logo
Pretty Cornish seaside village with ‘secret' crescent-shaped beach and holiday park

Pretty Cornish seaside village with ‘secret' crescent-shaped beach and holiday park

The Irish Sun7 days ago
CORNWALL isn't short of amazing seaside villages but there is one that is much quieter than it's neighbours.
The village of Par - home to a harbour once used for copper - has fewer crowds on its sandy beach.
5
Par is a historic seaside village known for its clay trading history in Cornwall
Credit: Alamy
5
One of the main attractions near to the village, is Polkerris Beach
Credit: Alamy
One of the main attractions though, set just away from the village is Polkerris Beach - one of Cornwall's best-kept sunset secrets, according to the
team at
Park Holidays
.
The crescent-shaped beach sits on the Cornish coastline with low cliffs, turquoise waters and is surrounded by vibrant greenery.
At the edges of the
Many visitors love this spot for water sports, such as kayaking and paddle-boarding.
Read more on Cornwall
And the beach has a welcoming
The waterhole sits right by the sand, overlooking the shoreline.
Alternatively, visitors can head to Sam's on the Beach - a relaxed bistro serving up fish dishes in a former RNLI lifeboat station.
One recent visitor said: "This is a lovely little beach cove."
Most read in News Travel
Another visitor said: "
Nice
small harbour beach, very popular with families, with soft sand for the kids.
"Plenty of interesting
Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach
"Sam's bar serves great seafood dishes, the lobster and scallop dishes were both fresh, a good portion and reasonably priced."
Set back just 120 metres from the beach, there is also Polkerris Holidays - a family-run static caravan park - in case you wanted to extend your stay.
The village itself is also only two miles from the
The valley contains a pretty woodland, split by the River Par.
5
Many visitors love the beach for watersports and there are many walking trails around the beach
Credit: Alamy
5
There is even a pub - The Rashleigh Inn - located at the beach
Credit: Alamy
Due to it being home to industrial remains from the 19th century, including viaducts - the valley was named a
Then 3.5 miles from village, visitors can find
To get to Par, the village has its own railway station, which is on the mainline between Paddington and
The region also boasts many different places to stay such as camping and glamping sites or the prestigious Trenython Manor - a country estate built in 1872 and set in 24-acres.
Here's how to do pricey Cornwall on a budget thanks to Hols from £9.50 – with world's best beach and fish and chips for under £5.
Plus, the best family attractions in Cornwall from scenic open-top bus journeys to award-winning adventure parks.
5
To get to Par, the village has its own railway station, which is on the mainline between Paddington and Penzance
Credit: Alamy
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The retro model theme park that was like a ‘mini wonderland' – here's what it was like to visit as a child
The retro model theme park that was like a ‘mini wonderland' – here's what it was like to visit as a child

The Irish Sun

time2 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

The retro model theme park that was like a ‘mini wonderland' – here's what it was like to visit as a child

