Many people are choosing to invest in a campervan or a motor home to save money on travel and accommodation by staying at campsites.
Sometimes this can be a bit of a challenge trying to manoeuvre your large vehicle through narrow streets and villages particularly in Cornwall where there are lots of narrow streets and lanes. The lack of parking or spaces for big vehicles particularly during the summer months can get a bit tricky.
Here are some beaches in Cornwall which are easy to access for the elderly and campers with walking difficulties, and where you can easily park your small campervan or VW during peak season (April- Oct).
Porthluney
Porthluney is a popular family beach covered with golden sand which is overlooked by Caerhay’s Castle. This beach allows your dog to run around all year and there are toilets and refreshments available. The car park is situated next to the beach so you will be able to park and this beach is also accessible for the disabled. The route to this beach goes via narrow lanes, but there are plenty of passing points, and if your in a camper van can often see over the higher cornish hedges.
Fistral
Fistral is best known for its excellent waves and is popular with top surfers from all over the world. With annual surfing competitions taking place on Newquay’s largest beach, this surf haven is visited by lots of tourists particularly in the summer months. There is a car park next to the beach but I advise you to get there nice and early over wise it may get pretty busy due to its popularity.
Toilets and refreshments are available on the beach although there is a dog ban from Easter to October.
Chapel Porth
This beach is a flat stretch of golden sand and is owned by the National Trust. Although at high tide the beach is small there are toilets, refreshments and car parking that overlooks the cove. If you fancy a dip in the water there is an on duty lifeguard during the summer months, however, if you have brought you pooch with you there is a dog ban between Easter to October. Please note, the track to this beach is fairly steep, long and narrow, so a large motor home or a nervous driver may find this route a little difficult and scary, especially if a car is coming in the opposite direction!
Gyllyngvase
This is known to locals As Gylly Beach and is popular with tourists during the summer and locals during the winter month’s pop in the cafe for a coffee or bite to eat or walk their dogs along the beach. There are nearby toilets and an on duty lifeguard during the summer months if you fancy taking a dip in the sea. There is also a fairly big paid car park next to the beach.
Gwithian beach
Why not pop into Sunset Cafe and try the delicious beef and stilton burgers or check out the shop selling surf gear alternatively you can hire a surfboard and wetsuit if you want to catch some waves. With views of St Ives and Godrevy lighthouse this provides a perfect family day out. There is also a large car park which is suitable for larger vehicles such as campervans and motor homes.
Polzeath
Polzeath is situated on the North coast of Cornwall, and is home to one of the world’s most renowned surfing destinations.
This beach is split into two parts – the old and the new, both overlooking a stretch of golden sand between Pentire Head to the north and Highcliff to the west.
There are lifeguards on the beach during the daytime in the summer season. Although this is a safe beach, there can be large surf with rips and care should be taken at all times. There is a sand and shingle beach, situated at the mouth of a river and backed by interesting cliffs. There is also a nature reserve and some interesting rock pools on the beach so the kids can explore. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted so make sure you have your camera with you. This beach has a car park next to it so you don’t have to worry about parking your vehicle although like Fistral, Polzeath is popular with surfers so it is advisable to get there early so you can park.
Talland Bay Beach
Talland Bay is a small beach located between Looe and Polperro. There are two beaches in Talland Bay, with one slightly to the west which has sand both at high tide and low tide and is good for swimming at both high and low tides. The good news is that you can bring your dog here all year round.
With lots of rock pools to be discovered at low tide this will keep the children entertained for hours. The second beach is less sandy and is easiest to swim from at high tide and there are plenty of small coves and natural tidal pools to swim in. Although there is limited parking by the beach there is a nearby car park at The Beach Café with easy access to the beach from the parking area this beach is also perfect for disabled access.