Sea view holiday cottage in Porthtowan, Cornwall

Polvenna Beach House

Cottage overlooking the beach at Porthtowan

Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms (+cot) Friday arrival Dogs welcome, subject to request
The Retreat

Polvenna Beach House welcomes you with its relaxed seaside atmosphere and magnificent views of the big blue and Cornwall’s dramatic north coast. Sleeping up to eight guests, you’ll be able to spend quality time with family and friendly by walking down the coastal path to the wonderful beach at Porthtowan, and enjoy barbecues with the most amazing views towards Godrevy lighthouse in the distance.

Polvenna overlooks Porthtowan beach and Cornwall’s north coast. The property is a modern retreat, fully detached and set in its own generously proportioned and very sunny terraced garden. The interior has an open and airy feel, and is laid out over three levels. All of the living areas, as well as the decked terrace and lawn, share the same sweeping view of the coast. A short walk away is Porthtowan’s Blue Flag award-winning beach, which is great for families as well as being one of Cornwall’s most popular surfing destinations. Both Polvenna and the beach are set in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Inside Polvenna Beach House

Polvenna is decorated in bright white, beachy blues and soft linen greys, with fresh wooden floors throughout and an easygoing coastal style. The open plan living space is ideal for relaxed coastal living — with the kitchen, dining and lounge areas having views out to sea. An array of sofas will seat up to eight in comfort and the wood-burner will ensure nights are cosy in the colder seasons. The delightful kitchen is newly fitted with integrated worktops and plenty of storage as well as lots of equipment for those who enjoy serious holiday cooking. All bedrooms are a good size, with the two double rooms benefiting from sea views from large dormers. A family bathroom and one en suite complete the accommodation.

Forever Cornwall Polvenna Porthtowan Beakfast In Bed

Outside and surrounds

Polvenna is set in the front row of three small avenues of private residences called East Cliff, which looks down over Porthtowan beach. The property is fully detached and set in a lawned and terraced garden. You can step directly from the living area onto wooden decking for lounging, al fresco dining and barbecues. A nearby footpath connects you directly to the beach and village (please note that the path is steep), as well to The South West Coast Path. The coast is particularly stunning in this part; eastward you can find the secluded Chapel Porth and picturesque St Agnes, whilst walking westwards you can find Portreath, Godrevy and St Ives Bay.

Things we love…

Polvenna makes an ideal beach retreat for a larger family, or, with its two double and two twin bedrooms, for two families to share. There is plenty of space in both the house and the garden, so you can be as sociable or as private as you choose. The beach is accessible by foot, so party members can come and go as they please without relying on the car. In Porthtowan there are a couple of great beach bar/cafés, a good pub and a handy shop near the beach, and even a surf school. Of course the setting is spectacular with a beach that feels endless at low tide, and miles of coast path on hand for walkers.

A real beach vibe!
We were 6 adults and 2 children and a baby and there was plenty of room for us all. It was clean well equipped and cosy with a real beach vibe! The uninterrupted sea and beach view was fantastic we never tired of the amazing sunsets! We had some great barbecues in the garden. Porthtowan had a lovely beach pub, ice cream parlour and cafe. We had a wonderful holiday and would definitely like to come back to Polvenna again.
Rosemary & family
Features

