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

    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

      SX09285207

      Sat Nav

      PL24 2TL

      By Bus

      The nearest bus stop is at The Ship pub at Polmear, about 20 minutes walk along the coast path. There is a First Kernow service to Fowey and St Austell.

      By Train

      Polkerris is just 2 miles from the mainline rail station at Par, with a direct service from London Paddington.

      By Air

      Newquay airport is a 40-minute drive from Polkerris.

      PARKING

      Main Polkerris Car Park

      Located approximately 200m from the beach on the right-hand side as you descend the hill entry to Polkerris village. Pay and Display between 8am and 6pm. Please note that the car park machine only accepts card payment. The RingGo app can also be used.

      Tregaminon Overfllow Car Park

      Situated in a field 200 yards on from the Polkerris beach turning heading towards Menabilly. A 5-minute walk down the coast path to Polkerris. Exact change only. Payment via honesty box.

      Rashleigh Car Park

      Rashleigh Pub Car Park limited spaces, located next to the pub reserved for pub users.

      BEACH WHEELCHAIR

      We have a beach wheelchair available for hire
      Free of charge
      Book in advance to avoid disappointment

      DOGS

      Dogs are welcome on the beach between 1st October until Good Friday.

      Between Good Friday and the end of September there is a seasonal ban on dogs on the beach.
      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.

      Puppsie R, Trip Advisor (October)

      Outside of these times, dogs are permitted in the Rashleigh pub, and on a lead on the outdoor seating area at Sam’s on the Beach as well as on the grassed area by Polkerris Watersports and Hungry Sailor Cafe.

      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.

          OTHER POPULAR WALKS