St Mawes Beaches

St Mawes has some super sandy beaches nearby that are very family friendly.  Whether wanting to stay within walking distance of the hotel or venture a little further afield, take your pick of some of The Idle Rock's favourites and enjoy a day by the sea.

 The two beaches in St Mawes are a mixture of sand and rock.  The sandy area is located around the harbour and accessible at low tide.  The other beach is more rocky but accessible regardless of the tide.  No dogs are permitted on the beaches here between Easter and October.  Across the way is St Anthony's Head, accessible by ferry from St Mawes to Place, where you will find lots of hidden sandy coves for a day at the beach when you want to get away from everybody and everything!

The largest expanse of beach is to be found at Gerrans Bay where the two sections are known collectively as Pendower Beach and Carne Beach.  Gerrans Bay is situated between Nare Head and Portscatho, a short drive away from St Mawes.  There are toilets and a car park and during high season, there are refreshments from a local ice cream van.  Dogs are permitted on the beach all year.  The beach is very safe for swimming though bathers should be aware that there can be a large swell here.

Porthluney is a small beach in front of Caerhays Castle.  It is sandy and very child friendly.  There is a large car park though this is shared with Castle visitors.  The beach has toilet facilities and refreshments are available.  Dogs are permitted on this beach year round.

Portholland is a large and pleasant sandy beach situated between the two hamlets of East Portholland and West Portholland.  It can be hard to find and easiest means is to find your way to Caerhays and Porthluney and then continue on to Portholland.  There is a small car park and the toilet facilities are at the east end of the beach.  Dogs are permitted year round.  It is recommended that you don't sit too close to the cliffs as there can be falling rocks.

Closest to the start of the Roseland (not far from St Austell) is Gorran Haven.  This is a wide sandy beach that can get quite busy in the summer.  There are toilet facilities and a beach shop as well.

Portscatho, half way between the start of the Roseland and its tip at St Mawes, has a small beach that is mainly rocky with some sandy patches.  There are no facilities on the beach but within a short walk, the amenities of the village are to hand.

Of course, if you don't want to sit on the beach, the Roseland is perfect for coastal walking and just finding a lovely spot to sit and admire the natural beauty that surrounds you.