This one’s for Par… although we’re not talking average. We’re talking about Par Sands, the pretty little beach at the edge of the village, harbour and fishing port of Par, itself on the doorstep of St Blazey and only a few miles outside St Austell. The sands are soft, the water is clear and you’re within frisbee throwing distance of superb attractions the Eden Project and Wheal Martyn. So, nothing average about this beach then.
At Par Sands you’re never far from the action. This large stretch of sand is a hive of activity and activities for beach lovers in south Cornwall, especially in the summer. Known by some locals as ‘Parbados’ due to its idyllic nature, the beach sits in a south-facing cove where its golden sands are backed by rolling dunes. At its rear, meandering paths wind their way through these dunes and across a series of boardwalks towards a lake. There are short walks around the lake and also into an adjoining holiday park.
But those activities we mentioned: obviously sunbathing and sandcastle building on the fine sands are musts, respective of your age. But as this beach gently slopes towards the ocean, it offers shelter from large waves and is therefore a great place for a paddle and a decent swim in safety. Care should be taken if you’re attempting to cross the channel as there is no lifeguard cover here but going for a dip is highly recommended.
And then there are the other activities to get involved in. This is a popular spot for kite and windsurfing, mainly because of the flat shallow water on offer two hours either side of high tide. There are watersports companies that will run lessons for beginners out there in the sea. And the final activity is dog walking. Yes, this beach is open to pooches all-year-round.
With so much going on, unsurprisingly Par Sands, which has decent toilets, a shop and some cracking pubs nearby, can get pretty busy in the summer, especially as the neighbouring holiday park fills up. That said, there’s nevertheless plenty of space on the roomy sand and with ample parking to hand, there’s no need to let the crowds put you off heading to Par for some kitesurfing in the sun. Who mentioned anything about average?