Anemone eco retreat

Anemone eco retreat

A perfect base to explore Porthtowan and Cornwall’s epic surf coast

Sleeps up to 8 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 dog welcome Saturday arrival Short breaks available
The Retreat
Set within a modern development of 28 privately owned eco houses, Anemone is a stylish semi-detached retreat offering everything you need for a comfortable stay by the Cornish coast. With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, its flexible sleeping arrangements are ideal for families and groups. It’s also dog friendly and comes with private parking.
Anemone is tucked away on the edge of Porthtowan, surrounded by quiet countryside yet just a seven-minute walk (or two-minute drive!) from the beach. Designed with thoughtful touches throughout, the house is easy to settle into. Step inside and you’re welcomed into a light, bright open-plan living area with a comfy sofa, smart TV, modern and well-equipped kitchen, and a dining space for eight. One of the en-suite bedrooms is conveniently located on the ground floor, making it especially popular with multi-generational families or teens seeking a bit of independence. Upstairs, you’ll find another en-suite king bedroom, a bunk room, and a twin/king bedroom that share a family bathroom. A travel cot and high chair are available on request.

Outside, a south-facing decking area soaks up the sun all day and is furnished with outdoor sofas and an al fresco dining table. There’s a welly rack, and the communal outdoor showers are perfect for rinsing sandy feet and wetsuits. You also have your own numbered parking space, which can fit two cars end-to-end.

In the same location you can also rent Mulberry which sleeps six. Why not invite family or friends to join you and make some unforgettable Porthtowan memories together?

Out and about in Porthtowan and surrounds

Porthtowan is tucked between dramatic cliffs on the north Cornwall coast, offering wild scenery, a relaxed feel, and plenty to enjoy on your doorstep. It’s a fantastic destination for a Cornish holiday at any time of year. With its laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty, the location makes a great base — whether you want to explore Cornwall or simply stay put and unwind. From Anemone, you can stroll down to the heart of the village in minutes.

The beach, which holds Blue Flag status, is loved by surfers, swimmers and families alike. In summer, it’s perfect for sunbathing, rock pooling and evening beach barbecues — or you can hire wetsuits and book surf lessons. Porthtowan beach is lifeguarded in the main season (check times here). Families will also love the beachside playground and the tidal swimming pool at low tide, and in the cooler months Porthtowan becomes a spectacular spot for coastal walks and storm watching.

With a well-stocked village shop and a range of places to eat just a short stroll away, you may find you spend the whole week happily in the cove. Food and drink highlights include the iconic Blue Bar, where surfers, locals and visitors mingle and enjoy a relaxed vibe and tasty food — especially at sunset, The Unicorn, a great pub for food and drinks, our award-winning fish and chip shop Seasmith’s (arguably the best in Cornwall), the cosy Beach Café, and Moomaid’s addictive ice cream parlour.

The South West Coast Path passes directly through Porthtowan, offering breathtaking walking routes in both directions. Head east towards Chapel Porth and the iconic cliff-top ruins of Wheal Coates, or continue on to St Agnes — a great day-trip destination with plenty to see, do, eat and drink, including the Peterville Inn (Visit England’s Pub of the Year Gold Winner 2024). Westwards, the path takes you along high cliffs with views of inaccessible coves frequented by seals and seabirds, until you reach Portreath. Whether you’re after dramatic vistas or peaceful strolls, it’s a walker’s paradise.

Porthtowan also makes a great base for exploring further afield. Within a 30-minute drive you can reach St Ives for art, food and beaches, Falmouth for maritime heritage, the cathedral city of Truro for shopping and culture, and the magical St Michael’s Mount. History lovers will also appreciate being in the heart of the UNESCO Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape and, nearby sites let you venture underground into real tin mines. The Eden Project, Minack Theatre and even Land’s End are not too far away.

