Approximate Location Map
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Charlestown is located on the south coast of Cornwall, approximately 290 metres wide, and is surrounded by cliffs. The village boasts a Georgian harbour that has been featured in several film and television programmes. The harbour is home to a fleet of tall ships and is a popular tourist attraction.
There are two beaches either side of the harbour, with the west beach being the smaller of the two. The west beach is a pebble and shingle beach, while the east beach is a sand and stone beach. Charlestown Beach, also referred to as Polmear Beach, is a small sandy beach suitable for bathing and a day on the sand.
Charlestown was originally the fishing village of Porthmeur (or West Polmear) and was developed as a port in the 18th Century by Charles Rashleigh. The village is now a World Heritage Site and features a range of attractions, including the Shipwreck and Heritage Centre, a diving museum, and the Rashleigh Arms. Visitors can also explore the harbour, admire the tall ships, and follow the South West Coast Path along the cliffs.
Snorkelling can be enjoyed around the large rock known as Polmear Island and Appletree Point. The beach is dog-free all year round, although the town has dog-friendly attractions. There are two private slipways for launching small craft, such as kayaks, on an occasional basis, but permission is required from the Harbourmaster's Office.
Charlestown is also well-known for being one of the main locations for the TV series Poldark.
Charlestown West Beach is adjacent to the South West Coast Path.
Shingle Pebbles Rock
| Tonight |  |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | 100% |
| Min temperature | 13°C |
| feels like | 12°C |
| Wind 30mph |  |
| Tomorrow |
 |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | 30% |
| Max temperature | 13°C |
| feels like | 16°C |
| Wind 20mph |  |
| Max UV Index |  |
The tide at Charlestown West Beach is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 12:50 AM tomorrow, and the next high tide will be at approximately 6:53 AM tomorrow.
Detailed weather and tides »
Toilets
Shops
Slipway
There is a pay and display car park.
No dogs allowed.
No lifeguard cover at this beach
Water quality not measured here
less than a mile northeast as the seagull flies, less than a mile by road or less than a mile on foot using coastal paths.
less than a mile southwest as the seagull flies, less than a mile by road or less than a mile on foot using coastal paths.
less than a mile southwest as the seagull flies, around 2 miles by road or just over a mile on foot using coastal paths.
just over a mile east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 2 miles by road.
around 2 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 2 miles by road.
around 3 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 4 miles by road.
around 3 miles south-southwest as the seagull flies, around 4 miles by road.
around 3 miles east as the seagull flies, around 6 miles by road.
around 4 miles south-southwest as the seagull flies, around 6 miles by road.
around 4 miles south-southwest as the seagull flies, around 6 miles by road.
around 4 miles east as the seagull flies, around 6 miles by road.
around 5 miles south-southwest as the seagull flies, around 7 miles by road.
around 5 miles east as the seagull flies, around 8 miles by road.
around 6 miles south-southwest as the seagull flies, around 9 miles by road.
around 6 miles south-southwest as the seagull flies, around 9 miles by road.
around 7 miles south as the seagull flies, around 10 miles by road.
around 7 miles south-southwest as the seagull flies, around 10 miles by road.
around 8 miles south-southwest as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road.
around 8 miles southwest as the seagull flies, around 13 miles by road.
around 10 miles southwest as the seagull flies, around 14 miles by road.
Location: Charlestown
Location type: Urban
OS Grid: SX038514
Coordinates: 50°19'48"N 4°45'24"W
Mapcode: GBR N1.XMYM
What 3 Words: truck.discusses.solution
Coordinates and location codes are for an approximate mid-point of the beach, and may not reflect the best access point or the most popular part of the beach.
Country: England
Local Authority: Cornwall
Parish: St Austell Bay
Nearest postcode: PL25 3NJ
(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)
Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.
