Our guidebook to Porthtowan and area
Neighbourhood
Located within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this Blue Flag award winning beach is one of Cornwall’s most popular surfing beaches bordered by soft golden sand and backed by large dunes and dramatic cliffs. From the beach at low tide you can walk to the neighbouring and equally stunning beach at Chapel Porth.
Surfing, body boarding and swimming are favourite past times and look out for the local gig rowers who launch their 6-man boats here. Also kayaking and paddle boarding.
The coastal footpath skirts over the cliffs heading east to St Agnes and west to Portreath with spectacular views out over the sea.
Look out for seals, dolphins and choughs and many other birds.
From May to October the Cornish coast is carpeted with a variety of colourful wildflowers, such as gorse, heather, thrift, primroses, wild garlic, all bringing their own sights and scents.
Porthtowan is popular with locals and tourists alike and has several amentities: public toilets, play park, car park, well stocked village stores and post office, hair salon, cafes, pub, bar, beach shop, surf school and surf hire.
There is a bus service from here to other towns including Truro, Redruth and Newquay.
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Porthtowan
Located within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this Blue Flag award winning beach is one of Cornwall’s most popular surfing beaches bordered by soft golden sand and backed by large dunes and dramatic cliffs. From the beach at low tide you can walk to the neighbouring and equally stunning beach at Chapel Porth.
Surfing, body boarding and swimming are favourite past times and look out for the local gig rowers who launch their 6-man boats here. Also kayaking and paddle boarding.
The coastal footpath skirts over the cliffs heading east to St Agnes and west to Portreath with spectacular views out over the sea.
Look out for seals, dolphins and choughs and many other birds.
From May to October the Cornish coast is carpeted with a variety of colourful wildflowers, such as gorse, heather, thrift, primroses, wild garlic, all bringing their own sights and scents.
Porthtowan is popular with locals and tourists alike and has several amentities: public toilets, play park, car park, well stocked village stores and post office, hair salon, cafes, pub, bar, beach shop, surf school and surf hire.
There is a bus service from here to other towns including Truro, Redruth and Newquay.
Porthtowan places to eat
Situated on the shore a 2 minute walk away is the popular Blue Bar, a relaxed beach side café/pub serving reasonably priced food, where you can grab a drink, and watch the sun go down. Great burgers, nachos and famous cheesy chips!
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Blue Bar
Beach RoadSituated on the shore a 2 minute walk away is the popular Blue Bar, a relaxed beach side café/pub serving reasonably priced food, where you can grab a drink, and watch the sun go down. Great burgers, nachos and famous cheesy chips!
Seaside cafe selling local food, drinks, close to the beach.
https://www.porthtowanbeachcafe.com/
Tel: 01209 899016
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Porthtowan Beach
Seaside cafe selling local food, drinks, close to the beach.
https://www.porthtowanbeachcafe.com/
Tel: 01209 899016
Famous Cornish ice cream parlour and coffee shop on the beach. You may have to queue in summer!
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Moomaid Of Zennor Ice Cream Parlour
Beach RoadFamous Cornish ice cream parlour and coffee shop on the beach. You may have to queue in summer!
Pub serving cocktails and restaurant with terrace, a few minutes walk from the beach . Varied menu includes fish caught daily off Porthtowan beach.
EMAIL: HELLO@THEUNICORNONTHEBEACH.COM
TEL: 01209 890 381
https://theunicornonthebeach.com
THE UNICORN ON THE BEACH
BEACH ROAD,
PORTHTOWAN, NEAR TRURO,
CORNWALL
TR4 8AD
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The Unicorn on the Beach
West Beach RoadPub serving cocktails and restaurant with terrace, a few minutes walk from the beach . Varied menu includes fish caught daily off Porthtowan beach.
EMAIL: HELLO@THEUNICORNONTHEBEACH.COM
TEL: 01209 890 381
https://theunicornonthebeach.com
THE UNICORN ON THE BEACH
BEACH ROAD,
PORTHTOWAN, NEAR TRURO,
CORNWALL
TR4 8AD
Fabulous local fish and chips takeaway . Since Lockdown started they only do pre orders on the day . You cannot just turn up in high season. We advise checking on-line to see if you need to book.
Opening hours vary.
https://www.seasmithsfishandchips.com/
Tel: (01209) 890210
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Seasmiths Fish + Chips
Beach RoadFabulous local fish and chips takeaway . Since Lockdown started they only do pre orders on the day . You cannot just turn up in high season. We advise checking on-line to see if you need to book.
Opening hours vary.
https://www.seasmithsfishandchips.com/
Tel: (01209) 890210
Cosy pub serving food with sheltered beer garden .
5 minute drive, 1.5 miles, via Beach road and Coast road.
Or a 25 minute walk, 1 mile, via the coast path and then turn inland. Uphill going there to work up a thirst, but downhill all the way home!
( 01209) 890359
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The Victory Inn
Cosy pub serving food with sheltered beer garden .
5 minute drive, 1.5 miles, via Beach road and Coast road.
Or a 25 minute walk, 1 mile, via the coast path and then turn inland. Uphill going there to work up a thirst, but downhill all the way home!
( 01209) 890359
2 miles on the left up Chapel hill at the Eco Park
Open 7 days a week 9am – 3pm
Canteen do not take any bookings.
Canteen specialises in making and serving delicious, freshly prepared and beautifully presented plant based food.
They grow their own produce in their allotments on the organic farmland here, and use as many locally grown and organic salads, vegetables and herbs as possible in their menus. All other ingredients are sourced from local and ethical suppliers.
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Canteen
Chapel Hill2 miles on the left up Chapel hill at the Eco Park
Open 7 days a week 9am – 3pm
Canteen do not take any bookings.
Canteen specialises in making and serving delicious, freshly prepared and beautifully presented plant based food.
They grow their own produce in their allotments on the organic farmland here, and use as many locally grown and organic salads, vegetables and herbs as possible in their menus. All other ingredients are sourced from local and ethical suppliers.
Local beach favourites and walks
Also called the mermaid pool, it's been a haunt of locals for decades. This is located on the east side of the beach, requiring some scrambling over rocks at anything higher than half tide. Swim at your own risk and advisable to use only when the life guards are on duty.
Porthtowan Tidal Pool
Also called the mermaid pool, it's been a haunt of locals for decades. This is located on the east side of the beach, requiring some scrambling over rocks at anything higher than half tide. Swim at your own risk and advisable to use only when the life guards are on duty.
Enjoy a lovely 30 minute cliff walk east to Chapel Porth beach, a wonderful unspoilt sandy cove with rock pools and National trust cafe famous for its hedgehog ice cream.
Accessible via the beach from Porthtowan on some low tides.
1.3 miles
30 minutes there on foot
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Chapel Porth Beach
South West Coast PathEnjoy a lovely 30 minute cliff walk east to Chapel Porth beach, a wonderful unspoilt sandy cove with rock pools and National trust cafe famous for its hedgehog ice cream.
Accessible via the beach from Porthtowan on some low tides.
1.3 miles
30 minutes there on foot
Cross over the beach and take the coast path up behind the Unicorn pub heading west towards Portreath, (a traditional harbour town with beach) and discover Sallys bottom or Seal's cove, aptly named as you may see seals bobbing around in the water. If the steep steps leading down to it don't appeal then you can look over the edge down to the cove but don't get too close!
As you turn back and go through the first little gate drop down to the left to see the remains of an early tin and copper mining site, wheal Tye.
Back in Porthtowan The Seal Sanctuary based in Gweek also often release rescued seals back into the water here.
1.7 miles Sally's Bottom
40 minutes walk there
3.8 miles total to Portreath
1hr 20 min walk there
Sallys Bottom
South West Coast PathCross over the beach and take the coast path up behind the Unicorn pub heading west towards Portreath, (a traditional harbour town with beach) and discover Sallys bottom or Seal's cove, aptly named as you may see seals bobbing around in the water. If the steep steps leading down to it don't appeal then you can look over the edge down to the cove but don't get too close!
As you turn back and go through the first little gate drop down to the left to see the remains of an early tin and copper mining site, wheal Tye.
Back in Porthtowan The Seal Sanctuary based in Gweek also often release rescued seals back into the water here.
1.7 miles Sally's Bottom
40 minutes walk there
3.8 miles total to Portreath
1hr 20 min walk there
You could make a day of it and walk here via the coast path but give yourself 2 hours each way for the 5 miles there and back. Take a picnic or enjoy lunch at Schooners or The driftwood Spars hotel and pub.
Otherwise it is a 10 minute drive just past the pretty village of St Agnes. Trevaunance has a lovely tidal beach so bring your swim wear.
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Trevaunance Cove
Quay RoadYou could make a day of it and walk here via the coast path but give yourself 2 hours each way for the 5 miles there and back. Take a picnic or enjoy lunch at Schooners or The driftwood Spars hotel and pub.
Otherwise it is a 10 minute drive just past the pretty village of St Agnes. Trevaunance has a lovely tidal beach so bring your swim wear.
From Porthtowan you will climb the coast path towards the east. ( i.e, turn right out of The Studio). In spring this lovely clifftop walk is covered with heather and gorse with its heady scent of coconut! You may even spot a pair of Cornish choughs that have been making a come back to Cornwall. And on rare occasions dolphins can be seen swimming along the coastline . Follow the coast path to Chapel Porth beach and head up the cliff on the other side, just after which you will pass the remains of the chapel named after it, before coming to Wheal Coates tin mine with its well known and highly photographed engine house.
Spend some time enjoying the fantastic views of the Atlantic coastline and the wonderful mining heritage perched high above it and think about the people who used to work here during the 1800s.
Another 1.2 miles on is St. Agnes head with its magnificent sea views.
3.2 miles.
1 hr 10 mins one way
If you want to make your walk longer turn in land to St. Agnes beacon from where you will get magnificent 360 views before coming back to the coast path and your return walk.
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Wheal Coates
From Porthtowan you will climb the coast path towards the east. ( i.e, turn right out of The Studio). In spring this lovely clifftop walk is covered with heather and gorse with its heady scent of coconut! You may even spot a pair of Cornish choughs that have been making a come back to Cornwall. And on rare occasions dolphins can be seen swimming along the coastline . Follow the coast path to Chapel Porth beach and head up the cliff on the other side, just after which you will pass the remains of the chapel named after it, before coming to Wheal Coates tin mine with its well known and highly photographed engine house.
Spend some time enjoying the fantastic views of the Atlantic coastline and the wonderful mining heritage perched high above it and think about the people who used to work here during the 1800s.
Another 1.2 miles on is St. Agnes head with its magnificent sea views.
3.2 miles.
1 hr 10 mins one way
If you want to make your walk longer turn in land to St. Agnes beacon from where you will get magnificent 360 views before coming back to the coast path and your return walk.
