Polkerris Beach
A charming, sheltered cove in Cornwall perfect for swimming, water sports, and enjoying delicious food with stunning sea views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Polkerris Beach
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, sheltered cove in Cornwall perfect for swimming, water sports, and enjoying delicious food with stunning sea views.
"This is a lovely little beach cove... Definitely worth a visit."
🚗 Watch for Potholes
Be cautious of large potholes in the car park, especially if you have a low-clearance vehicle. :car:
🐶 Dog-Free Zone
Dogs are not allowed on the beach until the Friday before Easter Sunday. :noentrysign:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Harbour Jumping
Polkerris Harbour
Take a daring leap from the harbour wall into the refreshing Cornish waters. A true adrenaline rush!
Sam's on the Beach
Beachfront
Enjoy delicious food and drinks with stunning sea views, especially at sunset. A local favorite for a reason.
+1
The Rashleigh Inn
Beachfront
A charming pub offering local beers and tasty food, perfect for a relaxed afternoon by the sea.
Paddleboarding & Kayaking
Sheltered Bay
Explore the calm, sheltered waters with affordable kayak and paddleboard rentals. Great for all skill levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Harbour Jumping & Water Sports
Parking & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Watch for Potholes
Be cautious of large potholes in the car park, especially if you have a low-clearance vehicle. :car:
🐶 Dog-Free Zone
Dogs are not allowed on the beach until the Friday before Easter Sunday. :noentrysign:
🏄♀️ Water Sports Fun
Rent kayaks and paddleboards for a fun day on the water. Tours are also available! :surfer:
📸 Sunset Views
The beach offers spectacular sunset views, perfect for photography and a romantic evening.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Watch for Potholes
Be cautious of large potholes in the car park, especially if you have a low-clearance vehicle. :car:
🐶 Dog-Free Zone
Dogs are not allowed on the beach until the Friday before Easter Sunday. :noentrysign:
🏄♀️ Water Sports Fun
Rent kayaks and paddleboards for a fun day on the water. Tours are also available! :surfer:
📸 Sunset Views
The beach offers spectacular sunset views, perfect for photography and a romantic evening.
🚻 Spotless Toilets
The village toilets are surprisingly clean and well-maintained, even on busy days. :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Polkerris Beach is a highly praised, picturesque cove offering a delightful mix of relaxation and adventure. Visitors love the sheltered bay, water sports opportunities, and the charming beachfront dining options. Some minor drawbacks include parking accessibility and seasonal dog restrictions.
"This is a lovely little beach cove. It has a wall on the left side of the beach and then is open to the cliffs on the right. Dogs are welcome here until the Friday before Easter Sunday. We managed to visit with our dog and he loved swimming in the water. Although it was windy, the water was calm and some people were out swimming. It has got some pubs on the sea front, which we hope to visit next time. The car park is a short walk up the hill, it has some large pot holes, so be careful if in a low car. Definitely worth a visit."
MJ M
"Top beach, affordable parking, lovely bay, decent price hire for kayak and paddleboard. Safety boat the other side of the harbour wall, reasonably priced food and drinks and no dogs on the beach.... great for a family day out, just to swim or sit and have a cuppa watching the tide roll in and out"
Charlotte Lilley
"I had a great experience on the paddleboarding tour. Marc was an excellent guide, telling me about the local area and taking photos for me as I was on a solo trip. The changing facilities were great, hot shower and place to leave bags etc. Very flexible with organising and responsive to all of my queries. Nothing was too much trouble. Thank you for a great experience and happy memories. 🤩"
Lara Green
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Polkerris Beach is a short drive from St Austell, approximately 9.5 miles. You can also reach it by taxi or a scenic coastal walk.
Yes, there is a car park located a short walk up the hill from the beach. Be aware of potential potholes.
Cycling is a great way to reach Polkerris, especially if you're exploring the local area. The coastal paths offer beautiful routes.
While direct bus routes might be limited, you can often combine local bus services with a walk or taxi from nearby towns like St Austell or Fowey.
Many visitors enjoy walking the coastal paths for stunning views. Cycling is also popular, and water sports offer a unique perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Polkerris Beach itself does not have an entry fee. Parking may have a charge.
The beach is publicly accessible at all times. However, facilities like cafes and water sports centres will have their own operating hours.
It's advisable to book water sports like paddleboarding tours in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Polkerris Beach occasionally hosts events like aquathlons. Check local listings or event organizers for upcoming activities.
Dogs are welcome on Polkerris Beach until the Friday before Easter Sunday. After that, they are not permitted.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, harbour jumping, paddleboarding, kayaking, and relaxing on the sandy beach.
Yes, it's a lovely, sheltered cove ideal for families, offering calm waters for swimming and playing. +1
The sheltered bay makes it a great spot for swimming, with calm waters suitable for all ages.
There are cafes, a beach shop, water sports equipment hire, changing facilities, and hot showers.
Absolutely! The picturesque harbour, sandy beach, and stunning sunsets make it a photographer's dream.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Sam's on the Beach offers delicious food with sea views, and The Rashleigh Inn is a great pub option.
Sam's on the Beach serves a variety of dishes, including Sunday roasts and seafood, often with a focus on local ingredients.
Yes, The Rashleigh Inn features a selection of local beers on tap, perfect to enjoy with a view.
Some local eateries, like Val's fish and chips in Par (nearby), offer gluten-free options. It's always best to check with the specific restaurant.
The cafe and beach shop offer a range of snacks, drinks, and refreshments for a day at the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the picturesque harbour, the sandy beach, dramatic cliffside views, and especially the breathtaking sunsets.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers the most magical light for photography. Midday can be good for capturing the vibrant blue of the sea.
The historic pilchard store buildings, the harbour wall, and the surrounding coastline provide excellent photographic subjects.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
Popular shots include harbour jumping, sunset views, people enjoying water sports, and the charming coastal village scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌊 Adventure Seekers
🚶♀️ Coastal Walkers
After a long walk, the beach provides a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a meal at Sam's on the Beach or The Rashleigh Inn, and watch the tide roll in. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Sports Adventures
Beyond rentals, Polkerris also hosts events like the Polkerris Aquathlon, combining swimming and running, showcasing the beach's versatility for active pursuits. The presence of a safety boat near the harbour wall adds an extra layer of security for all water activities.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely paddle or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Polkerris delivers. Coastal Charm and Dining
+1The Rashleigh Inn, a lovely pub right on the edge of the beach, serves a selection of local beers and hearty food, with their cheesy chips being a particular highlight.
Both venues provide a wonderful opportunity to soak in the coastal atmosphere and enjoy local Cornish hospitality. The village also boasts remarkably clean public toilets, a pleasant surprise for many visitors. Photography Hotspots
The real magic, however, happens during golden hour. The sunsets at Polkerris are often spectacular, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the landscape, perfect for capturing breathtaking images.
+1 Don't miss the chance to photograph the historic pilchard store buildings, which add a touch of heritage to your shots. Whether you're an amateur or a seasoned photographer, Polkerris provides ample inspiration. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit