Par Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Village

Facts and practical information

Located in the picturesque region of Cornwall, Par is a charming village that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and tranquility. With its stunning coastline, quaint streets, and friendly locals, Par is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists seeking an authentic English experience.

One of the main attractions in Par is its breathtaking beaches. With golden sands and crystal-clear waters, Par Sands Beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The beach is also ideal for water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing. For those who prefer a quieter atmosphere, the nearby Polkerris Beach provides a serene setting surrounded by cliffs and green hills.

History buffs will find plenty to explore in Par. The village is home to the historic Par Market, a traditional market square that has been bustling with activity for centuries. Here, visitors can browse through a wide array of stalls selling local produce, crafts, and antiques. Additionally, the nearby Luxulyan Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the remnants of an ancient industrial landscape. Walking along the picturesque trails, visitors can admire the towering viaducts, old mine workings, and lush vegetation that make this area truly unique.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the natural beauty surrounding Par. The nearby Eden Project is a world-renowned attraction that features magnificent biomes housing thousands of plant species from around the globe. Visitors can wander through tropical rainforests, Mediterranean landscapes, and even experience a simulated journey into space. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, another popular destination, offer a tranquil escape with their beautifully restored Victorian gardens, walking trails, and exotic wildlife.

Par also boasts a vibrant community spirit, with various local events and festivals taking place throughout the year. From traditional village fairs to music festivals, there is always something happening in Par to entertain visitors of all ages.

Alternative names: Population: 9.5 thous.Elevation: 23 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 50°21'25"N, 4°43'0"W

Location

EnglandUnited Kingdom

ContactAdd

Social media

Add

Par Top Attractions

Par Attractions - What to See and Explore

Par offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Eden Project, Tregaminion Church, Tregrehan House, Castle Dore. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Iconic eco park with educational centre
Eden Project
Nestled in the heart of Cornwall, the Eden Project is a captivating botanical garden located in the quaint town of Bodelva, near Par, United Kingdom. This unique conservation project has transformed a reclaimed china clay pit into a sprawling eco-paradise, home...
Church
Tregaminion Church
Tregaminion Church is a Church of England church in Tregaminion, Cornwall, England, UK. The church dates to the early 19th century and is a Grade II* listed building.
Park
Tregrehan House
Tregrehan is a country house near St. Blazey, Cornwall, designed by George Wightwick. It is described by Nikolaus Pevsner as "Late Georgian.. granite.. Ionic colonnade", "a pretty little lodge".

Forts and castles
Castle Dore
Castle Dore is an Iron Age hill fort near Fowey in Cornwall, United Kingdom located at grid reference SX103548. It was probably occupied from the 5th or 4th centuries BC until the 1st century BC.
Forts and castles
Prideaux Castle
Prideaux Castle is a multivallate Iron Age hillfort situated atop a 133 m high conical hill near the southern boundary of the parish of Luxulyan, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom.
Archaeological site
Treffry Viaduct
The Treffry Viaduct is a historic dual-purpose railway viaduct and aqueduct located close to the village of Luxulyan, Cornwall in the United Kingdom. The viaduct crosses the Luxulyan Valley, and with it forms an integral part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape, a World Heritage Site.
50°23'24"N • 4°44'38"W
Luxulyan Valley
The Luxulyan Valley is the steep sided and thickly wooded valley of the River Par, situated in mid Cornwall, England, UK. It contains a major concentration of early 19th century industrial remains, and was designated as part of a World Heritage Site in 2006.
Archaeological site
Par signal box
Par signal box is a Grade II listed former Great Western Railway signal box, located on Par railway station in Cornwall, England.
Harbor
Par Docks
Par Docks is an Imerys-owned harbour in the village of Par, Cornwall, United Kingdom, which was used for the export of china clay from the numerous Imerys sites in the clay-rich region of Mid-Cornwall.
50°20'58"N • 4°43'54"W
Mid Cornwall Galleries
Shopping • Museum
Beach
Carlyon
For the surname, see Carlyon Carlyon is one of four new civil parishes created on 1 April 2009 for the St Austell area of south Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The new parish is part coastal and part rural in character. It includes the settlements of Carlyon Bay, Garker and Tregrehan Mills and is represented by nine councillors.
50°20'16"N • 4°43'56"W
Cornwall Coliseum
Cornwall Coliseum was a sport and entertainment venue located in St Austell, Cornwall, England. It hosted exhibitions, tennis tournaments and many concerts by leading musicians, but lost its importance with the opening of the Plymouth Pavilions in 1991.
50°21'40"N • 4°44'42"W
Clay Trails
The Clay Trails are a series of bicycle trails located in mid Cornwall, England, United Kingdom. The trails pass through the St Austell moorland which for over two centuries has been extensively quarried for china clay, hence the name.
50°21'40"N • 4°44'23"W
Bodelva
Bodelva is a hamlet in south Cornwall, England, UK, in the civil parish of St Blaise. It is about 1 mile west of St Blazey. Bodelva is the location of the Eden Project, opened in 2001, a horticultural visitor attraction built in a china clay quarry.

Day trips

Par – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Par, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Tintagel Castle (Tintagel), Merlin's Cave (Tintagel), Flambards Theme Park.

22 milesN
Legendary ruins and dramatic sea views
Tintagel Castle, Tintagel
Perched on the rugged cliffs of the Cornish coast, Tintagel Castle is a monument steeped in myth and history. This medieval fortress, located in the village of Tintagel, England, is said to be the birthplace of the legendary King Arthur.
22 milesN
Natural attraction, Park, Cave
Merlin's Cave, Tintagel
Nestled on the rugged coastline of Cornwall, Merlin's Cave is a natural sea cave steeped in Arthurian legend, situated beneath the clifftop ruins of Tintagel Castle. This enchanting tourist attraction in the United Kingdom draws visitors from far and wide, eager...
30 milesSW
Theme park, Amusement park
Flambards Theme Park
Flambards Theme Park, nestled in the heart of Cornwall, United Kingdom, is a vibrant and dynamic attraction that promises an exhilarating day out for families and thrill-seekers alike. With a diverse array of rides, exhibitions, and entertainment options, Flambards has...
16 milesNE
Ruins, Mysterious site, Climbing
Cheesewring, Bodmin
The Cheesewring is a striking natural rock formation that stands as a testament to Cornwall's geological and cultural heritage, located near the town of Bodmin, United Kingdom. This tourist attraction, nestled on the windswept moorland of Bodmin Moor, is not only a...
21 milesE
Golf
St Mellion International Resort
St Mellion International Resort, nestled in the serene countryside of Cornwall, United Kingdom, is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. This prestigious venue boasts two championship golf courses, including the renowned Nicklaus...