POLKERRIS BEACH
VISIT POLKERRIS BEACH
Set within a recognised area of outstanding natural beauty, Polkerris Beach is nestled within stunning coastline of low cliffs and small sandy beaches and near the dramatic Gribben Head, the beautiful Menabilly valley and stunning Fowey estuary.
The area around Polkerris offers a variety of landscapes, superb views, rich wildlife, coastal walks and historical features. Well known for its links with the author Daphne du Maurier and the setting of many of her novels and more recently for the filming of Rosamunde Pilcher's books.
The area offers breathtaking natural beauty, and also features Special Areas of Conservation, including Lantic Bay and the St.Austell Clay Pits as well as several Special Sites of Scientific Interest.
NATURE
Within an area of outstanding natural beauty the coastline, woodland and Cornish hedges surrounding Polkerris includes a wide variety of habitats.In addition, the two headlands bordering St.Austell Bay; Black Head and Gribbin are protected from development enabling wildlife to flourish.
The neighbouring Par Beach is an important stopover for birds owing to its sand dunes, lagoon and reed beds, especially in Spring and Autumn. Furthermore, there’s plenty of sea life to look out for, from local seals and dolphins to shore crabs and starfish. The area is home to three main types of dolphins, common dolphins, harbour porpoises and the lesser spotted bottlenose dolphins and there are plenty of rock pools for exploring at low tide.
KEY INFORMATION
Area of Outstanding Beauty
Family Friendly Beach
Safe & sheltered swimming beach
Watersports Facilities
Shop and Eating Facilities
Access to South West Coast Path routes
Fowey town centre (3.2m)
Par village centre (2.3m)
Access by car. Bus & Train links nearby.
Dogs only permitted between October 1st and Good Friday
No fires or barbeques permitted
No lifeguard facility
Such a hidden gem. I love this beach and have returned many times over the years. A classic little cove, at low tide plenty of rock pools and the sand is decent for making sandcastles. Kept the kids entertained for hours.
Gorgeous sheltered cove with little shop full of all supplies, ice cream and snacks. A pub/restaurant and another restaurant right on the beach and public loos! Sea is lovely and appears safe and was always full of people swimming and paddle boarding. Lots of families with children building sandcastles and playing in the sand. Most beautiful sunsets ever here.
Beautiful location, lovely sandy beach, 2 places to eat, delicious food and drinks with stunning views. An absolute gem.
FACILITIES
Beach Shop
Watersports Tuition
Kayak & Paddleboard Hire
Hungry Sailor Takeaway Cafe
Sam's On The Beach Resturant
Rashleigh Pub
Public Toilets
Car Parking
Beach Wheel Chair Available
Public Footpaths
LOCATION
OS Grid Reference
Sat Nav
By Bus
By Train
By Air
PARKING
Main Polkerris Car Park
Tregaminon Overfllow Car Park
Rashleigh Car Park
BEACH WHEELCHAIR
DOGS
Dogs are welcome on the beach between 1st October until Good Friday.
We parked in the carpark and I had a short walk down a very quiet road but mum said I had to be on the lead just in case :(. When we got to the beach the tide was just going out but there was still enough space for me to chase balls and play with other pups. I even went exploring the lobster pots, but luckily for my nose they were empty. Nice clean beach and great fun.
WALKS
Polkerris, Gribbin Head and Readymoney Cove Circular Walk
Distance: Approx. 6.6 miles (10.6km)
Challenge: Moderate
Start Point: Polkerris
Toilets & Refreshments: Polkerris, Readymoney, Fowey
Seasonal Dog Restrictions on Polkerris & Readymoney beaches
This walk offers stunning cliff tops, coves and spectacular views of the Fowey River and encompasses the Gribbin Tower, St.Catherine's Point, Readymoney Cove and Polridmouth Beach, famed for its association with Daphne du Maurier and her book Rebecca.
To walk from Polkerris join the coast path behind the Gribbin Gallery and follow the coast path up steps and through the woods to meet the main road where you then follow the path signed Saints’ Way, which will take you through Menabilly woods and Covington Woods.
You can extend the walk to visit Readymoney Cove or St.Catherine's Point castle during this section. After which you then follow the South West Coast Path along the coastline in a Southwesterly direction to the Gribbin Head Tower and then back to Polkerris to complete the circular route.
Polkerris to Par Beach
Distance: Approx. 2 miles (3.2km)
Challenge: Easy
Start Point: Polkerris
Toilets & Refreshments: Polkerris
Dogs are permitted all year round on Par Beach
Seasonal dog restrictions on Polkerris Beach
To walk from Polkerris to Par join the coast path from the Rashleigh Inn car park and follow the steep path that leads up into the woods. Once at the top there's about a twenty-minute walk over the cliff top with views across St.Austell Bay as well as the china clay works.
You can also access Booley beach from this coastal walk, nice for a picnic or explore. Par Beach stretches over half a mile, backed by pretty sand dunes and a nature reserve. This walk can be extended as desired and a circular route looping back inland is possible.