A FORMER amusement park in Bournemouth used to be home to " Europe 's largest model landscape" with Big Ben and a mechanical Tower Bridge. The 6 Tucktonia opened back in 1976 and included an array of different landmarks such as Admiralty Arch, Hadrian's Wall and Stonehenge Credit: Alamy 6 Located in Bournemouth, Tucktonia used to be home to "Europe's largest model landscape" Credit: Alamy 6 Some of the models were even mechanical including Tower Bridge which opened and closed Credit: Alamy Some of the models even moved, including A model of an airport also was mechanical with planes actually travelling along the runway. But the model village didn't just feature big landmarks, it also had a Kellogg's factory and a motorway flyover. At the time, the attraction was dubbed "the best of Britain in Miniature", according to an advert for the destination. Read more on travel tips One woman, Emma Cansdale from Waltham Abbey used to visit regularly as a child. The 52-year-old told Sun Travel: "As an eight-year-old it was like a mini wonderland. "Back then I loved the quaintness of model villages and miniature railways. Emma added: "I remember it was a hot summer day spent following the map to find the different attractions and eating ice cream." Most read in News Travel Across the The attraction took two years in total to plan and build. Best of British: Bournemouth's beach and vibrant city life is the perfect getaway And for little ones, there was Railriders club - which Emma was part of. "One of the reasons we went to Tucktonia was to pick up a sticker for my Railriders sticker book as they were participating in that scheme," Emma added. Old maps of Tucktonia Leisure Park that Emma has, show what featured at the 21acre site. And it wasn't just the model village - it also had a number of other attractions including golf , a go-kart track and a mini cinema. One leaflet even claims the park was home to " Europe 's largest model landscape". Another poster claims it was "the greatest model Britain in the world". 6 There used to be a number of other attractions too including fairground rides Credit: Emma Cansdale According to Comedian and magician Keith Chegwin and Maggie Philbin also hosted the BBC's Multi-Coloured Swap Shop live from the park. Then in 1985, it was used as a film set for the alien movie Lifeforce - a sci-fi horror by Tobe Hooper, who also created The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Some believe that a number of the models were destroyed as part of the filming, whilst others claim that whilst the village was used as a set, the buildings destroyed in the film were actually different models created by the visual effects team. 6 Emma used to visit as a child and remembers it well Credit: Emma Cansdale In 1980, In the following years, the park changed ownership more than once and then in 1986, the park closed - just a decade after the model village had first opened. The site's buildings and fixtures were then all cleared to make the land available for a In 2003, the site then transformed again into a number of retirement flats and homes . One fan of the park commented on social media: "What a fab place it was... Big childhood memories, very sad when it closed." Another added: "Absolutely loved Tucktonia. As a child these places were so exciting." There is also an Plus, 6 In 1985, the attraction was even used as a film set for the alien movie Lifeforce Credit: Emma Cansdale

The up-and-coming English seaside town with beachfront hotels, viral Kate Bush event and new ‘open-air art' trails
The up-and-coming English seaside town with beachfront hotels, viral Kate Bush event and new ‘open-air art' trails

The Irish Sun

time14 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

The up-and-coming English seaside town with beachfront hotels, viral Kate Bush event and new ‘open-air art' trails

WHAT do Kate Bush and Folkestone have in common? Absolutely nothing — apart from one day of the year when nearly 1,000 red dress-clad Kate fans descend on the town to celebrate the singer. 5 The lighthouse cool bar Credit: Alamy 5 Participants celebrate Wuthering Heights day Credit: PA 5 The town's scenic harbour Credit: Alamy Called The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever, the unusual event has been running in the Kent town since 2023 and kicks off at midday today on the harbour front. It's certainly a sight to behold — men and women throwing their arms in the air, dancing to the famous Wuthering Heights song. But even non- Launching today is the Folkestone Triennial, a huge open-air art exhibition that takes place every three years. Read More on Travel It features 70 pieces of artwork, including works by Tracy Emin, Chased by oysters One of my favourite spots is the beautiful Lighthouse Bar inside a former lighthouse. Look up and you will see 'Weather is a Third to Place and Time,' painted on the side, a leftover piece from the 2014 Triennial. Look even further and you might glimpse France. Most read in Best of British It's not a place for sitting indoors — there are barely more than a couple of tables. Instead grab one of the benches lining the harbour. Martin Lewis warns about strict passport rule that could see you board your flight - only to get sent home on arrival There is no better feeling than having the sea breeze blow past, and watching errant paddleboarders while sipping a glass of champagne chased by oysters. I'm surrounded by city dwellers (dubbed DFLers — Down From Londoners) who are all exclaiming how surprised they are by the town. Lighthouse Bar owner Simon explained to me: 'We were told we were mad to open in Folkestone ten years ago — now look at us.' Often aligned with other Kent seaside destinations Most tourists will flock straight to the Harbour Arm, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Lined with shipping containers serving food and drink, every summer there are new additions to the complex. My favourite new stall this year is The Mompling House, serving Nepalese snacks with juicy steamed momo dumplings and aloo chops, a spiced potato croquette. There's the award-winning Rocksalt, serving up fresh seafood while overlooking the harbour. Or new this year is Pomus, a restaurant that opened earlier this month after success in But my favourite spot is Marley's, an unassuming place from the outside that offers a small, farm-to-table menu inside (be sure to try the zesty pan-fried sea bass). 5 The town's quaint, quirky shops Credit: Alamy 5 When the booze and food becomes too much, the best place for some respite is The London & Paris Hotel Credit: Alamy It's one you'll need to make reservations for, as it is always full of locals, but it's one that's worth the wait. You can barely turn a corner without spotting a bar here. I inadvertently ended up doing my own drinks crawl, after being tempted inside many of them. Two must-visits are Burrito Buoy for their frozen margaritas, or The Beer Shop Folkestone, which serves up local craft beers. When the booze and food becomes too much, the best place for some respite is The London & Paris Hotel. First opened in 1853 to cater for travellers heading across Each of the rooms has a sea view, all with modern coastal chic decor — think blue striped walls and floral patterned pillows. It felt like my head barely touched the pillow of my extremely plush king-size bed before I was woken up to the sound of seagulls. A tap on the door heralds the arrival of breakfast, a cute hamper with fresh croissants, juice and fruit And being so close to town, my early awakening also meant I was able to make the most of the peace and quiet before the crowds came in for the day. I filled my bag with souvenirs from the Creative Quarter, the famous multi-coloured, steep street peppered with locally run shops. But after all that eating and drinking, you won't see me Running Up That Hill. GO: FOLKESTONE STAYING THERE: One night at The London & Paris Hotel is from £90 on room-only basis (£114 to include breakfast). See OUT & ABOUT: For more on the Folkestone Triennial, see