Food scene 5-25 miles radius
The food scene is constantly changing and there are too many venues to mention. Here are a few to whet your appetite.
13.4 miles.
52 High St, Falmouth TR11 2AF.
Phone: 01326 316663
Overlooking the water this cosy pub with great food is described as 'Posh, homely gastropub in a harbour side Georgian building with seasonal, British-Mediterranean fare.'
See our entry on Falmouth to find out more about this harbour town on the south coast
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The Star & Garter
52 High St13.4 miles.
52 High St, Falmouth TR11 2AF.
Phone: 01326 316663
Overlooking the water this cosy pub with great food is described as 'Posh, homely gastropub in a harbour side Georgian building with seasonal, British-Mediterranean fare.'
See our entry on Falmouth to find out more about this harbour town on the south coast
24 miles. Probably a day out with lunch but we didn't want to leave out one of our favourite destinations.
A dining pub with rooms on Cornwall's Atlantic coast between St. Ives and St. Just, near the Minack Theatre, Zennor, Penzance and Newlyn.
We love coming to this gem of a place after a walk on the stunning coastline down past St.ives in this wild and beautiful part of Cornwall.
www.gurnardshead.co.uk
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The Gurnards Head
24 miles. Probably a day out with lunch but we didn't want to leave out one of our favourite destinations.
A dining pub with rooms on Cornwall's Atlantic coast between St. Ives and St. Just, near the Minack Theatre, Zennor, Penzance and Newlyn.
We love coming to this gem of a place after a walk on the stunning coastline down past St.ives in this wild and beautiful part of Cornwall.
www.gurnardshead.co.uk
4.5 miles.
Located a 3-minute walk from Trevaunance Cove beach, this bed-and-breakfast in a 17th-century pub, also has a restaurant and outside dining.
Trevaunance Rd, Saint Agnes TR5 0RT
Phone: 01872 552428
www.driftwoodspars.co.uk
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Driftwood Spars
Rocky Lane4.5 miles.
Located a 3-minute walk from Trevaunance Cove beach, this bed-and-breakfast in a 17th-century pub, also has a restaurant and outside dining.
Trevaunance Rd, Saint Agnes TR5 0RT
Phone: 01872 552428
www.driftwoodspars.co.uk
5.8 miles.
Mithian, Saint Agnes TR5 0QF
The friendly pub serves behind St. Agnes servesnexcellent food and has plenty of atmosphere and history, having been a courthouse and smugglers lair, it also has a garden area which is great for sunny days.
miners-arms.co.uk
Phone: 01872 552375
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The Miners Arms
5.8 miles.
Mithian, Saint Agnes TR5 0QF
The friendly pub serves behind St. Agnes servesnexcellent food and has plenty of atmosphere and history, having been a courthouse and smugglers lair, it also has a garden area which is great for sunny days.
miners-arms.co.uk
Phone: 01872 552375
9 miles.
Penwartha Rd, Perranporth TR6 0DH
Phone: 01872 571626
A delightful 17th century traditional Cornish inn which is situated in the picturesque hamlet of Bolingey, a 5 minute drive from Perranporth.
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Bolingey Inn
Penwartha Road9 miles.
Penwartha Rd, Perranporth TR6 0DH
Phone: 01872 571626
A delightful 17th century traditional Cornish inn which is situated in the picturesque hamlet of Bolingey, a 5 minute drive from Perranporth.
19miles/35 minutes East via A3075, just past Newquay.
Emily Scott Food first appeared in Watergate Bay as a pop-up restaurant in the iconic Fifteen Cornwall building in July 2020– a great spot to meet family and friends for delicious fresh food in a lively but safe and spacious environment, looking out across the beach.
Emily will now become a permanent fixture at the Bay, taking over the space previously home to Watchful Mary. The new restaurant will serve up the same less-is-more ethos that made Emily's summer pop-up so popular; meticulously-sourced local ingredients; a stripped back and simple seafood and plant-based menu; seaweed on the walls and flowers on the tables. Emily explains that "together, these elements create a seemingly effortless sense of place and wellbeing."
http://www.emilyscottfood.com/
01637 818184
On the Beach, Watergate Bay, Newquay TR8 4AA
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Emily Scott Food
Watergate Bay19miles/35 minutes East via A3075, just past Newquay.
Emily Scott Food first appeared in Watergate Bay as a pop-up restaurant in the iconic Fifteen Cornwall building in July 2020– a great spot to meet family and friends for delicious fresh food in a lively but safe and spacious environment, looking out across the beach.
Emily will now become a permanent fixture at the Bay, taking over the space previously home to Watchful Mary. The new restaurant will serve up the same less-is-more ethos that made Emily's summer pop-up so popular; meticulously-sourced local ingredients; a stripped back and simple seafood and plant-based menu; seaweed on the walls and flowers on the tables. Emily explains that "together, these elements create a seemingly effortless sense of place and wellbeing."
http://www.emilyscottfood.com/
01637 818184
On the Beach, Watergate Bay, Newquay TR8 4AA
4 miles.
40 Vicarage Rd, Saint Agnes TR5 0TF.
01872 552194.
Good choice of fish & seafood, cosy atmosphere.
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Taste Restaurant
40 Vicarage Rd 4 miles.
40 Vicarage Rd, Saint Agnes TR5 0TF.
01872 552194.
Good choice of fish & seafood, cosy atmosphere.
