Par Sands Beach is a picturesque, south-facing beach situated near St Austell in Cornwall. Known for its broad, sandy expanse and low sand dunes, the beach offers a serene and spacious environment, often attracting visitors from the nearby Par Sands Holiday Park. Despite its popularity, the beach maintains a calm atmosphere, never feeling excessively crowded even during the peak summer season.
Equipped with a gentle slope, Par Sands Beach is particularly favourable for activities like paddling and paddleboarding. However, since there is no lifeguard service, visitors should exercise caution while swimming. Additionally, the beach's flat landscape means that the water remains shallow, even at high tide, which further adds to its appeal for paddling enthusiasts. The presence of rock pools and a small freshwater tributary along the eastern side of the beach provides added interest, particularly when the tide recedes.
The beach's natural features extend beyond its sandy terrain and waters. Paths wind through the dunes, leading to a small lake, and the beach offers contrasting views - the rural beauty on one side and the industrial scenery of china clay works and Par docks on the other. The beach's location, exposed to the southwest, often results in breezy conditions, making it a favourable spot for kite-surfers.
Par Sands Beach is also known for its cleanliness and dog-friendly policy, with dog owners demonstrating responsibility in maintaining the beach's cleanliness. This, combined with the absence of litter and seaweed, makes the beach suitable for families.
In terms of amenities, Par Sands Beach offers several conveniences for visitors. Public toilets are available, and food options include a shop/café on the beach, food vans serving coffee and ice cream throughout the year, and a pasty unit from May onwards. For those seeking additional refreshments, a pub is located within a short walking distance from the beach.
Visitor accessibility is a strong point for Par Sands Beach. A large car park, operating on a pay and display system, is situated just a few minutes' walk from the beach. This convenient location, coupled with the beach's flat terrain, makes the beach particularly accessible for those with mobility challenges.
