As Mevagissey is an attractive fishing town with a working harbour, it does not have a proper beach, but about a quarter of a mile walk away you reach glorious Polstreath Beach. This quiet beach remains natural and tranquil due to being in a cove reached from the South West Coast Path by around 200 steep steps, so it is not one for the faint-hearted or anyone with mobility issues. Here’s everything you need to know…

MEVAGISSEY WEATHER

Beach Overview

Tucked just north of Mevagissey beneath the coast path, Polstreath is a beautifully secluded sand-and-shingle cove backed by cliffs and greenery. At low tide a generous sweep of firm sand appears for paddling and picnics; by high tide the strand narrows to a pocket below the rocks. It feels wild and peaceful — no promenade, no shops — just gulls, clear water on calm days and big skies.

Lifeguards & Safety

There is no RNLI lifeguard service at Polstreath — treat it as an unpatrolled beach. Expect tidal surges and currents around rocks and gutters, with a steeper shore at higher tides that can produce a punchy shorebreak. Only consider a dip on calm days, keep swims parallel to shore and within your depth, and avoid inflatables. Always check tide times: space is limited near high water and routes along the sand can be cut off against the cliffs.

Surf & Watersports 

This is not a surf beach. On light‑wind mornings, confident swimmers enjoy sheltered sea swims; on very calm days you might try a short SUP/kayak potter close to shore — launch away from other water users and keep well clear of rocks and headlands.

Tide tips: Plan visits for mid to low tide if you want more sand for base‑camps and easier entry. By high tide the beach narrows and small dumpers can thump — better for paddling than wave‑hopping. Leave ample time to return before the sea pushes to the cliffs.

Dog Rules

Polstreath is generally dog‑friendly year‑round, but bear in mind the step access. Please keep dogs under close control around families and wildlife (especially nesting birds on the cliffs), and always tidy up to keep this secluded cove pristine.

Facilities & Accessibility

There are no facilities on the beach. Access is via the South West Coast Path and a long, steep flight of steps down the cliff — beautiful, but not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies, and a good workout on the way back up. Park in Mevagissey’s village car parks (e.g., at the top of the hill) and allow time to walk the coast path to the top of the steps. The nearest public toilets, cafés and shops are in Mevagissey.

Coast Path & Nearby Walks

Polstreath sits directly on the South West Coast Path between Mevagissey and Pentewan. Walk north to Pentewan for sweeping headland views and a long sandy bay, or south into Mevagissey for harbour scenes and ice‑cream stops. Golden‑hour loops along the clifftops make superb photo walks above the cove.

Places to Eat Nearby

There’s nothing on the sand at Polstreath, which is part of its charm. Drop into Mevagissey for harbourside pubs, cafés and fish‑and‑chips, or pick up picnic supplies in the village before heading down the steps to claim a quiet patch of beach – here’s our top eateries in Mevagissey.

Rainy‑Day Options

If the weather turns, explore Mevagissey Museum or the small Aquarium on the east quay, or take a short drive to the Lost Gardens of Heligan for sheltered walks and cafés. Between showers, viewpoints along the coast path deliver dramatic sea‑watching without committing to the beach.