
Beaches
🏖️ Carlyon Bay Beach
Distance: ~0.3 miles east
A large sandy beach made up of three smaller coves—Crinnis, Shorthorn, and Polgaver. Historically popular, especially Crinnis, which hosted concerts and events. Ideal for long walks, swimming, and beach games.
🏖️ Charlestown Beach
Distance: ~1.5 miles west
A small, pebbly beach next to the historic Georgian harbour. Scenic and atmospheric, often used in film and TV productions (e.g., Poldark).
🏖️ Porthpean Beach
Distance: ~2 miles southwest
A family-friendly sandy beach with calm waters, great for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Popular with families and water sports enthusiasts.
🏖️ Duporth Beach
Distance: ~2 miles southwest
A private, quieter beach mainly accessed by residents of the surrounding area, but reachable via the South West Coast Path. Secluded and peaceful.
Access: Limited public access via walking paths.
🏖️ Par Sands Beach
Distance: ~3 miles east
A wide sandy beach with dunes and a more natural feel. Dog-friendly year-round. Good for walking, kite flying, and picnics.

Activities
🚶 Walks & Coastal Trails
South West Coast Path
Just off the bay, this iconic trail winds along dramatic cliffs with stunning sea views and passes Stack Rock and Charlestown—ideal for easy to moderate strolls
Gentle Beach Walks
Crinnis, Shorthorn, and Polgaver offer family-friendly, dog‑friendly shorelines—wide sandy stretches easily accessed via parking or steps
⛳ Golf
Carlyon Bay Hotel Championship Course
A scenic cliff-top course with sweeping bay views. TripadvisorCarlyon Bay | Cornwall Hotel, Spa & Golf.
🌊 Water Sports
Operated seasonally via Cornwall Waverunners at the shoreside:
Jet‑ski safaris, ideal for panoramic bay exploration
Stand‑up paddleboarding & kayak hire, calm-water activities for all ages
Nearby Polkerris Beach Company (~4 mi away) offers powerboating, sailing, windsurfing with expert instruction
⛵ Boat Trips & Marine Wildlife Tours
Fowey River Hire (~6 mi): kayak, SUP, and self-drive boat rentals—great for exploring hidden coves
Cornwall Sea Safari (~6 mi): wildlife boat tours featuring dolphins, seals & marine environments
Padstow Sealife Safaris (~23 mi): family-friendly marine wildlife boat tours along the north coast
🎶 Live Music on the Beach
Shoreside at Carlyon Beach (seasonal, Easter–October):
Weekly Friday-night live rock bands
Additional events: silent discos, karaoke, and quiz nights, all free Signature festivals:
Tunes on the Shore (late May): pop and country line-up on the sands
Tunes at the Coliseum (July): acts like Sam Ryder and The Darkness, reviving beachside Coliseum heritage

Places
🌊 Charlestown
Distance: 1.5 miles / 5 mins drive
A UNESCO-listed Georgian harbour village famous for tall ships and maritime charm.
Shipwreck & Heritage Centre
Pebble beach, cafes, and historic pubs
Poldark filming location
Why visit: Perfect for history lovers and easy afternoon strolls by the sea.
🎣 Mevagissey
Distance: 7 miles / 20 mins drive
A working fishing village with narrow lanes, colourful boats, and seaside eateries.
Fresh fish & chips on the quay
Mevagissey Aquarium and model railway
Summer ferries to Fowey
Why visit: Authentic Cornish charm, perfect for couples and families.
⛵ Fowey
Distance: 8 miles / 20–25 mins drive
Stylish estuary town with sailing heritage and boutique charm.
Kayaking, boat trips, ferry to Polruan
Readymoney Cove & South West Coast Path
Daphne du Maurier links
Why visit: A mix of nature, culture, and laid-back coastal elegance.
🐟 Looe
Distance: 22 miles / 45 mins drive
Bustling harbour town with a sandy beach and strong fishing tradition.
Crabbing off the quay
Looe Island boat trips
Family-friendly beach and shops
Why visit: Classic seaside fun for all ages.
🎓 Falmouth
Distance: 32 miles / 55 mins–1 hour drive
Lively harbour town with beaches, art, and maritime history.
National Maritime Museum
Gyllyngvase Beach & coastal walks
Cafés, galleries, and student buzz
Why visit: Great for beach lovers, culture seekers, and foodies.
🦀 Padstow
Distance: 23 miles / 45–50 mins drive
Charming harbour town and foodie hotspot.
Rick Stein restaurants & seafood delights
Camel Trail cycling
Ferry to Rock
Why visit: Ideal for stylish getaways and gourmet coastal dining.
🏄 Newquay
Distance: 17 miles / 35 mins drive
Cornwall’s surf capital with beaches and lively entertainment.
Fistral & Towan Beach
Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay Zoo
Surf schools, bars, and nightlife
Why visit: Best for surfers, young families, and energetic days out.

Food
Carlyon Bay
Edie's Kitchen, Carlyon Bay
Carlyon Bay Hotel Restaurant and Golf Club next door
Shoreside Beach Pop Up's on Carlyon Bay Beach
Charlestown Harbour
Longstore Seafood and Steak Restaurant
The Boathouse Restaurant
Springtide Restaurant
The Wine Store, for tapas
Charlie's Coffee House
Tall Ships Creamery
The Pier House Restaurant
Short and Strong Cafe and Deli
Rashleigh Arms
The above are all within walking distance, with many more pubs, restaurants & coffee shops in Fowey, Looe and Mevagissey