Things we love about Anemone

We love Anemone Eco Retreat because it’s the kind of place that wraps you in calm the moment you arrive — peaceful and private, yet just a short stroll from the wild Atlantic coast. Our perfect day would start with coffee (from the capsule coffee-maker) on the south-facing deck — ideally before the kids wake up. Then maybe an adventure: the coast path eastward to Chapel Porth is spectacular (and the little café there serves unforgettable hedgehog ice creams). If the tide is fully out, you can walk all the way back along the beach — just check tide times carefully first! Back at Anemone, grab the bodyboards and hit the sea. Whether it’s barbecues in the dunes, a wander to the Blue Bar, or a walk to the dramatic cliffs of Wheal Coates, this is a wonderful base for exploring. Stylish, warm and welcoming, Anemone is everything a Cornish escape should be.
Nothing we didn’t like!
We had a great trip and the house was perfect for our group - spacious clean and the host is lovely. The property is in a great location, right by the beach and perfect for a big group. Very clean, spacious and had all the facilities you need to cook etc. Host was lovely and very helpful even put the heating on for us prior to our arrival (we stayed in January) - would definitely recommend and will be back if we’re ever visiting this part of Cornwall again! Nothing we didn’t like!
Kevin
Details

Retreat Details

SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: king bed with en suite and balcony
Bedroom two: twin beds (can be made up as king on request)
Bedroom three: bunk beds and study desk
Bedroom four: ground floor double with en suite
All bed linen provided
BATHROOM
Family bathroom with bath and shower on the first floor
Ground floor bedroom en suite
Principal bedroom with en suite
All bath towels provided (please bring your own beach towels)
LIVING & RELAXING
50 inch Smart TV
Comfortable seating for all guests
WiFi
COOKING & DINING
Dining table and seating for all guests
Electric induction hob
Full height 60/40 fridge freezer
L'Or coffee machine (Nespresso Original capsule compatible)
Open-plan kitchen and dining
Washer/dryer
OUTDOORS
Front decked terrace with two outdoor sofas and al fresco dining table (private but adjacent to the neighbourng eco retreat)
Direct road to the beach
Shared après-surf shower
Shared front gardens and outdoor areas with other residents (excluding the private decking and rear utility space)
Sorry, use of barbecues is not permitted
BABIES & TODDLERS
Sorry, no stair gate provided
Travel cot and highchair available on request (linen not provided)
PETS
Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times
One well-behaved dog welcome
UTILITIES & HEATING
Efficient electric heating
Heated air circulator
Wood burning stove
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Check in from 4pm
Check out by 10am
PARKING
Allocated parking space 15m from house, fits two cars end-to-end
ACCESSIBILITY
One double bedroom on ground floor with en suite
Staircase to first floor has a handrail on one side
The path from car park to the property is paved and slopes gently
Please contact us for more accessibility information
Location

Porthtowan

Porthtowan is a vibrant beach village on Cornwall’s north coast, loved for its fantastic surf, dramatic cliffs and unforgettable sunsets. The expansive sandy beach is ideal for families, bodyboarders and experienced surfers alike, while the surrounding coastline offers incredible walking opportunities. With beachfront cafés, great places to eat and easy access to both St Agnes and Portreath, it’s an excellent base for exploring.

The porthtowan guide

Little gems

Porthtowan may be a small village, but it’s packed with charm and community spirit. Independent businesses and friendly locals make this place feel like home, with little gems to discover at every turn. Broadcaster Simon Reeve even called Porthtowan Beach one of his favourite spots in Cornwall — a mix of wild surf, golden sand and dramatic cliff scenery that captures the essence of the county.

You’ll find surf shops, a village store and friendly cafés where the welcome is as warm as the food. Events and community gatherings often centre around the beach, from live music evenings to pop-up food nights in summer.

Beach life

Life here revolves around the beach. Porthtowan’s sandy bay has earned Blue Flag status and is lifeguarded in summer, making it as popular with families as it is with surfers. With waves that draw both beginners and experts, local surf schools and hire shops are on hand for lessons and equipment.

At low tide, the beach reveals rock pools and even a hidden tidal pool carved into the cliffs. The South West Coast Path leads straight from the sand, with walks north to Chapel Porth and St Agnes Head or south towards Portreath. Evenings are made for barefoot strolls, barbecues in the dunes and watching the sun sink into the Atlantic.

