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 lunch 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.