Our favourite Cornish beaches
Mike and Donna are always on hand and happy to suggest weather orientated ideas for things to do, in particular circular walks including a good pub for lunch. Most of our suggested walks can be started and finished from the site itself or only involve a short drive to the start.
Caerhays (Porthluney)
Classed as a relatively safe swimming cove, overlooking Gerrans Bay. There are good facilities including a large car park by the beach with disabled access, toilets, and a great beach cafe. The cafe also has many music and other events on during high season in an evening with great food and campfires! Lots of great SWCP walks to be enjoyed taking in this dog friendly beach.
Carlyon Bay (Crinnis, Polgaver & Shorthorn)
A bay made up of three south-facing beaches, with car parking and toilets. During the summer of 2014 Sams opened up Sams on the Bay a fab pop up restaurant.
Duporth
A private sandy Cornish beach. The nearest facilities are in Charlestown, which is a great place to visit, so you can combine the two, as Charlestown is really interesting with good places to eat.
Gorran Haven
Gorgeous little beach, and harbour village with clear water for swimming and facilities, including a shop and toilets. The beach cafe at Gorran even serves coffee in proper mugs which you can take on to the beach. Gorran can get quite busy, and so you can walk over from here on the SCWP to the nearby Vault Beach which is so much quieter.
Par Sands
This is a family beach and great location for a traditional tranquil seaside picnic. There are good facilities including car parking, shop, cafe, pub and toilets.
Pentewan
Is a popular beach for swimming, and water sports. Beach kiosk there for refreshments, and toilets and pub in the village itself. You can walk or cycle to this beach from The Meadows along the Pentewan Valley Trail.
Polkerris
Ideal family sandy beach with the Rashleigh Inn and Sam’s Bistro, and facilities including watersports equipment hire, and toilets. Sams Vans often serve cocktails on the beach at sunset in high season.
Readymoney Cove (Fowey)
Small sheltered cove, with access to St Catherine’s Castle. Car parking and toilet facilities are situated near to the beach. A good selection of cafes and shops can be found in the town.
Ideas for a good Cornish day out
Caerhays
www.caerhays.co.ukThe gardens and castle are magnificent, and are situate in a valley overlooking a Cornish cove Porthluney between Truro and St Austell. The beautiful Caerhays beach is also nearby. This garden is at its best in the Spring.
Mevagissey Ferries
www.mevagissey-ferries.co.ukCombine a visit to two of Cornwall’s most picturesque and contrasting harbours with a return ferry trip across St Austell Bay between Fowey and Mevagissey. You may even be lucky enough to spot a dolphin, or a basking shark as some of our guests have.
You can also catch a ferry from Fowey to Polruan where the famous Hall Walk starts. You could finish the walk with lunch at one of the many lovely pubs on either side of the Quay. See our walking and cycling page for more information on the Hall Walk.
Pentewan Valley Cycle Hire
www.pentewanvalleycyclehire.co.ukFor casual cyclists you can hire a bike locally and cycle along the beautiful trails adjoining the site. This is a great way to enjoy car free days as the trail (National Route 3) adjoins the site, and gives access to the Heligan Gardens, Pentewan , Mevagissey and St Austell. Bikes can be delivered and collected from The Meadows. Make sure you get some training in before hand as there are some big ups in Cornwall.
St Austell Brewery
www.staustellbrewery.co.ukA must for lovers of Real Ale, especially Cornwall’s real ale which is some of the best. We are also well situated for visiting some of the St Austell Brewery pubs and inns.
The Cornish Cyder Farm
www.thecornishcyderfarm.co.ukFor all those cider drinkers, as Cornwall’s cider is very good! Makes a great day out with as you can tour the farm itself, see how the cider is made and then sample some.
Visit Cornwall
www.visitcornwall.comGreat site for more ideas to suit everyone to see the best of this beautiful county of Cornwall.
Places to eat and drink
Griggs
www.magrigg.co.ukCafe style Restaurant which is situate right next to the large Griggs Country Store. The Restaurant and store are both well worth a visit and the food is freshly cooked, reasonably priced and delicious. The Country Store is also great for a visit as they stock very nice country clothing.
Sams on the Beach
www.samsfowey.co.uk/sams-on-the-beach/The two Sams are situated, one in Fowey and one on Polkerris beach, and both being relaxed Bistros. Good ambience, good food, and good staff in abundance. Both Bistros are very popular, so booking is advised.
There is also now a third, Sams on the Bay a pop up style bistro and bar situate down on Carylon Bay where there is regular live music here too.
The Fountain Inn
www.staustellbrewery.co.ukThe Fountain Inn, Mevagissey. A lovely pub with good food. The fish and chips are delicious and also available “take away” style. Walking distance, if you feel like a good walk down the Pentewan Valley Trail.
The Hub Box
Great beach shack style Burger and Hot Dog bar situate on Pentewan Sands beach. Also serves local beer and ciders! You will find their burgers hard to beat, and the side dishes are extremely tasty too. Highly recommended.
The Maharaaj
www.spicemerchant-mevagissey.co.ukLocal Indian Restaurant who will also happily deliver the food to you at the site.
The Salamander Restaurant
www.salamander-restaurant.co.ukVery good Restaurant using the best of Cornish local produce, and giving good service.
The Ship Inn, Mevagissey
www.staustellbrewery.co.ukA very characterful pub in the centre of Mevagissey. Very popular with locals and tourists alike. This pub has a lot of history and its walls could tell some stories.
The Ship Inn, Pentewan
www.staustellbrewery.co.ukLocal pub within walking distance (30 mins approx) down the Pentewan Valley Trail and close to the beach. Our guests cannot get enough of Tuesday night Bingo night.
Wreckers
www.wreckers.me.ukAward winning restaurant, specialising fish and situated in a fantastic location.
The above are just some of the many fine places to eat in this part of Cornwall.
You are also not far away from the foodie Padstow, should you wish to venture further afield.
Gardens
(some you can also see the house itself) Cornwall is often described as the ‘garden capital of the world’ as the lush vegetation and colour give garden lovers a feast for the eyes all year round.
Boconnoc
www.boconnoc.com/gardens/You might recognise these gardens as they have been used as locations for many famous films.
Heligan
www.heligan.comLocated within walking distance of the site, and one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are situate close to Mevagissey, and can be accessed from the Pentewan Valley Trail, so a car free day out. Heligan is a must see for your Cornwall trip at any time of the year. Heligan offers 200 acres to explore, and has a mysterious element. Heligan Tearooms serves great food too. The gardens really are very special indeed, even if gardens are not usually your thing!
Lanhydrock
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock/This is a magnificent late Victorian country house, with 50 rooms to explore, and wonderful gardens, with rare shrubs and trees. The Estate itself is wonderful for walking and has lots of great walking paths. One of the National Cycle Trails also passes through the Estate, and the Cycle Hub is to be here which will be a wonder for cyclists in view of all of the nearby trails.
Marsh Villa Gardens
www.marshvillagardens.co.ukThis is a three acre water and woodland garden which lies in a former tidal creek.
The Eden Project
www.edenproject.comThis is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world. Eden is a dramatic garden, and now has a worldwide reputation. Eden is a mind blowing experience, and good on a rainy day. Eden is also now dog friendly, although there are certain rules that pooches must obey.
Watch out also for acts on during the annual Eden Sessions as they have had some impressive bands and solo artists.
