Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach
Car-free cove between Crantock and Holywell Bay. Foot access only keeps it quieter than neighbours. Golden sand, wild cliffs, good surf.
At a Glance
Beach Type
sandy
Dogs
Yes - year-round
Lifeguard
No
Parking
Nearby
Access
Difficult (cliff path)
Swimming
Generally safe
Facilities
Activities
Often referred to as Porth Joke, Polly Joke Beach is a car-free cove on Cornwall’s north coast, between the bigger beaches of Crantock and Holywell Bay. The foot-only access - a walk across fields from the nearest car park - keeps it noticeably quieter than its more famous neighbours.
Sun lovers, swimmers, and surfers frequent the area because of its golden beaches, wild cliffs, and pure seas. The surrounding cliffs provide shelter from the wind, creating a calm setting perfect for relaxing in.
Other well-known qualities are the wildlife and Polly Joke’s natural beauty. On the cliffs, there are numerous types of seabirds, and during low tide, rock pools form along the shore, revealing an abundance of aquatic life. Polly Joke Beach rewards the walk with wild cliffs, golden sand, and surf - far less visited than the beaches on either side despite being in the same stretch of north Cornish coast.
Things to Do Near Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I take my dog to Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach?
- Yes, dogs are welcome at Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach all year round.
- Is Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach lifeguarded?
- No, Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach does not have RNLI lifeguard cover. Take extra care when swimming and check tide times before your visit.
- Is there parking at Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach?
- There is no car park directly at Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach, but parking is available nearby. Check local signs for the closest option.
- Is Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach good for swimming?
- Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach is suitable for both swimming and surfing. There are no lifeguards, so take care and check conditions before entering the water.
- What facilities are at Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach?
- Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach has parking. Facilities may be seasonal - some close outside summer.
- Is Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach good for rock pooling?
- Yes, Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach has rock pools to explore at low tide. The best time is on a falling tide about an hour after high water. Wear shoes with grip and watch out for incoming tides.
- Where is Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach?
- Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach is on the north coast of Cornwall, near Newquay. The postcode for sat nav is the nearest available - coordinates are 50.4017, -5.1360.
- How do I get to Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach?
- Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach is located near Newquay. Check the map above for directions. Most Cornwall beaches have limited parking, so arriving early in peak season is recommended.
- Where can I stay near Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach?
- There are several holiday properties near Porth Joke (Polly Joke) Beach, with the closest just 1.4km away.
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