Retreat Features

  • Incredible coastal hilltop panoramic views
  • A suntrap garden
  • A short walk to the restaurants, bars, beach and shops of Porthtowan
  • Private parking
  • Free WiFi
  • South West Coast Path on your doorstep
SLEEPING
Principle bedroom: double with en suite on second floor
Bedroom two: double bed on second floor
Bedroom three: twin beds on first floor
Bedroom four: twin beds on ground floor
All bed linen and bath towels provided
BATHROOM
En suite with shower
Family bathroom with bath & shower
LIVING & RELAXING
Several sofas seating up to eight
Smart TV
Wood burner
WiFi
COOKING & DINING
Open plan kitchen/living area opening to terraced garden
Breakfast bar with two stools
Electric oven
Electric hob
Fridge
Freezer
Dishwasher
OUTDOORS
Terraced and lawned garden
Decked sun terrace with sea views
Outdoor dining table and benches
Barbecue
Garden bench
2 wooden reclining chairs
Footpath to beach
ACCESSIBILITY
Front door accessible from drive way
A few steps down to living areas and further bedrooms
One bedroom on entry level
Not suitable for wheelchairs
BABIES & TODDLERS
Travel cot (no linen) and high chair available on request
Sorry, stairgates not provided
PETS
Dogs are welcome, subject to request
UTILITIES & HEATING
Washing machine
Essential cleaning items
Oil fired central heating
Electric heaters in both double rooms
Wood burner
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Friday standard changeover
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
PARKING
Space for three-four cars on the driveway.
Location

PORTHTOWAN

Wild and spectacular, this vast expanse of Cornwall from Porthtowan to Bude, including Newquay, Bedruthan Steps and Padstow is extreme and stunning. The dramatic high cliffs and rocky shorelines give way to miles of golden sand and amazing natural dunes and caves.

Travel times

  • Polvenna is about 10 minutes from the nearest mainline station at Redruth. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • Polvenna is about 10 minutes from the Chiverton Cross roundabout on the outskirts of Truro, coming from the A30. Driving time from London is around five or six hours in normal traffic, while Exeter is just under two hours away. We’ll send you detailed route information before your departure.

Things we love

  • A stroll to the family-friendly beach of Porthtowan
  • Moments from the excellent beachfront Blue Bar and Porthtowan Café (perfect for brunch!)
  • Excellent coastal walking to be had without getting in the car
  • Stunning commanding position on a hilltop with beautiful sea views

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 eateries where the welcome is as warm as the food. Just outside the village, Mount Pleasant Eco Park is a creative hub hosting live music, markets, craft workshops and community events, making it a must-visit for something a little different.

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.

Things to do

Porthtowan is ideally placed for exploring Cornwall. On the doorstep, you can join the coast path, uncover historic mining ruins, or head to the heathland for wildlife spotting. Just minutes away is Mount Hawke’s famous indoor skatepark, while nearby riding centres and kayak tours offer adventures for all the family.

Further afield, you can head north to the surf beaches of Newquay, south to St Ives’ galleries and beaches, or inland to Truro’s cathedral and Falmouth’s bustling harbour. With so much within easy reach, Porthtowan is the perfect base for discovering both Cornwall’s coast and countryside.

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. A seasonal dog ban applies between Easter and September.

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 evening 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 short stroll inland takes you to Canteen at the Eco Park, where food and community come together. With vegan feasts, street food pop-ups, themed nights and live music under the stars, it’s a lively hub that feels like the soul of Porthtowan.

Things to do

Hiking and coastal exploration

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.

Surf, swim 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. For a different perspective, join a sea kayak trip with Koru Kayaking and explore caves, cliffs and hidden coves, or simply float in the shallows before warming up with a beachside hot chocolate.

Out and about

Beyond surf and sand, Porthtowan has plenty of surprises. Mount Hawke Skatepark, one of the UK’s best indoor skate facilities, is just minutes away and a huge hit with kids and teens. For a slower pace, try horse riding at Goonbell Riding Centre, with treks suitable for all ages and abilities. Or, if you’d rather wind down, the Soul Sweats Sauna offers a wood-fired retreat overlooking the waves — the perfect place to relax after a day outdoors. Evenings can be spent at the Eco Park, where food nights and live music bring the community together under starlit skies.

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.

Guests Say
  • Stunning location

    Polvenna is a lovely house in a stunning location. The layout (combined kitchen/dining/living room) is perfect for a group like ours who want to enjoy every opportunity for being together. We had a wonderful trip and will be booking again next year. Thank you!

