Polkerris
PollkerysA beach to enjoy
Polkerris is a tiny coastal community, west of Fowey, down a winding lane past Kilmarth, the last home of Daphne du Maurier.
The Beach
Located about two miles west of Fowey, facing into St.Austell Bay, this is a favourite spot for families who love the sandy beach and facilities, including a pub and restaurant.
It's also popular for those seeking activities on the water with a slipway, watersport equipment for hire and water sports tuition available. And after a long day in or on the water its a perfect place to relax and take in the glorious sunsets throughout the year.
The harbour wall can be used for fishing, though with all the people about, you might not catch much.
Dogs are not permitted on the beach from Good Friday until 30th September.
Out to the Gribben
Polkerris sits on the western side of Gribben Head, which guards the harbour of Fowey from south-westerly winds.The headland is crowned by the Gribben daymark, a red and white striped tower built in 1832 by Trinity House. Despite appearances it was never a lighthouse. From Polkerris it’s an easy walk out to the headland (once you have ascended the path through the woods overlooking the harbour) with far reaching views across the bay towards Mevagissey.
It was this view that inspired the author Daphne DuMaurier to write her time-travelling novel ‘The House on the Strand’ The title being the English translation of Tywardreath, a nearby village.
DuMaurier lived at Menabilly House, just inland from the daymark, before moving to Kilmarth above Polkerris in her later years.
Situated between St Austell and Fowey and in an area of outstanding natural beauty, Polkerris is a magical spot for either exploring the Cornish coastline by paddle board or kayak, or just a place to sit on the beach and watch the world enjoy itself. You choose!
On the water
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Plan your trip
Everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Polkerris
Take the M5 to Exeter, before joining the A38 down to Plymouth and over the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall. Follow the A38 past Liskeard before turning off onto the A390 towards St Austell. Shortly after going through Lostwithiel turn left towards Fowey,
Just before you arrive in Fowey you will come to a small roundabout, turn right here and after about a mile turn left on a small road signposted Polkerris. Look out for a turning on the right that takes you down a hill to the village.
The main Polkerris Car Park is located approximately 200m from the beach on the right-hand side as you descend the hill. Pay and Display between 8am and 6pm
There is no other parking unless you are visiting the pub.
The nearest National Express coach stop to Polkerris is in St Austell. From here you can pick up a local bus to Fowey which stops on the main road a mile from the village.
No busses actually go into Polkerris.
The nearest railway station to Polkerris is Par. From the station its easiest to take a taxi to get to Polkerris.
FAQs
View allPolkerris is a sandy beach which gently shelves, sheltered by harbour wall.
The village and beach is part of the Rashleigh estate which is commemorated in the name of the pub, 'The Rashleigh Inn'. The Rashleigh family also own Menabilly, the nearby house that was home to Daphne DuMaurier for many years, and were responsible for building Charlestown harbour across the bay, it being named after Charles Rashleigh.
Yes, and it also has a pub, cafe and a watersports centre.
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