Polkerris Beach

Polkerris Beach, cradled in the embrace of a charming harbour wall and located in the quaint parish of Fowey, Cornwall, stands as a gem of the south Cornish coast. This picturesque, family-friendly beach overlooks St. Austell Bay, and provides a delightful coastal panorama with azure waters meeting the white sandy shores.

An ideal destination for a tranquil seaside escape, the beach is nestled amidst green hillsides and fringed with colourful boathouses, creating a vibrant aesthetic appeal. A walk along the sandy shore, indulging in the warm sun and gentle lapping waves, is a soothing experience, creating unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.

In addition to the scenic beauty, Polkerris Beach offers a variety of activities suitable for both children and adults. From building sandcastles to engaging in water sports like surfing, paddleboarding, and sailing, there is something for everyone. The nearby Polkerris Beach Company offers equipment hire and tuition for these activities, making it a haven for thrill-seekers and families alike.

Polkerris is also renowned for its fabulous dining options. Visitors can savour mouth-watering seafood at the Rashleigh Inn, a gastropub situated right on the beach. For those with a sweet tooth, Sam’s On The Beach offers pizza and ice cream, while Quay Coffee and Ice Cream provides refreshing beverages and local ice cream.

The beach’s proximity to the South West Coast Path makes it a popular starting point for invigorating coastal walks. Those with an interest in history will enjoy a visit to the nearby Menabilly, the ‘Manderley’ of Daphne Du Maurier’s famous novel ‘Rebecca’.

Facilities at Polkerris Beach

Polkerris Beach offers excellent facilities including toilets, a beach shop, pubs and restaurants, and water sports equipment rental. There are also boat-launching facilities and a slipway for those wanting to take to the sea.

Lifeguard Service

The beach does not have a year-round lifeguard service. However, a lifeguard service is available during the peak summer season, from July to early September.

Check RNLI lifeguard information.

Is Polkerris Beach dog friendly?

Dogs are welcome on Polkerris Beach, but restrictions apply. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from Easter Day through September 30th each year, to maintain cleanliness during the peak visitor season.

Car Parking at Polkerris Beach

There is a car park nearby, managed by the local council. It’s a pay-and-display car park and is about a five-minute walk from the beach. There’s also some on-street parking available in the village.

Disabled Access at Polkerris Beach

Surfing at Polkerris Beach

While Polkerris Beach may not be Cornwall’s surfing epicentre, it certainly offers some enjoyable surf for beginners and intermediate surfers, especially during the quieter times of the year. The harbour wall provides some shelter from larger swells, creating small, manageable waves perfect for those just starting out or looking to improve their skills.

Additionally, the nearby Polkerris Beach Company offers surfboard hire and lessons, providing expert guidance for those unfamiliar with the sport. Despite its gentle waves, it’s important to heed local advice on safe surfing spots and conditions, ensuring a fun and secure surfing experience.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

Type of Beach

Polkerris Beach is primarily a sandy beach, with a small amount of shingle towards the harbour wall.

Beach Postcode

PL24 2TL

OS Grid Reference

SX 108 516

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