    Sally — September 2025
  • A real beach vibe!

    We were 6 adults and 2 children and a baby and there was plenty of room for us all. It was clean well equipped and cosy with a real beach vibe! The uninterrupted sea and beach view was fantastic we never tired of the amazing sunsets! We had some great barbecues in the garden. Porthtowan had a lovely beach pub, ice cream parlour and cafe. We had a wonderful holiday and would definitely like to come back to Polvenna again.

    Rosemary & family — August 2025
  • Excellent place

    Excellent place, incredible views and perfect for the family. Would love to stay again

    The Hand Family, New Zealand – May 2025
  • The house is clean, spacious and light

    We had a really wonderful stay in Polvenna. The house is clean, spacious and light, with a cosy, beachy interior. The beds and showers are great and the kitchen is very well equipped. We all loved the amazing view and the sound of the waves when lying in bed at night. It was really magical. Porthtowan has a great beach. We loved the rockpool and rented surfboards. The village store is a short walk down and sells fresh bread. Nearby St. Agnes is lovely and has some great restaurants. This is a good place to visit the rest of Cornwall from. Don’t hesitate to book!

    The Hoope Family, Netherlands — April 2025
  • Cosy and warm

    We had such a lovely time! The views are absolutely incredible and love the shower! We had great weather and the beach was wonderful. The house is cosy and warm. Thank you for a great visit. We also enjoyed trying your fish and chips. America is missing out.

    The Larsens — August 2024
  • Beautiful views

    Polvenna is the perfect holiday home, great accommodation with everything you could need. Beautiful views and only a couple of minutes walk to the beach.

    James — August 2024
  • A real pleasure

    We've been to Cornwall many times, but never had such a fantastic view. The property was lovely — very thoughtfully decorated and well equipped and a real pleasure to stay in. The guest book was a great source of recommendations for local places to visit. Loved our stay!

    David & family — July 2024
  • Beautiful house

    We have had such a lovely holiday, such a beautiful house and view! We'd love to come again.

    Rowan & family – June 2024
  • Lovely

    Had a lovely time in Polvenna. Hope the families staying here in the future have a wonderful stay. Our top three recommendations are: seal spotting, watching the sunset from the beach and seeing the Eden Project.

    The Smiths — August 2022
  • Beautiful

    Thank you for such a wonderful week in your beautiful holiday home and making our stay a comfortable and relaxed experience! Also, a thank you to the cleaners for providing a spotless home and adding to the comforts of our stay. It is much appreciated. We shall certainly be returning.

    The Pritchard Family — July 2022
  • A perfect two weeks

    We've had a perfect two weeks in Polvenna! The kitchen/dining area was amazing for meals at sunset. We especially enjoyed eating outside and making use of the BBQ. The decking and gardens were bliss offering splendid views out to sea - we even saw dolphins! Swimming and bodyboarding on the beach was fantastic, especially when joined by a seal. Thank you so much for a wonderful stay.

    Kate, Albert, Jonathan, Tommy, Lana & Robbie — September 2021
  • Wow, what a view

    Wow, what a view to welcome you to Cornwall! Polvenna is in a fabulous position, we loved every minute of our holiday in such peaceful surroundings. The house itself is so well equipped - grateful for all the cooking pots and pans. We loved taking the train from St Erth into St Ives and having a boat ride out to Seal Island. Trying to surf and bodyboard on the beach was good fun as well. Thank you so much, we had a great time.

    The Ziton & Bass Families — August 2021
  • Very comfortable house

    What a spectacular view! Had an amazing week. Porthtowan has everything you need for a fab holiday. Very comfortable house which easily accommodated us all.

    The Bellms & Connors — June 2021
  • Spectacular!

    Really enjoyed our stay here at Polvenna. The views from the windows are spectacular! We all felt cosy and relaxed, with everyone having plenty of room. So lovely to experience freedom after a year of lockdown! Thank you.