4 miles. Friendly pub in the heart of St Agnes in a central position just 10 minutes walk from the beautiful Trevaunance Cove.
Expect a welcoming bar, a cosy restaurant as well as outdoor decked seating.
Peterville, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0QU
Peterville Inn
4 miles. Friendly pub in the heart of St Agnes in a central position just 10 minutes walk from the beautiful Trevaunance Cove.
Expect a welcoming bar, a cosy restaurant as well as outdoor decked seating.
Peterville, St Agnes, Cornwall, TR5 0QU
City/town information
Famous for its cathedral this lovely little market town, the capital of Cornwall no less(!), has open air farmers' market on Saturdays, Truro Plaza cinema and Hall for Cornwall theatre.
Park here and take the park and boat to Falmouth (subject to tide and between end May and end Sep), the third largest natural deep water harbour in the world, and from there onto the lovely seaside village of St. Mawes on the south coast.
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Truro
Famous for its cathedral this lovely little market town, the capital of Cornwall no less(!), has open air farmers' market on Saturdays, Truro Plaza cinema and Hall for Cornwall theatre.
Park here and take the park and boat to Falmouth (subject to tide and between end May and end Sep), the third largest natural deep water harbour in the world, and from there onto the lovely seaside village of St. Mawes on the south coast.
The light in St. Ives is wonderful and has attracted many artists over the years. Unsurprisingly, The Tate Modern is situated here. Its pretty harbour, arty shops and boutique hotels and quirky pubs and restaurants have been attracting visitors for years. we recommend you go early in the day in high season unless you park in Lelant and take the short, pretty train ride in that hugs the coast as it passes through beautiful Carbis bay with its white sands .
We recommend The Porthminster cafe as a great place to eat with terrace overlooking the beach, or The Hub which does great burgers. Booking advisable in high season.
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St Ives
The light in St. Ives is wonderful and has attracted many artists over the years. Unsurprisingly, The Tate Modern is situated here. Its pretty harbour, arty shops and boutique hotels and quirky pubs and restaurants have been attracting visitors for years. we recommend you go early in the day in high season unless you park in Lelant and take the short, pretty train ride in that hugs the coast as it passes through beautiful Carbis bay with its white sands .
We recommend The Porthminster cafe as a great place to eat with terrace overlooking the beach, or The Hub which does great burgers. Booking advisable in high season.
Steeped in mining history, the pretty village of St. Agnes retains a traditional friendly Cornish atmosphere. It has 2 beaches: Trevaunance Cove and Chapel Porth, several good pubs and restaurants, butchers, bakery, greengrocers, art and craft shops and more.
3 miles , under 10 minutes by car, and there is also a regular bus service. Pick up the bus opposite Porthtowan village hall.
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St Agnes
Steeped in mining history, the pretty village of St. Agnes retains a traditional friendly Cornish atmosphere. It has 2 beaches: Trevaunance Cove and Chapel Porth, several good pubs and restaurants, butchers, bakery, greengrocers, art and craft shops and more.
3 miles , under 10 minutes by car, and there is also a regular bus service. Pick up the bus opposite Porthtowan village hall.
4 miles south of Porthtowan, also accessible via the coast path, the pretty harbour village of Portreath has a large beach with soft fine sand, shingle below the shore line, that is popular with families. The harbour wall and “rocky” is popular with surfers for its “vortex” surf break. Refreshments may be obtained from the nearby cafe's and restaurants.
There are two surf/beach shops and an amusement arcade for families located on the seafront. Public toilets are also available close by. The village has a local supermarket, Post Office, Bakery and a tearoom located within The Square. The village also has three pubs, one of which overlooks the harbour and a smaller, sandy beach.
Portreath was once a busy port; a large pilchard fishing fleet was based here before the late 1700s. By the mid-1800s the ore mining industry in Camborne and Redruth began to boom. A harbour was built along with the mole that extends along the north edge of Portreath’s small bay. Nowadays it’s a lot quieter as all the industry has died and only a few fishing boats use the village as a base.
During its heyday, copper ore was transported from the mines on horse-drawn wagons to the port, then cargo shipped to Swansea in South Wales for smelting. The ships would return, laden with Welsh coal. The pathways from the mole and the harbour still survive today and makeup part of the Coast-to-Coast cycle path (Portreath to Devoran). If you are wondering why some of the buildings look slightly fortified, this is because the town was built up to repel a potential Franco-Spanish invasion on the port during the American Revolutionary War of the 1800s. By the end of the 19th century, the copper mining industry had fallen quiet and the harbour was sold to Cornwall Council (as it is known today).
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Portreath
4 miles south of Porthtowan, also accessible via the coast path, the pretty harbour village of Portreath has a large beach with soft fine sand, shingle below the shore line, that is popular with families. The harbour wall and “rocky” is popular with surfers for its “vortex” surf break. Refreshments may be obtained from the nearby cafe's and restaurants.
There are two surf/beach shops and an amusement arcade for families located on the seafront. Public toilets are also available close by. The village has a local supermarket, Post Office, Bakery and a tearoom located within The Square. The village also has three pubs, one of which overlooks the harbour and a smaller, sandy beach.
Portreath was once a busy port; a large pilchard fishing fleet was based here before the late 1700s. By the mid-1800s the ore mining industry in Camborne and Redruth began to boom. A harbour was built along with the mole that extends along the north edge of Portreath’s small bay. Nowadays it’s a lot quieter as all the industry has died and only a few fishing boats use the village as a base.
