Pentewan Sands sits on the south Cornish coast between St Austell and Mevagissey, putting you within easy reach of some of Cornwall's most popular attractions and most beautiful beaches. The sheltered south coast setting means the weather is generally milder than the north coast, and there's a huge amount to explore within a short drive. Here's our guide to the best things to do near Pentewan.

Beaches

• Pentewan Beach — the site's own private beach is the obvious first stop. A sheltered, sandy bay that's excellent for families with younger children and paddlers.
• Porthpean Beach — a quiet, sheltered cove around 10 minutes away. Good for swimming and paddling.
• Vault Beach — a remote, unspoilt beach near Gorran Haven accessible on foot from the coast path. Worth the walk for the solitude.
• Caerhays Beach — a beautiful, quiet beach below Caerhays Castle. Around 20 minutes from Pentewan.

Attractions

• Eden Project, St Austell — around 20 minutes from Pentewan. The world-famous biomes in a former china clay pit. Worth a full day — book in advance in peak season.
• Lost Gardens of Heligan, Mevagissey — around 10 minutes from the site. A beautifully restored Victorian garden with a productive kitchen garden, subtropical valley, and wildlife hide. One of the best gardens in the UK.
• Mevagissey — a short drive from Pentewan. A working fishing village with a harbour, good fish and chips, and a model railway museum. Worth an afternoon.
• Caerhays Castle Gardens — around 20 minutes. Beautiful gardens open in spring and summer, with a stunning beach below the castle.
• Charlestown — a perfectly preserved Georgian harbour village around 10 minutes away. Often used as a film location. Good for a wander and a coffee.

Walking

The South West Coast Path passes close to Pentewan and the south coast section between Mevagissey and Gorran Haven is excellent — dramatic cliffs, quiet coves, and far fewer walkers than the north coast. The walk into Mevagissey along the coast path is a good half-day option.

What to Pack for Pentewan

• A spacious family tent — the sheltered setting suits larger tunnel tents like the Kampa Saunton 6 Air or Outdoor Revolution Airedale 7.0S
• Beach and water sports kit — paddleboards and kayaks are popular on the private beach
• A camping airer for drying beach towels daily

Read our full Pentewan Sands campsite review or browse our Cornwall Camping Essentials collection. Visit our showroom at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ or call 01637 877619.