    The Howards & Steventons — June 2021
  • A fab week

    We've had a fab week here in Polvenna. Lovely big house with stunning views. The beach here in Porthtowan is lovely, especially watching the surfers on a warm, clear evening - hypnotic. Everyone has been so friendly, which is especially lovely when you have an active three-year old girl! We would love to come back in the future!

    The Blackburns — May 2021
  • Amazing

    This house is amazing. Another year at Polvenna with beautiful sunsets and amazing restaurants. Walking to Chapel Porth is beautiful. A lot of amazing beaches nearby with views looking over the sea. Another amazing year at Porthtowan - can't wait to come back again next year!

    The Pattisons & Atkinsons — April 2021
  • We have had a lovely week

    We have had a lovely week with a mixture of weather! There are some fabulous walks along the cliff tops, especially to the right. The ice cream parlour is nice with a friendly owner who told us about the filming of Poldark! Have a lovely holiday!

    The Jennings Family — February 2018
  • The house is very comfortable and well equipped

    Great to arrive to a very useful welcome! We've been lucky enough to enjoy beautiful weather. The house is very comfortable and well equipped, with lovely views to enjoy. A great stay.

    The Taylor Staines Family — November 2017
  • The house is great!

    We have had a great week here. Loved the beaches and cliff top walks. The house is great with fantastic views. We were very cosy through the storms, would definitely come back.

    The Sands Family — October 2017
  • A great house and great spot

    We have had a lovely week here in Polvenna. The views are wonderful and the beach here is great especially at low tide, so much to explore on your doorstep, or a short drive away. We loved Holywell Beach especially. A great house and great spot.

    The Curry Family — October 2017
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  • What a wonderful place!

    What a wonderful place to spend a lovely, relaxing, restorative week! We have absolutely loved exploring the coastline, beaches and walks and returning to lovely Polvenna afterwards. Thank you for the lovely welcome bits in the kitchen upon arrival too, so thoughtful. We can't wait to return soon!

    The Charlton Family — September 2017
  • Fantastic location

    Another great week at Polvenna. Fantastic location with amazing views down across the bay. All in all, this location gives you access to many attractions. We will, as always, be back next year for more of the same.

    The Pattison & Atkinson Families — August 2016
  • What a beautiful place

    What a beautiful place. We're going to miss this view in the morning and evening! We've had a great time.

    Frank, Louise, Rowan and Aidan — August 2016
  • Lovely house with amazing views

    We had a great time here in a lovely house with amazing views! The house is well equipped with everything you need for a week away. The Unicorn and Blue Bar are worth a visit for nice food and drinks. The kids loved the ice cream at Moomaids too.

    The Shepard Family — August 2016
  • What a beautiful place

    What a beautiful place. We're going to miss this view in the morning and evening! We've had a great time.

    The Hird Family — August 2016
  • Everyone of us loves the house!

    Polvenna has been a wonderful place to stay. The house has been amazing - everything we needed for the seven of us. We have celebrated two birthdays and also the engagement of Nathan and Maxime. We have all had a wonderful holiday, everyone of us loves the house!

    Denise, Steve, Lisa, Alex, Nathan, Maxime & Ruby-Lillie — July 2016
  • Such a wonderful view

    Thank you for a lovely stay. The house was amazing and so well equipped. Having such a wonderful view made our holiday. It was the perfect base from which to explore North Cornwall. Hoping to be back next year.

    The Kennedy Family — July 2016
  • A little gem

    Polvenna has the most beautiful views of the coastline and ever changing sea. We found the house clean and comfortable. We will be recommending Polvenna to friends and family as it is a little gem. Many thanks for a restful and relaxing week's holiday.

    The Brunsdon Family — April 2016
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View our Terms and Conditions here, which includes our dog policy, cancellation policy, and more.

Please note, we only release dates 11 months ahead, so please check back or enquire for more availability.