Beaches
Whether you want to dip your toes in the calm waters at Pentewan, explore rock pools at Readymoney or watch the sun set at Polkerris, we’re lucky to have a beach for all occasions in St Austell Bay.
Things To Do
The Lowdown - Beaches
Whether you want to dip your toes in the calm waters at Pentewan, explore rock pools at Readymoney or watch the sun set at Polkerris, we’re lucky to have a beach for all occasions in St Austell Bay.
Beaches around St Austell
Charlestown Beach
Incredibly picturesque and popular with both locals and thousands of visitors every year, Charlestown beach is a great place enjoy some fresh sea air.
Polkerris Beach
A very sheltered, crescent-shaped beach with its own harbour, Polkerris is a great choice for families, with plenty of opportunities for children to play in the sand and calm waters. But if watersports are more your thing, then fear not, this privately owned beach has got it covered. Whether you wish to windsurf, long to […]
Charlestown to Porthpean Beach
A perfect walk all year round, although it can get muddy after bad weather, so sensible walking shoes are advised. Walk down through Charlestown towards the beach and pick up the South West Coast Path, signposted just after the Pier House Hotel and Restaurant. Continue along this path, up a steep hill. As you do, […]
Porthpean Beach
As well as being great for sandcastle building and picnicking, at low tides, a large rock pool area is revealed, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore some of the ocean’s aquatic wildlife. The clear water and calm conditions also make it a great snorkelling spot and you will often find swimmers armed with snorkels […]
Dog Friendly Beaches
We have some of the country’s best beaches in St Austell Bay and many of them are dog-friendly. Check out our guide below to find the perfect beach for you and your pooch.
Duporth Beach
Duporth beach is a private, sand and pebble beach only accessible by the south west coast path. A quiet place to enjoy the sand between your toes.
Pentewan Beach
Pentewan is perfect for swimming, windsurfing, sea canoeing and sailing, during long summer beach days or those blustery autumn walks.
Spit Beach
Spit beach is a small south facing beach accessed by various points on the Coast Path. A ‘locals beach’ popular with dog walkers all year around.
Carlyon Bay Beach
Carlyon Beach, St Austell is a perfect place for all ages and interests from sandcastle builders and picnic goers, to sun worshipers and swimmers.
Things to do…Just for fun!
Picnic at Gorran Haven Beach There are plenty of stunning places to chill out and enjoy a picnic together. If you love being at the beach, head to Gorran Haven, throw down a rug on the sand and enjoy the calm, coastal views. There’s a big car park close to the beach and if you […]
Par Beach
Backed by small sand dunes, this is a great beach for everyone to enjoy. Even at high tide plenty of sand remains and there is ample room for everyone to enjoy the beach. It also provides plenty picnic spots, although a wind break may be useful on slightly windier days. Just a short and level […]
Gorran Haven Beach
Sheltered from the wind by Dodman point and offering safe swimming conditions, it’s easy to see why Gorran Haven beach is a hit with locals and visitors throughout the year – even dogs on leads are welcome all year round. With private parking just a short walk away, toilets nearby and a beach shop on […]
Readymoney Cove
As well as being a perfect swimming spot, the beach has the added bonus of having plenty of rock pools to be explored at low tide. An ice cream van can usually be found nearby during the spring and summer months and public toilets are available. A newly opened cafe and beach shop can also be […]
Life in St Austell
The list of why we love being here is long, but it’s easy to forget just how lucky we are. And while economically speaking we traditionally trail cities anywhere north of the Tamar, we are definitely richer in plenty of other ways. It may be an obvious place to begin, but for good reason. No […]