Par Beach, St Martin’s, Cornwall — Beach Guide & Water Quality

Nearest town / village: Isles of Scilly
Parking: Limited / none on site — check locally
Coordinates: 49.95910, -6.28120

About Par Beach, St Martin’s

Par Beach, St Martin’s is a sand beach on the Cornish coast, close to Isles of Scilly.

This is one of Cornwall's quieter, more natural spots with few or no facilities on site — bring what you need for the day, and take your litter home with you.

Dogs are welcome here all year round. Cornish beaches can have strong tides and fast-changing conditions, so check the tide times and any local safety signage before you head down, and take particular care if you plan to swim.

Par Beach — Higher Town Bay — is St Martin's long southern crescent and one of Scilly's most photographed shores: a curve of brilliant white sand with the daymark on the headland above and Nornour and the Eastern Isles offshore. Tripper boats land directly on the sand at the quay. The water shelves gently and the bay is well sheltered from the prevailing westerlies.

Getting there

Par Beach, St Martin’s is reached from the coast near Isles of Scilly. Head for the village and follow the signs or the coast path down to the shore — many Cornish coves involve a short walk from the nearest parking.