Charlestown Beach

Visit Charlestown Beach

This picturesque harbour and visitor attraction of Charlestown is one of Cornwall’s World Heritage Sites, it has two beaches either side of the harbour. Charlestown Beach, sometimes referred to as Polmear Beach, is a small sandy beach suitable for bathing and a day on the sand.

Polmear used to be known as East Polmear and West Polmear is now known as Charlestown. Originally the fishing village of Porthmeur (or West Polmear) it was developed as a port in the 18th Century by Charles Rashleigh after whom it was named. Today it is home to a small fleet of tall sailing ships moored in the harbour.

Snorkelling can be good around the large rock is known as Polmear Island and Appletree Point. The beach is dog free all year round, although the town has dog frirendly attractions.

Charlestown is also well known for being one of the main locations for the TV series Poldark. There is plenty to see and do here. Spend the day taking in the sites, admire the Tall ships, a visit to the Shipwreck and Heritage Centre artefacts and diving museum, followed by a bite to eat at the Rashleigh Arms.

Walkers can follow the South West Coast Path along the cliffs southwest to Duporth and Porthpean and east towards Crinnis Beach (Carlyon Bay) and Par.

There are two private slipways for launching small craft such as kayaks on an occasional basis but permission to use them for the launching of dinghies is required from the Harbourmaster’s Office.