Before you set off
Today's snapshot
Praa Sands surfs and swims best from mid to low tide, when the full mile of sand is exposed. Its open position picks up more swell than many south-coast beaches, so waves can break heavily at the shoreline and the submerged Welloe reef remains a hazard offshore.
Plan your visit
Getting there
Large pay-and-display car parks sit directly behind the beach, with space for several hundred cars. The approach lane is narrow, so take it slowly in the height of summer.
- Parking: Large privately operated pay-and-display car parks run directly behind the beach, with hundreds of spaces and overnight campervan provision.
- Dog rules: Dogs banned 1 July - 31 August, 10am - 6pm (Cornwall Council PSPO). Dogs welcome before 10am, after 6pm during this period, and all day the rest of the year.
- Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol daily from around Easter to the end of September, with weekend cover in late April and October.
- Hazards: A submerged reef known as the Welloe lies offshore and has caused wrecks over the centuries. Strong shore breaks can develop, so take extra care with children in the surf.
Get in the water
Hire & lessons
Praa Sands has two operators running lessons and hire straight off the beach.
Boatshed Activity Centre
Right on the beach, offering surf lessons, kayak hire, paddleboarding, bodyboarding and coasteering for all ages.
Global Boarders Surf School
Beginner, improver and private surf lessons, plus surfboard, bodyboard, wetsuit, SUP and kayak hire at Praa Sands.
After the beach
Eat, drink & stay
A beach bar and a clifftop restaurant both look straight out over the sand.
The Welloe
A restaurant overlooking the beach with homemade pizzas, local seafood and vegan and gluten-free options.
Stones Reef Beach Bar & Kitchen
A beachside bar and kitchen at Praa Sands for food and drink after the water.
Local perspective
Local notes
Praa Sands is unusual for the south coast because it faces open water and regularly picks up surf. Check the tide, swell and lifeguard advice rather than assuming the conditions will match the more sheltered beaches nearby.
The Welloe reef offshore is only visible at the very lowest tides, but it has claimed ships over the centuries and is worth respecting even on a calm-looking day. A partially eroded WWII pillbox sits on the beach as a reminder of the coast's more recent history.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Praa Sands dog friendly?
Dogs banned 1 July - 31 August, 10am - 6pm (Cornwall Council PSPO). Dogs welcome before 10am, after 6pm during this period, and all day the rest of the year.
What's the best tide for Praa Sands?
Mid to low tide gives the widest sand and the best surf. High tide narrows the beach considerably.
Are there lifeguards at Praa Sands?
Yes, seasonally. RNLI lifeguards patrol daily from around Easter to the end of September, with weekend cover either side of that.
Where do you park for Praa Sands?
Large pay-and-display car parks run directly behind the beach, with plenty of space in summer.
Is it safe to swim at Praa Sands today?
Check the Environment Agency Swimfo profile and Safer Seas & Rivers Service before swimming, and swim between the flags when lifeguards are on duty.
Is Praa Sands pram or buggy friendly?
The car parks sit directly behind the beach with level access onto the sand, though the soft sand itself is hard work on wheels.
What facilities are available at Praa Sands?
Praa Sands has public toilets near the main slipway and beachfront cafés close to the sand. RNLI lifeguards patrol through the main summer season and on selected spring and autumn weekends.
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