World class beaches on our doorstep
Nestled in a valley, Lower Barns offers seclusion and countryside beauty in the small parish of St. Ewe, on Cornwall’s tranquil south coast.
Surrounded by coast, we have a magical mix of beaches; whatever the weather, whatever our mood.
PENTEWAN
With shingle and coarse sand, Pentewan is very easily accessible. It’s also often busy, but its close parking and Hub Box burger bar are wheelchair-friendly; making it a good choice for families. Superb views over to Fowey, and a bar that spills right on to the beach make it a good spot to soak up the sun without going too far. Good for hiring water sports equipment like kayaks and paddle boards. We love collecting sea glass at Pentewan.
PORTHLUNEY, ALSO CALLED CAERHAYS
Again an easily accessed beach, the parking at Porthluney is almost on the beach. Opposite this quiet beach is a proper fairytale castle in the Caerhays Estate. Caerhays’ roots are of an elaborate manor house, which has morphed into its current incarnation. Resplendent gardens are home to the largest collection of Magnolias in England. Whilst it may have some historical battlement features, its main purpose was as a decorative estate. The castle gardens are open to the public. There is a fantastic cafe on the beach, which also hosts live music and outside cinema nights.
VAULT BEACH
A short walk from either Gorran Haven car park, or Lameldra, this beach was listed as one of the ten best beaches on a worldwide list from the Guardian. Vault beach has that wonderful combination of being windswept and secret, and a little trickier to access. The South West Coast Path can be tricky to negotiate, but it’s worth it for a quiet little slice of paradise.
POLSTREATH
If you’re feeling adventurous, and have the accessibility, this is a beauty of a beach. Coarse sand and shingle make it a little less comfy, but that’s nothing a decent picnic blanket won’t sort out. Clear waters and hundreds of rocks and rock pools make it a timeless, secluded beach. Walking down the 200 steps is fun, but oh my! walking back up can be a bit of a breathtaker! You’ll want to rest your aching muscles in the hot tub under the stars, and snuggle up when you get back to the luxury at Lower Barns!
WATERGATE BAY
Jumping in the car, you can drive just about half an hour over to the north coast, where you’ll find miles of golden sands at Watergate Bay. Popular with activities enthusiasts and foodies, this beach is always busy, and it’s the site of a few summer festivals. After a few days of walking stunning, yet arduous coast path, this is a great place to take in a sunset, and soak up some evening sun. The Beach Hut is a great cafe serving fab food. Jamie Olivers Fifteen overlooks the beach and the restaurants at Watergate Bay Hotel have great views and food with laid back chic.
To book a stay with us at Lower Barns, give me a call on 01726 844881. I’m offering 10% discounts on weekday September stays, on bookings made before 25th August.
Love Janie x