Beach Yoga in Cornwall

Move your body and stretch into a zen-like state with yoga on the beach in Cornwall. From Silent Disco Yoga that combines uplifting beats and ocean scenery, to Saturday morning Vinyasa sessions in the sand dunes, outdoor yoga classes are popping up on beaches all over Cornwall. And once you’ve joined in the flex and flow with a backdrop of surf, sea spray and swooping gulls, you’ll soon be addicted to this sensory experience that leaves you energised and connected to your mind, body and nature. Even a sprinkling of rain can’t dampen a downward dog by the sea.

Here’s where to try beach yoga in Cornwall. 

Fistral Beach, Newquay

Don your wireless headphones (supplied) and roll out a mat on the wave-lashed sands of Fistral Beach for Silent Disco Beach Yoga. As you move through an all-levels vinyasa flow class, synchronised with euphoric beats and the echo of the waves, the seascapes, salty breeze and wheeling gulls all become part of the experience. You can double the zen with a second Yoga Nidra meditation class, and relax deeply into nature, body and mind. Your yoga instructors, Jen and Stretch, have been teaching yoga for over 20 years, and co-own Oceanflow Yoga Studio, where they run regular yoga sessions overlooking Fistral Beach.

Gwithian Beach Yoga, Nr Hayle

How about stretching into Saturday mornings or Wednesday evenings with a Vinyasa flow in the mighty sand dunes at Gwithian Beach? Held on power-white sands, with the surf in the background, Alicia Ray’s outdoor yoga classes are a magical way to stretch, strengthen and relax. Alicia also runs regular Silent Disco Beach Yoga sessions throughout the summer – with an uplifting playlist that will utterly sweep you away into into meditative movement enveloped in nature.

Beach Yoga, Mawgan Porth

What better way to flow into the week than with a beach yoga class on the beach? Here, your mat is the pillowy sands of Mawgan Porth, where you can find your zen under the tutelage of Aussie yoga guru Billy Harrigan, and movement therapist Lizzie Bird. Mawgan Pause holds regular classes throughout summer (including 9am on Mondays), focussing on breathing techniques and gentle poses that create strength in your body and mind. We’d fully recommend a post-yoga coffee and treat at The Brunch Spot afterwards.

Beach Yoga, Polzeath and Watergate Bay

‘The sand is our studio’, brags the Wavehunters Wellness team, who run fitness and yoga sessions on the beach at Polzeath and Watergate Bay. Beginners are welcome to the regular yoga classes held on the shoreline – so it’s up to you if you want to stretch into the day with energising yoga, or wind down with an evening Yin yoga class. Personally, I’d opt for a morning class to warm up for a surf, and an evening Yin to relax before a beach sunset. Now, wouldn’t that be lovely?

Shine Yoga, Lusty Glaze Beach, Newquay

Until you’ve tried it, you won’t believe how good it feels to practice yoga outside, right next to the sea. The perfect place to try it out for yourself is at private cove of Lusty Glaze, where the smiley Jen Austin of Shine Yoga is running Thursday morning sessions this summer.  A surfer and foodie, Jen curates fun, feel-good yoga classes encouraging you to relax, wind down and stretch beside the sea.

Beach Yoga, Carlyon Bay

Start your weekend with a yoga session and sea swim at the dreamy Carlyon Bay, near St Austell. Elm Yoga take their sessions from the studio to the beach on Saturdays throughout summer, to stimulate your senses, improve your metabolism and boost serotonin levels. As if reconnecting the mind and body in beautiful surroundings wasn’t enough, Emma also encourages participants to join her for a sea dip afterwards. Sounds like bliss to us.

Polgwidden Cove Beach Yoga, Trebah Garden

If you’ve ever stepped foot in the paradise that’s Trebah Garden, you’ll know that the sub-tropical jungle tumbles down to an idyllic cove on the edge of the Helford River. And it’s here that, on Wednesday mornings throughout summer, Yoga Ro runs her blissful yoga classes on the shoreline, teaching movements for all levels that entwine the breath, body and mind. Stay for a wild dip or fuel up in the Trebah Kitchen for breakfast afterwards.

Whether you’re a local or visitor to Cornwall, a beach yoga class is a wonderful way to stretch into coastal life, recalibrate to the ebb and flow of the tides, and immerse yourself in nature. If you know of any other outdoor yoga sessions being held in Cornwall this summer, get in touch.