Nearby beaches

Lostwithiel is six miles from the south coast of Cornwall. Unlike the north coast's rocky coastline with wide expanses of sand and rolling surf, the south coast is characterised by small sheltered coves and secluded beaches.

At low tide a small shingle beach is exposed near the medieval bridge. With benches and barbeques, this is an ideal spot for families with small children to paddle, build sandcastles and have a picnic or takeaway.

If you want to swim in the sea or do some rock-pooling, there are several beautiful beaches nearby.

Readymoney Cove

Readymoney is a lovely sheltered sandy beach. You can get to it by parking in the main Fowey car park and walking along the top of Fowey. There are stunning views across to Polruan as you walk along the Esplanade.  Alternatively you can drive to a nearby car park and have a short walk to the beach.

From the beach you can walk up to St Catherine’s Castle, a small fort built by Henry VIII, to enjoy spectacular views up the estuary and out to sea. The coastal path continues around the peninsula past Polridmouth, the Gribben Head Day Mark and eventually to Polkerris.

Information:

• car parking nearby
• paved access
• toilets on site
• refreshements in Fowey
• no dogs from Easter to October

Lantic Bay

Lantic Bay is one of the best kept secrets on the Cornish south coast and very popular with locals for that reason. The bay shelters a white sandy beach with steep cliffs. It is on the coastal path from Fowey to Polperro.

To reach Lantic Bay, turn off the Lanteglos Highway, park at one of the two National Trust car parks and follow a footpath across fields and down a very steep track to the beach. For experienced mariners, an easier way to access the beach is by boat from Fowey.

Information:

• two National Trust car parks at the top of the cliff
• steep footpath
• toilets
• no refreshments
• dogs all year round

Polkerris

Polkerris is a tiny village with a small quay and sandy beach, accessed down a steep hill between Fowey and Par. There is a slipway to the beach. The beach is very popular and the Polkerris car park can fill up in the height of summer. You can have a drink looking out to sea at the Rashleigh Arms or eat at the superb Sam's On The Beach in the refurbished lifeboat house.

From Polkerris there are stunning views across the St Austell bay. It is on the coastal path from Fowey to Par.

Information:

• car park nearby
• paved access
• toilets
• pub and cafe
• no dogs from Easter to October

Polridmouth

Polridmouth is a pleasant, secluded cove with two sandy beaches which are joined together at low tide. It is on the coastal path from Fowey to Polkerris.

Parking is at Menabilly where there is an honesty milk churn for the parking fee. Access to the beach is via a footpath. Menabilly House, on the Gribben peninsula, was Daphne Du Maurier's inspiration for Manderley in her book Rebecca.

Information:

• car park at Menabilly
• footpath access
• no toilets
• no refreshments
• dogs all year round