Beach are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Whitsand Bay Beach is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Whitsand Bay Beach is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Whitsand Bay Beach with your flights and activities by opting for a package through Expedia.