During its heyday, copper ore was transported from the mines on horse-drawn wagons to the port, then cargo shipped to Swansea in South Wales for smelting. The ships would return, laden with Welsh coal. The pathways from the mole and the harbour still survive today and makeup part of the Coast-to-Coast cycle path (Portreath to Devoran). If you are wondering why some of the buildings look slightly fortified, this is because the town was built up to repel a potential Franco-Spanish invasion on the port during the American Revolutionary War of the 1800s. By the end of the 19th century, the copper mining industry had fallen quiet and the harbour was sold to Cornwall Council (as it is known today).
Falmouth is on the southwest coast. It’s known for its deep natural harbour on the Fal Estuary, and beaches like Swanpool and Gyllyngvase. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall has interactive galleries and a flotilla of model boats. On Pendennis Point, Pendennis Castle is a well-preserved 16th-century fortress built by Henry VIII. To the southwest, Trebah Garden has subtropical plants. You can also hire boats or do the park and float from Truro.
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Falmouth
Falmouth is on the southwest coast. It’s known for its deep natural harbour on the Fal Estuary, and beaches like Swanpool and Gyllyngvase. The National Maritime Museum Cornwall has interactive galleries and a flotilla of model boats. On Pendennis Point, Pendennis Castle is a well-preserved 16th-century fortress built by Henry VIII. To the southwest, Trebah Garden has subtropical plants. You can also hire boats or do the park and float from Truro.
Penzance is an historic port on the south facing shores of Mount's Bay. It may not be top of the list of visitors attraction but worth a visit if you are in the area.
A thriving port throughout the ages, the arrival of the railway transformed Penzance into a major holiday resort. Towards the end of the 19th century it became home to Cornwall's only promenade and later the Jubilee Pool, Britain's largest outdoor lido., which is still very popular today.
Although the years have not been kind to Penzance as the holiday trade declined it is an inherently attractive town, with many wonderful granite buildings, particularly around the town's two central parks. It also has a considerable artistic community which is reflected in a number of galleries.
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Penzance
Penzance is an historic port on the south facing shores of Mount's Bay. It may not be top of the list of visitors attraction but worth a visit if you are in the area.
A thriving port throughout the ages, the arrival of the railway transformed Penzance into a major holiday resort. Towards the end of the 19th century it became home to Cornwall's only promenade and later the Jubilee Pool, Britain's largest outdoor lido., which is still very popular today.
Although the years have not been kind to Penzance as the holiday trade declined it is an inherently attractive town, with many wonderful granite buildings, particularly around the town's two central parks. It also has a considerable artistic community which is reflected in a number of galleries.
Beaches
Head west down the coast to Godrevy, a vast sandy beach with high cliffs, dramatic coves, and famous lighthouse (visible from your bedroom window) , built in 1858–1859 on Godrevy Island in St Ives Bay. Standing approximately 300 metres off Godrevy Head, it marks the Stones reef, which has been a hazard to shipping for centuries.
Wonderful place to walk or spend a day on the beach. Lots of seals and there is a great viewing platform to see them from the clifftop at the end of Godrevy head.
Godrevy has a cosy National Trust cafe to get a coffee or light lunch. Or try out Hell's Bay cafe which you will have passed on route to Godrevy. Worth a stop for the views from the 300 ft high cliffs.
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Godrevy Lighthouse
Head west down the coast to Godrevy, a vast sandy beach with high cliffs, dramatic coves, and famous lighthouse (visible from your bedroom window) , built in 1858–1859 on Godrevy Island in St Ives Bay. Standing approximately 300 metres off Godrevy Head, it marks the Stones reef, which has been a hazard to shipping for centuries.
Wonderful place to walk or spend a day on the beach. Lots of seals and there is a great viewing platform to see them from the clifftop at the end of Godrevy head.
Godrevy has a cosy National Trust cafe to get a coffee or light lunch. Or try out Hell's Bay cafe which you will have passed on route to Godrevy. Worth a stop for the views from the 300 ft high cliffs.
Just along from Godrevy:
Blasted by the breeze off the Atlantic, the magnificent beach at Gwithian Towans is always a colourful scene of windsurfers on the water blokarts on the beach and kites in the sky. Backed by sand dunes tufted with wild grass, at low tide there is a vast amount of sand to enjoy and large areas of rock pools and caves are uncovered which are great for kids to explore.
The beach is a favourite destination for surfers as the constant swell coming in from the ocean provides good all year round conditions. Common seals are a regular sight near the beach and the area is a breeding ground for colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and cormorants.
The Sunset Surf beachside café and bar overlooks the beach and is open all year. Also surf hire and lessons here.
https://www.sunset-surf.com/
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Gwithian Beach
Just along from Godrevy:
Blasted by the breeze off the Atlantic, the magnificent beach at Gwithian Towans is always a colourful scene of windsurfers on the water blokarts on the beach and kites in the sky. Backed by sand dunes tufted with wild grass, at low tide there is a vast amount of sand to enjoy and large areas of rock pools and caves are uncovered which are great for kids to explore.
The beach is a favourite destination for surfers as the constant swell coming in from the ocean provides good all year round conditions. Common seals are a regular sight near the beach and the area is a breeding ground for colonies of seabirds such as guillemots, razorbills and cormorants.
