Constantine Bay – Beach, Dunes and Coastal Paths

Constantine Bay combines a striking coastal landscape with medieval history and a variety of options for active days out. The wide sandy beach, extensive dune system, coastal walks, golf and rock pools offer different focal points. If you are looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Constantine Bay, you can choose your accommodation according to whether you mainly want to explore the landscape, go walking, surf, play golf or discover traces of history.

Beach and dunes define Constantine Bay

Constantine Bay Beach is a wide sandy beach bordered inland by a network of sand dunes. The dune system covers 80 hectares and was previously successfully restored through fencing and planting. Constantine Bay is also within the Trevose Head and Constantine Bay SSSI. For visitors, this means a coastal landscape in which the beach and dunes define the character of the place.

At the beach, you can explore rock pools and observe the changing coastline in the rhythm of the tides. Care is required when swimming because of strong rip currents. Due to hidden rocks, dangerous rip currents and the beach becoming steep quickly at high tide, the beach is suitable only for experienced surfers. For surfing activities in Constantine Bay, Waves Surf School holds a licence from Cornwall Council.

Coastal paths for different day plans

The South West Coast Path leads from Treyarnon Point down to Constantine Bay beach and back up to the coastal path via wooden steps. Another walking route to Mawgan Porth begins in Constantine Bay. Anyone planning a longer walk can consider the 6.1-mile or 9.8-kilometre route from Trethias Farm to Trevose Head. The route is considered a moderately difficult, fairly long and largely level walk on good footpaths; there is a bus service for the return journey.

The Headland Course also offers its own perspective on the surroundings and is situated high above Constantine Bay. The course has nine holes and a par of 35. No tee-time booking is required for the Headland Course; golf is played on a roll up and pay and play basis through the golf shop. This allows the beach, coastal path and golf to be considered as different ideas for a day out, without having to limit your trip to just one activity.

Medieval traces and practical information

St Constantine's Chapel and Well are among the medieval remains in Constantine Bay. In the Middle Ages, they were an important place of pilgrimage. The chapel consists of a tower at the western end, a nave, a chancel and a southern aisle. The site is located in the sand dunes. The ground is uneven; grassy or sandy paths can be slippery when wet.

There is no public parking at St Constantine's Chapel and Well itself. Visitors should use nearby public car parks, such as the car park in Constantine Bay. There are also no toilets, cafés or visitor buildings at the chapel and well. These details are important for planning your day if you want to combine a visit to the historic site with a beach or walking day. Bus route 556 stops in Constantine Bay and expands the options for travelling without your own car.

The right accommodation for planning your trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Constantine Bay, it is worth deciding first on the pace of travel you want. Would you like to experience the dunes and beach in the morning, go on a coastal walk or get to know the medieval site? Families and other travel groups can also plan different focal points: while some explore the beach and rock pools, others may choose the Headland Course or the coastal paths. Constantine Bay therefore offers a clear setting for a trip combining the sea, landscape, activity and history.

For more travel ideas, you can also explore Penryn, Looe, Saint Just in Roseland, Trewarmett, Penzance, Wadebridge, Millendreath and Callington.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cornwall.