Par Sands

[zippybo]

Hello all
I've found a nice little spot next to the beach in Par Sands and I've stayed overnight here a couple of times now. Par Sands is located in the small village of Par, on the Southern Cornish Coastline, and is less than 10 min drive from St. Austell. I have posted directions to get there (from afar) below, and the text that follows contains some specific local directions, needed to get you to the wildcamping spot, once you arrive. I have also included the postcode for Sat Nav (although this won’t get you to the exact spot). Finally, I have posted a link to a map of where Par Sands is, for people who don’t know Cornwall that well.

You drive towards, or follow the signs for Par Beach. You will see a pub "The Ship" on the left, and a curry house on the right. Drive down the lane and go past the big council car park (the main car park for the Par Sands beach), and proceed over the speed bumps. You will be heading towards Par Sands Coastal Holiday Park (but this site is for static caravans only). You will see a tarmac car park on your left, with 24 hour toilets. On your right you have the view of a beautiful wildlife lake with lots of ducks and swans. The car park gets quite busy, but not to worry, as there are some more adjoining parking areas on your left, (this is where I settled). The ground is slightly uneven, the same as the big council car park for the beach that you will have driven past; but it’s not too bad- just a few puddles here and there. It’s fairly level and just on a firm gritty/sandy type of natural ground.

Once parked up, you are right next to the gorgeous beach of Par Sands (which is behind the car park). This really is a nice spot. Not exactly sure whether the lane is owned by council or the Caravan Park? However, the toilets are maintained by the council and the spot I describe, is a bit before the holiday park entrance at the side of the road; but this area also adjoins to the beach. Anyhow, there were no problems from the nearby site (but it was out of season) and nobody bothered us at all. This seems to be a spot where people come for the day (there has been a motorhome parked every time I’ve been there, with people seemingly coming for the view and a brew). There are no signs saying you cannot overnight at this spot (and there’s not even a charge for parking).

The pub is okay, and next time I will have to try the curry house! However, do not get a taxi into nearby Fowey- that is unless you have plenty of cash. Thought this would be a good idea to check out the harbour and local pubs (until the taxi driver said it was £7.50 each way (no fare metres by the way) and a surcharge after midnight!!!). Cost me £20 and it's only two miles from Par Sands! Should have stayed in The Ship, but you live and learn

DIRECTIONS:
Follow the A30 heading South West.
At the Innis Downs roundabout take the 1st exit onto A391following signs to St Austell.
Continue on A391 until Traffic Lights, turn left onto A390 follow signs to Fowey.
Continue on route to Fowey until you see the sign post for Par Sands
Turn into the lane at the Ship Inn and follow as described above.

SAT NAV
PL24 2AS takes you to the road above the park (which I think is called Polmear Rd). Head towards Par Beach.
You will see the sign post for Par Sands Holiday Park and The Ship Inn on your right hand side.
Turn right onto the Beach road and continue past the wildlife lake.
You will then see the car parks on your left

Here is a link to the Par Sands Holiday park which has a map of the local area:
http://www.parsands.co.uk/directions.htm

Happy wilding folks

[zippybo]

Went there this weekend and my front wheels got stuck and sank in the mud! Parked with the front wheels on the grass verge overlooking the lane and the lake. Thought we'd be ok but had to call the AA to tow us out
Don't let this put you off though guys, as long as you don't make this 'school boy error', you'll be fine lol

[Skipperjonce]

Fairly nice spot, but i grew up in this area and on warmer nights the beach and surrounding dunes are a haven for teenage drinkers/party boys, etc. Also from Easter until late October there is a barrier down just past the pub and they will charge you an arm and a leg to pass, regardless of whether you're using the council car park or not. I'm not trying to put you off, just sharing a bit of local knowledge!

Oh, and a young chap was murdered on the beach last year too, they caught the killer though so you should be safe, lol.

[Cornish Emmit]

This is one of the standby points we use in the ambulance service, it's fantastic out of season but heaving in the summer. I was waching someone feed the birds at the lake a couple of weeks ago, BIG mistake it was like waching a Hitchcock thriller with the poor man eventually running for cover splattered with guano. the swans here dont take prisoners. This is my first posting on this site so I hope it works.

Chris

[Wee-z]

just noticed it is your first post cornish emmit

that sounds more like Hancocks half hour than Hitchcocks.

So welcome to the wildys

and keep watching and posting

weez
Tony

Originally Posted by Cornish Emmit

I was waching someone feed the birds at the lake a couple of weeks ago, BIG mistake it was like waching a Hitchcock thriller with the poor man eventually running for cover splattered with guano.

Chris

I must admit, I've noticed that the weapons the swans release at this spot are quite nuclear looking.................

[Didgebloke]

Nice one Zippybo - we'll check it out in high season in August!
Didgebloke

[miller]

ooooh many thanks for posting this, i might use it in a couple of weeks wen im down that way!

[oo7matt]

Sounds cool.......................... Thanks!