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 

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