Lostwithiel and Fowey River Beaches

With roughly 20 miles of coastline between the bays of St. Austell and Whitsand, there are plenty of beaches to escape to.

Find a hidden cove or a serene shore to spend the day in peace and quiet or travel between them admiring the landscape and searching for some hidden wildlife. With many of these beaches, you will no doubt picture the ways they were used by smugglers of the 18th century.

Readymoney Cove

A secluded sandy cove just outside of Fowey.  Provides safe swimming as the sheltered bay is a boat free area.  The estuary itself is popular with sailing and all kinds of other boats making the most of the scenic estuary.  There are tidal rockpools to explore and a bathing platform moored in the bay.

Parking:  Small car park near to the beach.

Toilets:  Near the beach.

Facilities:  Seasonal ice cream van but only about half a mile from the centre of Fowey.

Dogs:  Dogs are banned throughout July and August between the hours of 10am-6pm, although we would always advise checking this before you arrive.

Polkerris Beach

Little hamlet with a pretty sandy cove, perfect for families. The bay is sheltered by the harbour wall and the waters allow for safe swimming. It overlooks St Austell Bay and provides not only a café, shop and pub but also watersports tuition and equipment hire.

Parking: Car park a short walk from beach.

Toilets: Close to the beach.

Facilities: Watersports equipment hire and tuition, toilets, a café, shop and pub.

Dogs: Dogs are banned from Easter Day to October 1st, although we would always advise checking this before you arrive.

Porthpean

Lovely beach with safe bathing, rockpools and lots of sand making it popular with families. Recommended by the Marine Conservation Society Good Beach Guide 2014 as having excellent water quality. The coast path makes for an easy walk to Charlestown harbour.

Parking: Large car park.

Toilets: On the promenade.

Facilities: Seasonal snack bar and sailing club.

Dogs: Dogs are banned throughout July and August between the hours of 10am-6pm, although we would always advise checking this before you arrive.

Par Sands Beach

Large sandy beach edged by dunes, with waters that are safe and shallow for a fair distance. Recommended by the Marine Conservation Society Good Beach Guide 2014 as having excellent water quality.

Parking: Just behind the beach.

Toilets: A short walk from the beach.

Facilities: Pub, shop and café close by.

Dogs: Dogs allowed all year round, although we would always advise checking this before you arrive.

Carlyon Bay

Carlyon Bay is a long, sandy, south facing beach, made up of three adjacent coves. The beach is currently being redeveloped but still open to the public.

Parking: Car park above the beach.

Toilets: By the beach.

Facilities: Nearby Carlyon Bay has plenty of shops and cafés.

Dogs: Dogs allowed all year round, although we would always advise checking this before you arrive.