Pelistry Bay, Cornwall — Beach Guide & Water Quality

Nearest town / village: Isles of Scilly
Parking: Limited / none on site — check locally
Coordinates: 49.92640, -6.28390

About Pelistry Bay

Pelistry Bay 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.

Pelistry Bay, on the north-east corner of St Mary's, is the island's connoisseur beach — white sand, absurdly clear water, and Toll's Island just offshore, reachable across a sand bar at low tide. Swimmers should avoid the bar itself when the tide is running, as currents funnel around the island. There are no facilities; that is rather the point.

Getting there

Pelistry Bay 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.