English city that was once the country's ‘oldest town' is home to unique Barbie house and Harry Potter style train ride
English city that was once the country's ‘oldest town' is home to unique Barbie house and Harry Potter style train ride

The Irish Sun

time20 hours ago

  • The Irish Sun

English city that was once the country's ‘oldest town' is home to unique Barbie house and Harry Potter style train ride

DID you know that Colchester was once known for being England's oldest town? Despite this, it was actually given city status just two years ago as part of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. 8 Colchester is also home to a train station that is barely used Credit: Alamy 8 The Chappel Viaduct looks like the bridge Hogwarts Express drive over in Harry Potter Credit: Alamy Colchester has a history stretched back thousands of years and was one of the very first Roman cities. The Essex city is also home to a train station that is barely used, and looks like something from Harry Potter. Chappel & Wakes Colne railway station in Colchester is around an hour from London, travelling to Liverpool Street station. Compared to some other regional train stations around the country, this one doesn't have many passengers. Read More on Essex Just 28,000 people use it a year, working out to around 77 passengers a day. The train station is right next to the Chappel Viaduct, with the huge brick structure built in the 1840s and measuring 1,066ft. It looks very similar to the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland, which was used in Nearby is The Swan Inn pub right on the river, and their beer garden is found underneath the viaduct. Most read in City breaks And there is more history to Colchester too with it also being the place where the oldest hot cross bun in the world was baked. It was baked on Wyre Street in Colchester, on Good Friday 1807 - confirmed by the note on the bag it came in, and the bun is now rock hard. 'World's FASTEST bullet train' that can reach 280mph is unveiled - and it even has a dining car and plush business-class 8 The Swan Inn pub right on the river, and their beer garden is found underneath the viaduct Credit: Alamy Owned by a couple in Wormingford, the bun is older than the one kept in the British Museum, baked in 1869. While you won't be able to see the bun, something in Colchester you can't miss is the pink house. The six-bedroom mansion in Tiptree called the 'Eaton House Studio' is a dream to any fan of Barbie. The house boasts dozens of stylish rooms, each designed completely differently. There is a saloon and space-inspired kitchen, floral staircases, and unicorns in the garden. 8 The 'pink house' is a hot spot for celebrities and can also be rented out Credit: 8 The six-bedroom mansion in Tiptree called the 'Eaton House Studio' is a dream to any fan of Barbie Credit: 8 There a saloon and space inspired kitchen to floral staircases and unicorns in the garden Credit: It's attracted celebrity guests and was featured in Little Mix's Bounce Back music video. It was created by its artist owner Amy Griffith, who said she built it to "share my artistic vision with others". It can sleep 16 people and can be hired you even hire it out from £2,400 as it details on Plus, the And the 8 The house has attracted celebrity guests and was the featured in Little Mix's Bounce Back music video Credit: 8 Colchester was once England's oldest town and is now a city Credit: Alamy

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store