The perfect base

Porthtowan is ideally placed for exploring Cornwall’s north coast and beyond. From here you can head north to the surf beaches of Newquay, south to St Ives’ galleries and beaches, or inland to Redruth’s mining heritage, Truro’s independent shops and cathedral, and Falmouth’s Maritime Museum and harbourside restaurants.

You can join the South West Coast Path right from the village — the legendary Arc of Attrition ultramarathon even finishes here, testament to Porthtowan’s dramatic coastal setting. Inland, you’ll find heathland walks rich in wildlife and traces of Cornwall’s mining past, perfect for pairing adventure with fresh sea air.

Beaches

Porthtowan Beach

The village’s own beach is a vast sandy stretch, with panoramic views that reach Godrevy Lighthouse to the west and the famous Wheal Coates mine to the east. Lifeguarded in summer and Blue Flag awarded, it’s perfect for swimming, surfing and family days out.

Dogs are welcome all year round, except between 10am and 6pm from 15th May to 30th September. At this time, early mornings and evenings are especially popular with local dog walkers. For the most up-to-date information, check Visit Cornwall’s beach guide. 

Chapel Porth

You’ll find this small sand and pebble cove hidden away at the end of a long country lane, wedged between St Agnes and Porthtowan on the north coast. It’s one of the most exposed beaches on this stretch making it a popular spot for surfers and bodyboarders. There are some wonderful caves and lagoons to explore, plus a stream that runs down the beach for little ones to play in. You can walk the coast path to St Agnes Head, on the way passing the dramatic ruins of Wheal Coates mine, one of Cornwall’s most iconic engine houses. The popular cafe in the car park serves breakfast and brunch throughout the year.

Forever Cornwall Porthmeor St Ives Clear Water Dave Bleasdale

Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes

This is St Agnes’ main beach, a small cove backed by cliffs and rocks; at low tide the rocks either side of the sandy beach are exposed, revealing masses of rockpools. It’s a popular haunt for families, surfers and bodyboarders, and with board and wetsuit hire and surf lessons available, it gets busy in the summer. There are two car parks less than a minute’s walk away and excellent local facilities. At low tide it’s possible to walk to the neighbouring beach of Trevellas Porth.

Places to eat

Beachside bites and sundowners

Right on the sand, The Blue Bar has become a Porthtowan icon — the go-to place for cocktails, hearty burgers, live music and unbeatable sunset views. Just a few steps away, the Porthtowan Beach Café is a local favourite, famous for its generous breakfasts and easygoing lunch menus. Both make the most of their seafront setting, so you can grab a bite and watch the waves roll in.

Cornish classics and sweet treats

No seaside stay is complete without fish and chips, and Seasmiths serves some of the best, a modern twist on a traditional favourite, cooked fresh and perfect for beach suppers. For something sweeter, Moo Maid scoops up Cornish ice cream in every flavour you could wish for, best enjoyed with sandy toes and salty hair.

Pubs and pop-ups

For a cosy pint and hearty meal, The Unicorn is the village pub with plenty of character. A stroll or short drive inland to Hawkes Point takes you to Canteen, where food and community come together. Here you can enjoy food over fire from breakfast to lunch, with pop up dinners and feast nights.

Things to do

The South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path runs right through Porthtowan, so you can lace up your boots and set off in either direction. Head north towards Chapel Porth and St Agnes Head for engine houses perched on the cliffs and sweeping Atlantic views, or wander south to Portreath along rugged paths alive with seabirds and wildflowers. Inland, heathland trails offer quieter walks through Cornwall’s mining heritage, perfect for mixing history with fresh sea air.

Sea kayaking with Koru

For a unique perspective of Cornwall’s north coast, Koru Kayaking runs guided sea kayaking adventures from nearby St Agnes. Explore hidden caves, coves and wildlife-rich cliffs along the World Heritage coastline that inspired Poldark. It’s an unforgettable way to experience this wild and beautiful area — and a proud Forever Cornwall partner.

Coast to Coast Cycle Trail

Swap waves for wheels with Coast to Coast Bike Hire in nearby Portreath. The trail runs all the way to Devoran on the south coast, following peaceful paths through old mining country. It’s a wonderful, family-friendly way to explore, away from summer crowds, and a great alternative to the busier Camel Trail.

