Charlestown Beaches

Overview

Charlestown offers a unique beach holiday experience, blending coastal charm with a rich history. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, its picturesque Georgian harbour forms the heart of the village. Visitors will find the beaches here are typically a mix of sand and shingle, providing a distinct character. This destination is particularly appealing for those seeking a relaxing break, and it's well-suited for families and couples looking for a scenic and historic atmosphere rather than a bustling party scene.

The main beach, Charlestown, sits on either side of the iconic harbour and is famous as a Poldark filming location. While the waters are generally calm and inviting for a swim, it's important to note the absence of lifeguard services. For a popular family day out with safe swimming, Porthpean Beach is a favoured local spot. If you're seeking a more tranquil escape, the secluded cove of Duporth is accessible via a scenic coastal walk. Nearby, Carlyon Bay offers a large sandy expanse for those who enjoy wider beaches.

Beyond sunbathing and swimming, the area invites exploration. Charlestown is a great base for coastal walks along the South West Coast Path, offering stunning views of St Austell Bay. At low tide, the beaches reveal rock pools perfect for curious explorers, and some pebbles are even of geological interest. While Charlestown itself isn't a surfing hotspot due to its sheltered nature, its calm waters are ideal for gentler pursuits. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal gems in the vicinity, be sure to check our longer list of beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Charlestown a good place for a beach holiday?

Charlestown can be a wonderful destination for a beach holiday, particularly if you appreciate a historic, picturesque setting. The beaches are a mix of sand and pebbles, and the village itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a unique Georgian harbour. It's ideal for those seeking a relaxing coastal break with opportunities for swimming, exploring rock pools, and coastal walks. While it might not have the vast sandy expanses of some other Cornish destinations, its charm and calmer waters make it appealing.

What kind of holiday is Charlestown best for – lively, family, adventurous, couples?

Charlestown is best suited for families looking for calmer waters and rock pooling, and for couples seeking a picturesque and historic atmosphere. Its sheltered harbour and relatively calm waters are good for children, though the sand is coarse. The historic charm and scenic coastal walks also make it a romantic destination. It's generally not known for a lively party scene or for high-adrenaline adventure sports directly on its main beaches, though activities like kayaking and paddleboarding are possible. Nearby beaches offer more options for surfing.

Charlestown

Can you swim at Charlestown beach and what's the water like?

Yes, you can swim at Charlestown's beaches. The waters are generally calm and clear, especially on either side of the harbour, making it a good spot for a dip. However, there is no lifeguard service at Charlestown Beach, so it's important to be cautious, assess the conditions before entering the water, and ideally swim with others.

Charlestown

Are Charlestown beaches sandy or pebbly?

Charlestown's beaches are a mixture of sand and shingle/pebbles. Some pebbles are of geological interest. While there is sand, especially as the tide goes out, it's not the fine, golden sand found on some other Cornish beaches. The main beach is divided into two sections by the harbour.

Charlestown

Are there places to stay with sea views near Charlestown beach?

Yes, there are accommodation options in and around Charlestown that offer sea views or are very close to the beach. These range from hotels and guesthouses to self-catering cottages and apartments. Some properties in Charlestown itself overlook the harbour and bay, and nearby areas like Porthpean also have accommodation with coastal views.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Charlestown

Porthpean Beach

Are dogs allowed on Charlestown beach?

There are restrictions for dogs on Charlestown's main beaches. Dogs are typically banned from 1st April to 31st October. However, some sources state an all-year-round ban on the main Charlestown beach, while others mention they are welcome the rest of the year. It's best to check the most current local signage. There are other dog-friendly beaches nearby, such as Duporth (accessible via the coast path) and Par Sands.

Charlestown

Duporth

Par Sands Beach

Is there parking near Charlestown beach?

Yes, there is parking available in Charlestown, including a car park near the harbour (postcode PL25 3NJ) and some on-road parking. From the main car park, it's a short walk to the beaches.

Charlestown

What facilities are at Charlestown beach?

Charlestown beach itself has limited direct facilities to maintain its natural feel. However, the village of Charlestown, being very close to the beach and harbour, offers public toilets (located near the car park, closed at dusk), pubs, cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Shipwreck Treasure Museum is also a key attraction in the harbour area.

Charlestown

People Also Ask

What is the best time to visit Charlestown beach, high or low tide?

Low tide is generally considered the best time to visit Charlestown beach. At low tide, a larger expanse of sand is revealed, making it better for families and for exploring rock pools, which are located on either side of the beach. High tide, especially spring tides combined with large waves, can cover the entire beach and make conditions more dangerous.

Charlestown

Are there any quieter, hidden gem beaches near Charlestown?

Yes, if you're looking for quieter alternatives to the main Charlestown beaches, Duporth Beach is a good option. It's accessible via a 10-15 minute walk along the coast path from Charlestown. It's a sand and pebble beach that is often less crowded as it has no direct parking or facilities. Polridmouth Cove, a bit further towards Fowey, is also more secluded.

Duporth

Polridmouth Cove

What is there for families with small children to do at Charlestown beach?

Charlestown beach can be enjoyable for families with small children. The calm waters in the sheltered harbour are good for paddling. Exploring the rock pools that appear at low tide is a popular activity. While the coarser sand might not be ideal for elaborate sandcastles, the picturesque surroundings, the presence of tall ships in the harbour, and crabbing off the harbour walls add to the fun. The nearby Shipwreck Treasure Museum also offers a child-friendly experience.

Charlestown

How do you get to Charlestown beach by public transport?

Charlestown is accessible by bus. The First Kernow bus service connects Charlestown with nearby towns such as St Austell, Truro, and Bodmin. St Austell also has a train station, and from there you can take a bus or taxi to Charlestown.

Charlestown

Are there any coastal walks from Charlestown beach?

Yes, Charlestown is situated on the South West Coast Path, offering excellent coastal walking opportunities. Popular routes include the walk to Porthpean Beach (around 1.2 miles, can be steep in places) or further to Duporth. You can also walk towards Carlyon Bay in the other direction. These walks offer stunning views of St Austell Bay.

Is Charlestown beach good for surfing?

Charlestown beach is not known as a surfing destination. Its sheltered location within St Austell Bay and relatively calm waters mean it doesn't typically get the waves needed for surfing. For better surfing conditions, you would need to visit nearby beaches on the north coast of Cornwall, like Newquay or Portreath, or some more exposed beaches on the south coast.

Charlestown

What is Charlestown like for finding sea glass?

While not specifically highlighted as a major sea glass hunting destination in all top guides, the mixed pebble and shingle nature of Charlestown's beaches, coupled with its historic harbour, means there's always a possibility of finding sea glass, especially after stormy weather or at low tide when more of the beach is exposed. Enthusiasts often explore various Cornish beaches for such treasures.

Charlestown

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