The Sunset Surf beachside café and bar overlooks the beach and is open all year. Also surf hire and lessons here.
https://www.sunset-surf.com/
If you are a beach lover or enjoy walking we recommend you head up the east coast 15 miles or so and spend a day or 2 visiting some of the other stunning beaches on the North coast facing the Atlantic. Here are a few of our favourites:
HOLYWELL BAY
First impressions of Holywell Bay can be deceptive as the main beach is obscured by sand dunes as you approach. It is only upon scaling or walking around these dunes that the expanse of golden sand stretching almost a mile to the north-east becomes apparent.
Being located close enough, but not too close to Newquay is a big factor in Holywell’s popularity. Whilst it does get busy in the summer, it has a family friendly feel about it and an unspoilt rural backdrop. With seasonal lifeguards on hand, sand dunes to explore, rockpools and a small stream meandering down the beach Holywell Bay is great for kids. There are plenty of facilities close to the beach in the small village including ample car-parking. For golf enthusiasts there is an 18 hole golf course overlooking the beach.
The name Holywell is derived from holy well and it is believed this refers to a cave at the northern end of the beach. Only accessible at low tide (so take care) the cave contains an unusual rock formation which creates a series of basins.
One of Holywell Bay’s most distinctive features are the twin rocks just off the coast. These two huge rocks are known as Gull Rocks or Carter’s Rocks.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
Summer lifeguard cover (19 May–30 September)
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed all year
dog friendly beaches »
Postcode
TR8 5DD
OS grid ref.
SW 7659 5942
Parking
Car parking right next to the beach
POLY JOKE
Situated in a deep cove between headlands, with Crantock beach to the north and Hollywell Bay to the south Porth Joke is often overlooked. Known locally as Polly Joke this unspoilt sandy beach can be an oasis of calm throughout the year despite being 5 miles from Newquay.
The narrow beach here is deeper than it is wide and backs onto a shallow valley with a stream running down. At low tide there is enough sand here on even the busiest day, there are also rock pools and caves for explorers of all ages.
Access to Porth Joke is fairly limited with the small car park being a fair walk away. Then again this is probably a price worth paying for the relative peace and quiet.
The name Polly Joke is thought to be derived from the Cornish Pol-Lejouack meaning Jackdaw cove
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
No lifeguard cover
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed all year
Postcode
TR8 5SE
OS grid ref.
SW 7731 6043
Parking
There is a small National Trust car park about 15 minutes walk away at West Pentire.
FISTRAL
Newquay, if not Cornwall's, most popular beach and at the very heart of the British surfing scene.
The beach is a wide expanse of golden sand with the headlands of Pentire and Towan to the south and north respectively. On the Towan headland, overlooking the beach, is the imposing victorian bulk of the Headlands hotel.
Fistral is often dived up into three areas: South Fistral, the main beach and Little Fistral. The first two are fairly self explanatory, Little Fistral is the norhtern most part of the beach and is only really there at low tide.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
RNLI lifeguard seasonal cover daily from Easter Bank Holiday to end of October
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed all year
Disabled access
There is easy access from the car park which has disabled spaces. Disabled toilets and sand chair available from Fistral Surf Hire Shop - 01637 850584
Postcode
TR7 1HY
OS grid ref.
SW 8004 6219
Facilities
The northern end of Fistral is awash with facilities including the Surf Centre, toilets, cafes, surfboard and wetsuit hire and a nearby golf course.
Very good seafood restaurant called The Fish House.
https://www.thefishhousefistral.com/
Parking
There is a 250 space car park at Fistral - the charges vary throughout the year
WATERGATE BAY
At low tide the beach at Watergate Bay becomes a vast expanse of unbroken golden sand backed by high cliffs. Watergate can be considered the first of a succession of fabulous beaches leading to (and through) Newquay. The bonus is with it’s size and distance from the town (2 miles) you can still find a quiet piece of sand to yourself.
The beach is set between the cliffs Trevelgue Head to the south and Stem Point in the north and the coast path here is well worth exploring. The neighbouring beaches of Porth and Mawgan Porth appear positively diminutive compared the stretch of Sand at Watergate Bay.
As with all the beaches in Newquay Bay, Watergate provides some good waves. Combined with it’s size and location this has made it very popular with local surf schools and perhaps best known the Extreme Academy.
The Extreme Academy offers a range of “extreme sports” including surfing, kitesurfing and kite buggying.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
RNLI lifeguard Summer cover daily from 5 May to 30 September and Easter bank holiday
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed all year
Disabled access
Beach is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Main steps to beach rebuilt to aid ambient disabled users.
Facilities
The facilities include a beach side cafe, restaurant, toilets and shop.
We recommend Emily Scott
Parking
There are 2 car parks towards the middle of the beach both of which charge
105 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Holywell
If you are a beach lover or enjoy walking we recommend you head up the east coast 15 miles or so and spend a day or 2 visiting some of the other stunning beaches on the North coast facing the Atlantic. Here are a few of our favourites:
HOLYWELL BAY
First impressions of Holywell Bay can be deceptive as the main beach is obscured by sand dunes as you approach. It is only upon scaling or walking around these dunes that the expanse of golden sand stretching almost a mile to the north-east becomes apparent.
Being located close enough, but not too close to Newquay is a big factor in Holywell’s popularity. Whilst it does get busy in the summer, it has a family friendly feel about it and an unspoilt rural backdrop. With seasonal lifeguards on hand, sand dunes to explore, rockpools and a small stream meandering down the beach Holywell Bay is great for kids. There are plenty of facilities close to the beach in the small village including ample car-parking. For golf enthusiasts there is an 18 hole golf course overlooking the beach.
