Carlyon Bay did not exist only 200 years ago (Image: Getty)
Many people enjoy spending their weekends on the lush golden sands of Carlyon Bay, and yet the beach did not even exist 200 years ago.
Stretching for almost two miles along the picturesque near , today, the vast expanse of beach is now a beloved haven for locals and tourists alike.
’s formation began in the 19th century when the thriving tin and china clay industries in the St Austell area, known as the Clay Country, began reshaping the landscape.
The St Austell carried waste sediment from the mines downstream, eventually depositing it along the coastline.
Initially, this sediment added to Par Sands, but when industrialist Joseph Treffry constructed a harbour at Par in the 1830s, he faced a challenge: silt threatened the harbour’s functionality.
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Carlyon Bay is on the Cornish coast near St Austell (Image: Getty)
Treffry’s solution was ingenious, he built a tunnel through the cliffs at Carlyon Bay, diverting the sediment-laden river directly to the sea.
Over time, the waste material from the mining operations settled and formed the three beaches now known as Crinnis, Shorthorn, and Polgaver.
By the late 19th century, these beaches had begun to take shape, and with the rise of the china clay industry, the shoreline expanded further, creating the wide sandy stretch we see today.
Carlyon Bay’s transformation into a leisure destination began in the early 20th century.
The 1920s saw the construction of beach huts and cafes, while the 1930s brought the Riviera Club, complete with tennis courts and an Olympic-size swimming pool, at the suggestion of none other than the Prince of Wales.
The royal association gave the area a touch of glamour, attracting high society, including Wallis Simpson.
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During the mid-20th century, Carlyon Bay became synonymous with entertainment.
The Cornwall Coliseum, built on the site of the Riviera Club, hosted legendary acts like The Clash, The Police, and Paul McCartney. For decades, it was the beating heart of Cornish nightlife, drawing crowds from across the South West and beyond.
The very forces that created Carlyon Bay have also posed challenges. By the 1970s, environmental regulations curtailed the disposal of sediment into the sea, halting the beach’s artificial growth. Plans to develop the area into a luxury holiday destination have faced numerous obstacles, from opposition by local residents to concerns over access and sea defences.
In recent years, the site has remained largely undeveloped, though the beach continues to be a popular spot for summer visitors. New proposals for 361 homes at Crinnis have reignited hope for the area’s future, with revised plans emphasizing sustainable development, including sand dune-style sea defences.