Surf and sea adventures

Porthtowan is a paradise for water lovers. The beach is one of Cornwall’s top surf spots, with local surf schools offering lessons and equipment hire for all levels. Bodyboarding, swimming and paddleboarding are all popular too, with lifeguards on duty through the summer making it safe for families. On the beach since the 1970s, Tris Surf Shop is a local legend — part surf school, part surf store, and a true hub of Porthtowan’s surf culture, run with the same passion for waves and lifestyle that it started with over 50 years ago.

Sauna, skate and saddle

After a day on the waves, unwind at the Soul Sweats Sauna, a wood-fired retreat overlooking the sea. For those who prefer four legs to two, Goonbell Riding Centre offers treks for all levels through scenic countryside. Mount Hawke Skatepark is one of the UK’s best indoor skate facilities and a hit with teens and kids alike.

Enhance your stay

Affordable private dining

Imagine your own private chef! It’s far more affordable than you think, and it supports local businesses. Discover how to find and book the right chef for you!

Follow this link to read more.

Reviews
  • Quick and helpful

    Great responses from host, always quick and helpful.

    Katy & family — July 2026
  • Well appointed property

    Lovely stay in this property with four generations of our extended family. Well appointed property, clean and tidy within easy walking distance of the beach. Would definitely visit again. Nice location for families within easy reach of local attractions such as Lappa Valley and Paradise Park which ids enjoyed. Recommended.

    Simon & family — July 2026
  • A very lovely stay

    Anemone was a very lovely stay for me and my family. From start to finish we were happy with the communication (proactive and friendly). The house was clean and tidy, there was a lovely welcome gift. The beds were comfortable, the kitchen was well equipped and the showers were warm and powerful. We certainly had enough space for 5 adults and 2 dogs. Would happily go back again.

    The Fisher Family — May 2026
  • ... super nice holiday home

    A super nice holiday home that has everything you need for a relaxing stay with the family. The location to the beach was good, just a bit steep, and it was nice and quiet.

    Marlene — June 2025
  • ... would definitely recommend

    We had a great trip and the house was perfect for our group - spacious clean and the host is lovely. The property is in a great location, right by the beach and perfect for a big group. Very clean, spacious and had all the facilities you need to cook etc. Host was lovely and very helpful even put the heating on for us prior to our arrival (we stayed in January) - would definitely recommend and will be back if we’re ever visiting this part of Cornwall again! Nothing we didn’t like!

    Kevin — January 2025
  • Amazing stay would happily come back...

    Quiet location. Really well equipped and in excellent condition. Sarah was so helpful and left excellent information on the area. Really good base to explore Cornwall.

    Eric - October 2025
  • Fabulous, we will definitely be booking to stay there again!

    Fantastic location, central to everywhere we wanted to travel to during our week in Cornwall.
    The house was beautiful and comfortable, with every thing you could want, available to you.
    Fantastic communication with the owner, who even provided a lovely little welcome surprise of Cornish cream scones.

    Mark - September 2025
  • This property exceeded expectations - we will definitely book again!

    Lovely property - great open plan kitchen/living space, good bedrooms, 3 bathroom/shower rooms, space to dine out on the terrace, clean and well equipped.

    Alex - August 2025
  • Would visit again...

    Home is spacious and clean, had a lovely stay! Nice and quiet area for a calm and peaceful family holiday.
    Sarah provides lots of information to help you make the most out of your stay.

    Ilham - August 2025
  • Amazing week in an amazing location...

    Amazing house, so clean, comfortable and modern - loved our week there! Ideally situated for exploring Newquay and St Ives. Nothing to dislike.

    Christine - July 2025
  • Exceptional!

    Bright, friendly apartment near the beach. Superbly equipped, with everything your heart desires. The hostess was great!! I can highly recommend the apartment. Two thumbs up!

    Jennifer - April 2025
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Good to know

Short breaks are available outside peak booking times, 3 night minimum stay. If you can't see the dates you want online please contact the team.