Cornwall, England, United Kingdom

St Austell Bay

St Austell Bay, Par is a picturesque location in Cornwall, England. It is renowned for its beach, which is characterized by its unique sand containing a significant amount of mica that glistens in the sunlight. The beach is expansive and sandy, particularly during low tide, and is framed by modest dunes. Further enhancing its natural beauty are two streams, one small on the Eastern end and a larger one on the Western end. The Western end also hosts a small harbour and a china clay processing plant, yet the ocean maintains its crystal clear appearance.

The beach is known to be dog-friendly, making it a preferred location for dog owners. Additionally, its safety and flatness make it an ideal spot for families. Amenities include a children’s playground, picnic and play areas, and newly built beach huts. The beach is also backed by a wildlife lake and a large well-maintained caravan park, offering a variety of natural attractions.

Immerse yourself in the shimmering beauty of mica-speckled sands at St Austell Bay by exploring places to stay nearby.

Accessibility to St Austell Bay is straightforward, with plenty of parking available for visitors, which is free of charge after 5pm. For the convenience of visitors, public toilets are also available. Although the beachside cafe does not offer sea views, St Austell Bay remains an attractive spot to visit, regardless of the weather conditions.

What to do at St Austell Bay?

Amenities

St Austell Bay amenities include parking and toilet.

Restaurants

Best restaurants near St Austell Bay include The Welcome Home Inn, Par Beach Café, Sam's On The Beach, Rashleigh Inn and Snowy's Diner.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beach's natural beauty, with its clear waters, sandy terrain, and unique sparkling sand due to mica content. The beach is also appreciated for its ample parking, dog-friendliness, and various amenities such as a children's playground, picnic areas, and beach huts. However, visitors complain about an industrial plant on one side of the beach, which they find to be an eyesore.

Where to Stay near St Austell Bay?

If you’re planning a trip to St Austell Bay, consider staying in the nearby town of Par, which offers easy access to the beach and other attractions. Many visitors also choose to stay in the larger town of St Austell itself, which provides a variety of accommodations and is a short drive from the bay.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is St Austell Bay?

Latitude: 50.3465749 / Longitude: -4.6965155

St Austell Bay is located in Cornwall. The following map of St Austell Bay shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

St Austell Bay: Weather Today

📅 Monday, September 7, 2026
Today is unfortunately a poor day for a trip to St Austell Bay. You can expect persistent light rain throughout the day, so it is best to leave your towel and sunscreen at home. The sky will remain thick with clouds, and the air temperature will struggle to reach 19.6 °C, making it feel quite cool by the water. Stronger breezes are expected, which will make the atmosphere feel even colder. The sea is sitting at a chilly 17.2 °C and is definitely not suitable for swimming. With choppy water conditions and constant dampness, the beach will be neither comfortable nor enjoyable for sunbathing or relaxation. It is much better to plan your visit for another time when the weather is brighter and the conditions are calmer.
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Air

Low / High15.1°C/19.6°C
Feels Like (High)20.2°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature17.2 °C
Wave Height0.8 m
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Rain

Rain Chance100%
Rainfall2.7 mm
Rain Duration7 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset06:42/19:50
Sunshine Hours2.5 hrs
UV Index3.2
Cloud Cover98%
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Wind

Speed17.6 km/h
Gusts33.5 km/h
DirectionW

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