Cornwall is blessed with some of the most gorgeous beaches in the UK. If you’re brave enough, it also has some of the best wild swimming spots in the country. From quiet tidal pools to wave-filled bays, the Cornish coast offers something for everyone.

But here’s the rub: you still have the unpredictable weather to contend with. That’s why having the right gear is essential, and why a towelling beach poncho should be your adventure companion. It keeps you warm, helps you change in comfort, and lets you linger a little longer by the sea without freezing your fingers off.

We’ve picked seven brilliant spots in Cornwall where your poncho will come into its own. These are places our own Cornwall Swim Company tribe knows and loves, and where you’ll be glad you brought yours along.

1. Pentewan Beach: Ideal for Beginners

Pentewan is a wide, sandy beach just a short stroll from our Cornwall Swim Company shop. It’s perfect for a relaxed swim or a bracing winter dip. The bay is sheltered, which means calmer waters most days: ideal for beginners or those looking for a gentle paddle.

After a dip in the sea, you want to get warm up quickly. This is where your towelling beach poncho is worth its weight in gold. You can slip it on the second you’re out of the water, dry off, and enjoy the post-swim glow — all without fumbling under a towel! Then, head to a local café for a hot chocolate, still snug in your poncho.

2. Gorran Haven: The Village Cove

Just around the coast from Pentewan is Gorran Haven, a charming fishing village with a small sandy beach, protected by a harbour wall. At high tide, you can swim straight off the slipway into clear waters.

Because the beach is tucked away, it’s a great spot for early-morning birds or evening swims. That’s when the air can be chilly even in summer, so your towelling beach poncho will help you avoid that post-swim shiver while you watch the sky turn pink over the headland.

3. Polkerris Beach: Ideal for Families

Polkerris is a picture-postcard beach that’s ideal for combining swimming with paddleboarding or kayaking. The semi-circular harbour keeps the water calm, making it a popular choice for families and casual dippers.

Because you’ll often be in and out of the water all day, our changing ponchos really shines here. You can dry off between sessions, wrap up during breaks, and avoid dragging half the beach home with you. 

4. Chapel Porth: Wild Beauty

If you like your swims wild and invigorating, Chapel Porth is the ideal choice. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and backed by mining heritage, it’s as Cornish as they come. At low tide, you can swim or wade through to the neighbouring beach at Porthtowan: a magical adventure if conditions allow.

The Atlantic breeze here can cut right through you, so emerging from the surf into your towelling beach poncho is a luxury you won’t regret. It’s also the perfect spot for a hot cuppa afterwards (bonus points if you bring a flask).

5. Portmellon Beach: A Hidden Haven

Just south of Mevagissey is Portmellon: a peaceful, sandy cove that feels worlds away from the busier tourist spots. The waters here are usually calm, making it great for a relaxed swim or a gentle paddle, and it’s a favourite with locals for its peaceful vibe.

Here, our towelling beach poncho will be your best friend. It’s perfect for drying off quickly before settling on the sand to watch the fishing boats drift in, or heading to the nearby pub for something warm to drink.

6. Readymoney Cove: Calm and Cosy

Tucked beneath the cliffs in Fowey, Readymoney Cove feels like a real refuge. It’s small, sheltered and perfect for leisurely swims, especially at high tide.

If you’re exploring Fowey’s coastal paths, you can pack your poncho in your rucksack (ours fold down small for this very reason) and be ready for a spontaneous swim. This flexibility is one of the main reasons our tribe swears by them.

7. Sennen Cove: The Surfer’s Swim

Right at the tip of Cornwall, Sennen is better known for surfing, but on calmer days, it’s also a spectacular spot for swimming. The water is incredibly clear, and the long sandy beach means plenty of space to find your own patch.

The Atlantic air here can be bracing even in August, so wrapping yourself in a towelling beach poncho post-swim feels like a warm hug. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins from the shore.

Tips for Using Your Changing Poncho in Cornwall

• Never Forget to Pack it in Your Bag. Cornwall’s microclimates mean you might start your day in sunshine and end it in drizzle.

• Layer up. On colder days, your poncho works brilliantly over thermal layers.

• Rinse after salty adventures. Keep it fresh and sand-free so it’s ready for your next outing.

Discover more about our changing ponches ideal for Cornish beaches.