Par: Coast, Nature and Industrial History

Par offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: the sandy expanse and dunes of Par Sands, wildlife watching, a coastal path, and the town’s industrial and early Christian history. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether the beach and wind-based activities, nature or history will shape your stay. These themes provide a practical framework for assessing Par as a destination.

Beach, Dunes and Watersports

Par Sands Beach is a wide sandy expanse with low dunes near the village of Par, four miles from St Austell. Par Beach includes the Par Beach and St Andrews Road Local Nature Reserve. This coastal theme therefore encompasses both the open sandy expanse and low dunes, as well as a designated nature reserve. Par Sands is suitable for kitesurfing and windsurfing due to its south-westerly winds. Wind direction is therefore a shared consideration when weighing up these two activities as part of your trip planning.

Nature and the Eden Project

At Par Nature Reserve, you can observe wild birds and orchids. If you want to explore nature as well as the beach, this offers a distinct focus: observing birdlife and plant life. This sets it apart from the wind-based activities at Par Sands and can help you tailor your trip to your interests.

The Eden Project site in Bodelva, Par, Cornwall, includes a Rainforest Biome. If you are planning a visit to the Eden Project, check the latest visitor information in advance, as operational details may change.

Industrial History and the Biscovey Stone

Par was developed as a mineral port in the 1830s. Kaolin was shipped from Par all over the world. This history can be viewed through two distinct aspects: the port’s development in the 1830s and the global reach of kaolin shipping. This gives the town a clear connection to industrial history, alongside its beach and nature.

Another historical landmark is the Biscovey Stone in the churchyard of St Mary's Church in Par. It is an early Christian memorial stone and also the shaft of a wayside cross. These two aspects make it a tangible point of interest for visitors interested in early Christian memorials and wayside crosses.

Coastal Path and Trip Planning

The coastal path from Par to Polperro runs partly along the National Cycle Network at Par Sands. The connection to the network therefore applies to part of the route near Par Sands. For planning purposes, this offers a different perspective from visiting a single beach or nature spot: Par can also be considered in the context of this named coastal route.

When choosing a hotel in Par, it helps to decide what interests you: Par Sands combines beach scenery with wind-based activities, Par Nature Reserve is known for wild birds and orchids, and the town’s history ranges from the mineral port to the Biscovey Stone. These differences can help you assess Par in terms of the kind of trip you want before comparing the specific details of individual hotel offers with your travel dates and requirements.

Discover more destinations: Saltash, White Cross, Tregony, Gulval, Probus, Wadebridge, Saint Neot, Constantine.

For the broader travel overview: Cornwall.