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Porthtowan

Porthtowan Holiday Cottages

View our delightful holiday cottages in Porthtowan, a small Cornish seaside town between Newquay and Gwithian on the North Coast of Cornwall. This little seaside village has something for everyone — surfers, sun-seekers, foodies and hikers, with its golden beach, great waves and smattering of fantastic places to eat. Our holiday cottages in Porthtowan are close to many of Cornwall’s favourite sights and attractions, so if you do fancy a change from the beach you won’t be short of places to go.

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

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The porthtowan guide

Beach bar near Porthtowan holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

Little gems

Porthtowan is only a small village, however there are a couple of eateries that are absolute treasures. For a sun-soaked pint, grab one of the benches outside The Blue Bar and watch the sun set over the waves. Every Saturday night they host live music, serving great cocktails, beers and wines with an electric atmosphere, and during the week you can enjoy fresh, light meals for both brunch, lunch and dinner, including some amazing vegan options. If you’re after a hearty breakfast, make sure you call into the Porthtowan Beach Cafe. Their morning meals have gained a local reputation for being some of the best around, and they offer takeaway, so you can sit on the beach with your bacon sandwich. They are open each day until 6pm and on Friday till 8pm, when they do a burger night and on Saturday till 8pm serving an evening menu. They have started to offer themed nights with a set menu and live music — take a look at their board for the latest updates.

Beach life

Porthtowan beach has a Blue Flag status and is lifeguarded everyday in the summer.  The currents on this coast can be very strong, but with that comes some great surfing! If you fancy trying your hand at surfing, Tris Surf Shop offers group or one-to-one lessons. They also stock all sorts of surfing gear, from hire boards to rash vests. Perranporth is a couple of villages along the coast and is home to one of the biggest beaches in Cornwall. Miles of golden sands, and the popular Watering Hole Bar on the beach can be found in this village. It can get very crowded during the day, but it’s a great evening location for a walk, dinner and a pint.

Heading south, Gwithian and Godrevy are about eight miles away. Run by the National Trust, here you can access miles of coastal paths, enjoy watching the kite surfers and find the large colonies of grey seals that gather on this part of the coast. There are about 3 miles of beach that runs along this coastline when the tide is out, so even in the height of summer you can get a spot to yourself!

People on holiday in North Cornwall

Things to do

This area of Cornwall is, of course, famous for its cracking surf. It is home to great waves, lifeguarded beaches and surf schools galore, and for anyone that hasn’t given it a go, we would thoroughly recommend it. From Porthtowan, you’re just a few minutes drive from the first-class Mount Hawke indoor skate park – this is a great place to tire kids out. There are plenty of watchful staff, reasonable prices and a bucket-load of tea and coffee for parents to sit and relax while young ones hit the ramps.

If wheels aren’t your thing, try Goonbell Riding Centre in St Agnes, just a 10 minute drive from Porthtowan. With trekking around the area and ponies suitable for all ages and abilities, it’s a really great way to see the Cornish countryside and try out something new.

Of course, there are plenty of other activities to get involved in. Contact Koru Kayaking to explore the coastline from the water, hike the coastal footpath or hire a bike and enjoy the coast to coast trail running from Portreath to Devoran.

Beaches
Forever Cornwall Porthtowan

Porthtowan Beach

If you’re after panoramic views that stretch into the horizon, this is your place; on a clear day you can see Godrevy lighthouse to the west and to the east a 19th-century mining engine house. The beach is a short walk from Chapel Porth, further north — they merge at low tide. There is a dog ban in place on Porthtowan between Easter and the end of September.

Forever Cornwall Chapel Porth From Above

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
Things to do