Polkerris

Polkerris is a quintessential Cornish hamlet tucked into a sheltered, south-west facing cove on the edge of St Austell Bay.

For over four centuries, the village has remained an integral part of the Menabilly Estate, owned by the influential Rashleigh family; whose nearby ancestral home provided the inspiration for Manderley in Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.

Historically, Polkerris was a powerhouse of the pilchard industry, home to one of the largest curing cellars in the county and a half-moon stone quay built in 1775 to protect the local seine fleet.

Today, this sequestered spot has transitioned from a busy fishery into a premier destination for watersports and families; its calm, turquoise waters and gently shelving sands are framed by original lime kilns and historic coastguard cottages, offering a tranquil escape within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Polkerris Guides

• The best places to park in Polkerris
• The best things to do in Polkerris
• The best places to stay in Polkerris
• The best places to eat in Polkerris
• 10 fascinating facts about Polkerris