Porthtowan Holiday Cottages & Self-Catering Accommodation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.