The name Holywell is derived from holy well and it is believed this refers to a cave at the northern end of the beach. Only accessible at low tide (so take care) the cave contains an unusual rock formation which creates a series of basins.
One of Holywell Bay’s most distinctive features are the twin rocks just off the coast. These two huge rocks are known as Gull Rocks or Carter’s Rocks.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
Summer lifeguard cover (19 May–30 September)
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed all year
dog friendly beaches »
Postcode
TR8 5DD
OS grid ref.
SW 7659 5942
Parking
Car parking right next to the beach
POLY JOKE
Situated in a deep cove between headlands, with Crantock beach to the north and Hollywell Bay to the south Porth Joke is often overlooked. Known locally as Polly Joke this unspoilt sandy beach can be an oasis of calm throughout the year despite being 5 miles from Newquay.
The narrow beach here is deeper than it is wide and backs onto a shallow valley with a stream running down. At low tide there is enough sand here on even the busiest day, there are also rock pools and caves for explorers of all ages.
Access to Porth Joke is fairly limited with the small car park being a fair walk away. Then again this is probably a price worth paying for the relative peace and quiet.
The name Polly Joke is thought to be derived from the Cornish Pol-Lejouack meaning Jackdaw cove
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
No lifeguard cover
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed all year
Postcode
TR8 5SE
OS grid ref.
SW 7731 6043
Parking
There is a small National Trust car park about 15 minutes walk away at West Pentire.
FISTRAL
Newquay, if not Cornwall's, most popular beach and at the very heart of the British surfing scene.
The beach is a wide expanse of golden sand with the headlands of Pentire and Towan to the south and north respectively. On the Towan headland, overlooking the beach, is the imposing victorian bulk of the Headlands hotel.
Fistral is often dived up into three areas: South Fistral, the main beach and Little Fistral. The first two are fairly self explanatory, Little Fistral is the norhtern most part of the beach and is only really there at low tide.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
RNLI lifeguard seasonal cover daily from Easter Bank Holiday to end of October
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed all year
Disabled access
There is easy access from the car park which has disabled spaces. Disabled toilets and sand chair available from Fistral Surf Hire Shop - 01637 850584
Postcode
TR7 1HY
OS grid ref.
SW 8004 6219
Facilities
The northern end of Fistral is awash with facilities including the Surf Centre, toilets, cafes, surfboard and wetsuit hire and a nearby golf course.
Very good seafood restaurant called The Fish House.
https://www.thefishhousefistral.com/
Parking
There is a 250 space car park at Fistral - the charges vary throughout the year
WATERGATE BAY
At low tide the beach at Watergate Bay becomes a vast expanse of unbroken golden sand backed by high cliffs. Watergate can be considered the first of a succession of fabulous beaches leading to (and through) Newquay. The bonus is with it’s size and distance from the town (2 miles) you can still find a quiet piece of sand to yourself.
The beach is set between the cliffs Trevelgue Head to the south and Stem Point in the north and the coast path here is well worth exploring. The neighbouring beaches of Porth and Mawgan Porth appear positively diminutive compared the stretch of Sand at Watergate Bay.
As with all the beaches in Newquay Bay, Watergate provides some good waves. Combined with it’s size and location this has made it very popular with local surf schools and perhaps best known the Extreme Academy.
The Extreme Academy offers a range of “extreme sports” including surfing, kitesurfing and kite buggying.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
RNLI lifeguard Summer cover daily from 5 May to 30 September and Easter bank holiday
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed all year
Disabled access
Beach is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Main steps to beach rebuilt to aid ambient disabled users.
Facilities
The facilities include a beach side cafe, restaurant, toilets and shop.
We recommend Emily Scott
Parking
There are 2 car parks towards the middle of the beach both of which charge
Trevaunance Cove is the main beach at St Agnes.
In the 18th and 19th centuries it was a busy harbour despite storms often destroying the quay.
There is the opportunity to walk to the neighbouring northerly beach of Trevellas Porth. Large area of rocks revealed at low tide. Access is down a slight incline.
The South West Coast Path passes over the coastal slope to the north
46 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Trevaunance Cove
Quay RoadTrevaunance Cove is the main beach at St Agnes.
In the 18th and 19th centuries it was a busy harbour despite storms often destroying the quay.
There is the opportunity to walk to the neighbouring northerly beach of Trevellas Porth. Large area of rocks revealed at low tide. Access is down a slight incline.
The South West Coast Path passes over the coastal slope to the north
Perranporth is a bustling little seaside town popular with families and very busy in high season. It is worth visiting for its huge 2 mile beach bordered by sand dunes, popular with surfers, dog walkers.
9 miles, 17 minutes, via B3284
Bus service from Village hall
140 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Perranporth Beach
Perranporth is a bustling little seaside town popular with families and very busy in high season. It is worth visiting for its huge 2 mile beach bordered by sand dunes, popular with surfers, dog walkers.
9 miles, 17 minutes, via B3284
Bus service from Village hall
Sports and activities
Tris Surf Shop, Porthtowan, opened it’s doors in the early 1970s and is still going strong some forty years later. Enjoy local knowledge and tips from these guys.
Surf hire - surf shop - surf school
https://www.trissurfshop.com/
Tel; (01209) 890990
7 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Tris Surf Shop
Tris Surf Shop, Porthtowan, opened it’s doors in the early 1970s and is still going strong some forty years later. Enjoy local knowledge and tips from these guys.
