A surprisingly large gloriously sandy beach formed from an unusually wide inlet along this stretch of coast and set against the backdrop of Caerhays Castle, designed by the Georgian architect John Nash. The Beach is part of the Caerhays Estate with its woodlands and parkland landscape making a wonderful setting.
PL26 6LY - From the A390 St.Austell to Truro road, either take the A3078 to Tregony and then from the northern end of the village take the road signposted to Caerhays (a distance of some 7kms), or, the B3287 from Hewas Water (near St.Austell) and after 3kms turn left and follow the signs to Caerhays, (about 6kms). There is a large car park (capacity over 280 cars) right next to the beach. Access on to the beach is straightforward and good for the less mobile.
The fine stretch of sand both at high and low water makes it popular with families. It is over 180m long at high water and involves a walk of over 280m to the sea at low water. It can be relatively sheltered with rocky areas either side of the beach as the tide goes out. There is a grassy area above the beach.
There is rescue equipment above the beach. It is safe for swimming when the conditions are favourable although it is recommended that bathing is undertaken on a rising tide two hours or more after low water. It is not a surfing beach. Inflatables should not be used when there is an off-shore wind.
At high water snorkelling around the rocky edges of the inlet can be interesting when the conditions are right. At low water there are a few rock pools which are better on the easterly side of the beach but are not a feature.
It is a dog friendly beach. The old rather primitive toilets are on the easterly side above the beach. There is a beach shop and cafe in the same location which opens during the summer. There is a full range of facilities, including village shops, restaurants and a pub at Gorran Haven, a distance of 4kms.
In recent years the quality of the sea water has not been as good as it should. This could be the quality of the water in the stream is open to question.
It is a great beach in a great setting but it is a shame the car park is so dominant.
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