Pentewan beach is a beautiful location on the south coast of Cornwall, located 4 miles south from the historic town of St Austell and just 2 miles from the popular harbour town of Mevagissey. If you’re looking for a fun day out at the beach or even a holiday break then Pentewan is certainly worth considering.

I’ll first go into a bit more information about things to do for day visitors, including parking and food options. The beach of Pentewan is joined directly to the amazing holiday park Pentewan Sands. You can walk directly from the beach onto the holiday park. The beach is owned by the park but thankfully the beach is open to everyone to enjoy, not just those staying at the park.

The beach

The beach itself stretches over half a mile long and has quite a rough grainy sand in places and some soft sand in other parts.

On the northerly side of the beach is the St Austell River which can be a little difficult to cross with little ones when the tide is in. There is a bridge a bit further inland on the holiday park, near to the old harbour.

You can find a selection of rock pools at either end of the beach so be prepared to see some interesting sea life. Last year we spotted a giant starfish which was about 50cm from toe to toe.

The sea is great for a number of water-sports, whether you bring your own boats, kayaks or inflatables or rent on site. Just be aware that there are a number of speeds boats operating in the area and winds can be quite strong.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1st March and 1st November.

Parking

There are a few parking options around the village and holiday park.

Firstly, there is free parking in the village, just past The Ship Inn on the right. This is used by residence but there are normally a few spaces available if you get there early enough.

Secondly there is a small carpark in the village which you will see before you get to The Ship Inn. There are about 50 spaces here and is normally full by about 11:00am during the holidays. This will cost £5 for the day.

The third option is the Show Field carpark owned by the holiday park. It is located opposite the holiday park entrance on the main road. Again this will cost £5 per day and is a short walk to the beach through the holiday park. There are about 75 space here.

The final option is the Seahorse carpark which is located on the holiday park itself. You will see signs to this when you drive into the holiday park. Stay in the right lane. Parking is limited here with only about 50 spaces and a 3 hour limit. This will cost you £4.50.

Food and drink

There’s a good selection of restaurants in the holiday park and village if you need to refuel during the day.

Hubbox is right on the beach in the holiday park and serves burgers, wraps and fries with a host of lovely drinks. One of our favourite places to eat as it has a great selection of vegan food. Be sure to book a table during busy times. Eat in or takeaway. https://hubbox.co.uk/

Pentewan Plaice is a fish and chips shop up by the holiday park reception. They too have a few good vegan options on the menu. Again, it can be quite busy during peak times so try and plan ahead for up to a 45 minute wait for your food. Eat in or takeaway available. https://www.facebook.com/pentewanplaice/

The Seahorse restaurant is located above the swimming pool on the holiday park. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner to both residence and none residence. There’s not a great selection of vegan food here other than a burger and couple of other sides. See more here: https://seahorsecornwall.co.uk/eating/

Into The Woods restaurant and bar is a pub located just off the main road as you enter the village. We’ve not eaten here as we couldn’t see any vegan options but heard that the food is good and staff/owners are friendly. https://into-the-woods-bar-restaurant.business.site/#summary

The Ship Inn is located in the village next to the old harbour. Again, we didn’t eat here but the atmosphere seemed great and was quite busy whenever we passed by. They serve food and drinks from lunchtime onwards. Read more here: https://www.theshipinnpentewan.co.uk/

Local supermarket – find a selection of snacks, pasties and sandwiches here. Located in the holiday park near reception you’re bound to find something to fill a hole. https://pentewan.co.uk/at-pentewan/places-to-eat/on-site-supermarket/

The coastal path, inland walks or cycle routes

Pentewan coastal paths

If you enjoy a little walk, or even a long one then this is a great place to explore. You can walk south down the coastal path and you’ll be in Mevagissey within about 45 minutes. It’s quite a hilly walk so be prepared to drag the little ones up the steeper hills. This walk has the most spectacular views and you’ll pass a couple of quiet, hidden beaches (coves) along the way.

Head north on the coastal path and you’ll reach Black Head which is a small peninsula which was the location of a small iron age fort. Continue along the path north and you’ll soon reach St Austell.

Inland walks

Take a different route from the coastal path and head inland for some more great sights. Walk alongside the St Austell river and through the woods, then backtrack through the countryside up to the Lost Gardens of Heligan. This is a great walk among others if you fancy a change from the beautiful coast. Visit the South West Coast Path site and map for more amazing walks in this area. https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walk-coast-path/south-west-coast-path-national-trail/

Cycling

If you prefer cycling then there is a small cycle hire place located in the village. Pentewan is a popular location for cycling due the vast number of cycle route in the area. Avoid the busy roads and explore south Cornwalls best with a host of different routes. See more here: http://www.pentewanvalleycyclehire.co.uk/

Conclusion

So there we have it. Everything Pentewan in one place. Whether you are here for the day or staying a couple of weeks there’s no shortage of things to do in and around Pentewan.

We have stayed on the holiday park and in a local AirBnB in Mevagissey and spent many days in the local area. We always thoroughly enjoy our stays and will be back again soon.