Surf hire - surf shop - surf school
https://www.trissurfshop.com/
Tel; (01209) 890990
Based in St. Agnes.
"Kayaking in Cornwall on one of our guided kayak tours is the ultimate way to discover the remote beauty this county has to offer. We offer two hour tours with an experienced guide using sit on kayaks. The two kayak adventures we offer are:
North Coast Kayak Adventure from Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes which is half way between Newquay and St Ives. Affectionately named Poldark Country this coastline was the inspiration for Winston Graham’s Poldark series and
Frenchman’s Creek Kayak Adventure launches from the private beach of the Budock Vean Hotel near Falmouth and the creek was the inspiration for Daphne Du Maurier’s famous novel. "
https://korukayaking.co.uk/
14 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Koru Kayaking Adventures Cornwall
Based in St. Agnes.
"Kayaking in Cornwall on one of our guided kayak tours is the ultimate way to discover the remote beauty this county has to offer. We offer two hour tours with an experienced guide using sit on kayaks. The two kayak adventures we offer are:
North Coast Kayak Adventure from Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes which is half way between Newquay and St Ives. Affectionately named Poldark Country this coastline was the inspiration for Winston Graham’s Poldark series and
Frenchman’s Creek Kayak Adventure launches from the private beach of the Budock Vean Hotel near Falmouth and the creek was the inspiration for Daphne Du Maurier’s famous novel. "
https://korukayaking.co.uk/
Elm Farm provide cycle and ebike hire, sales, parts, repairs and servicing. located on the Coast to Coast Trail which is perfect for walkers and riders.
https://www.elmfarm.biz/
1.2 miles away. Turn right out of Porthtowan, it is on the right up Chapel Hill.
10 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
Elm Farm Cycles, Camping & Cafe
Chapel Hill Elm Farm provide cycle and ebike hire, sales, parts, repairs and servicing. located on the Coast to Coast Trail which is perfect for walkers and riders.
https://www.elmfarm.biz/
1.2 miles away. Turn right out of Porthtowan, it is on the right up Chapel Hill.
A picturesque 18 hole par 71 parkland course. With panoramic views over the Cornish countryside, it is suitable for golfers at all levels of skill and experience. Visitors welcome.
http://www.tehidyparkgolfclub.co.uk/
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Tehidy Golf Club
1 The NurseriesA picturesque 18 hole par 71 parkland course. With panoramic views over the Cornish countryside, it is suitable for golfers at all levels of skill and experience. Visitors welcome.
http://www.tehidyparkgolfclub.co.uk/
Also called Tehidy Country park.
Now owned and managed by Cornwall Council as a Country Park, Tehidy has over 9 miles (14.5km) of paths and 250 acres of peaceful woods and lakes to explore, together with a café and a picnic area. There are five main access points including North Cliff car park, and South Drive car park. They are the largest woodlands in W. Cornwall.
Tehidy was formerly the estate of the Bassets, one of the four most powerful families in Cornwall with extensive lands and mineral rights in this western part of the county. Inland at Carn Brea, the prominent hill near Redruth, you can see the Basset memorial, built in 1836 to honour Sir Francis Basset (1757-1835).
Visitors may stroll around the lake, explore leafy glades or wilder areas of woodland or be immersed in the rich flora and fauna. With a different type of beauty for every season, Tehidy is an enchanting place to visit all year round.
Click here for directions to the different car parks:
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/parks-and-open-spaces/tehidy-country-park/
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Tehidy Woods
Also called Tehidy Country park.
Now owned and managed by Cornwall Council as a Country Park, Tehidy has over 9 miles (14.5km) of paths and 250 acres of peaceful woods and lakes to explore, together with a café and a picnic area. There are five main access points including North Cliff car park, and South Drive car park. They are the largest woodlands in W. Cornwall.
Tehidy was formerly the estate of the Bassets, one of the four most powerful families in Cornwall with extensive lands and mineral rights in this western part of the county. Inland at Carn Brea, the prominent hill near Redruth, you can see the Basset memorial, built in 1836 to honour Sir Francis Basset (1757-1835).
Visitors may stroll around the lake, explore leafy glades or wilder areas of woodland or be immersed in the rich flora and fauna. With a different type of beauty for every season, Tehidy is an enchanting place to visit all year round.
Click here for directions to the different car parks:
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/parks-and-open-spaces/tehidy-country-park/
Just under 10 miles south of Porthtowan Stithians is the largest inland water in West Cornwall, with something for everyone to enjoy: from fishing to footpaths, wildlife to water sports, and café to camping, the lake is both a hub of activity and a peaceful escape.
https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/stithians#:~:text=Stithians%20is%20the%20largest%20inland,activity%20and%20a%20peaceful%20escape.
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Stithians Reservoir
Just under 10 miles south of Porthtowan Stithians is the largest inland water in West Cornwall, with something for everyone to enjoy: from fishing to footpaths, wildlife to water sports, and café to camping, the lake is both a hub of activity and a peaceful escape.
https://www.swlakestrust.org.uk/stithians#:~:text=Stithians%20is%20the%20largest%20inland,activity%20and%20a%20peaceful%20escape.
https://www.eskinzo.com/
Next to The Unicorn pub in the village.
Surfing and SUP lessons.
Wetsuit and board hire.
6 lokalinvånare rekommenderar
ESKINZO SURF SCHOOL
Beach Roadhttps://www.eskinzo.com/
Next to The Unicorn pub in the village.
Surfing and SUP lessons.
Wetsuit and board hire.