Sharrow Beach

Beach Overview

Sharrow Beach (also known locally as Grotto Beach) is a small, much-loved cove on the Whitsand Bay coastline at Tregonhawke. It’s popular because it has a relatively straightforward access path and good parking close by, but it still feels wonderfully tucked away once you’re down on the sand. Rocky outcrops break up the shoreline and, at high tide, the beach can split into smaller, more sheltered coves, which adds to the “hidden corners” charm.

Lifeguards & Safety

Sharrow is RNLI lifeguarded in season, but remember only when flags are flying (no flags means no lifeguards).

Sharrow Beach Lifeguard Patrol Dates 2026
Patrol times 10am – 6pm

• 16 May – 27 September (Daily)

Because the beach is small with rocky sections, it’s worth keeping a close eye on the tide and where you set up, especially with children. When the sea is lively, stick to the patrolled area for swimming and bodyboarding, and avoid swimming close to rocky edges where waves and currents can be unpredictable.

Surf & Watersports

Sharrow can be a fun spot for bodyboarding and light surf when Whitsand Bay has manageable conditions, but it’s not a big open “wide bay” beach—those rock outcrops mean the sea can feel more changeable across short distances. On calmer days it’s lovely for a dip and rockpool exploring, and on bigger swell days it’s often better for watching the waves from a safe spot and saving your swim for a gentler tide window.

Dog Rules

Sharrow is generally treated as a dog-friendly beach year-round. That said, the most reliable habit is still to check the noticeboard and signage at your access point on the day, as local guidance can change. As always, keep dogs under close control near cliff edges and around wildlife, pick up after them, and be extra cautious with dogs in the surf when the sea is strong.

Facilities & Accessibility

Sharrow is fairly simple and natural in terms of facilities. There isn’t a public toilet right at the beach, so it’s best to plan ahead, and many visitors treat it as a “pack what you need” beach. Access is via a path down from the parking area, which is one reason it’s so popular compared with some of the steeper Whitsand Bay descents.

Coast Path & Nearby Walks

This is a great beach to pair with a walk. The South West Coast Path runs along this coastline, so it’s easy to combine a Sharrow swim with a clifftop wander toward neighbouring coves and viewpoints. It’s especially good at lower tide when you can explore more of the sand and rockpools, then head up top for big Whitsand Bay views before returning.

Places to Eat Nearby

A really handy nearby option is the Cliff Top Café at Tregonhawke, which is ideal for a post-beach warm-up coffee, an easy lunch, or a grab-and-go snack with sea views. If you’d rather a longer sit-down meal, Inn on the Shore is a classic coastal pub choice within a short drive, with a great seafront setting and a hearty pub-style menu.

Rainy-Day Options

If it’s raining, Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is a strong “save the day” option nearby. The wider park is great for a moody-weather wander between showers, and the house and on-site facilities give you a more sheltered plan if the rain sets in.