Situated between St Agnes and Godrevy these neighbouring North coast surfing beach towns offer expanses of golden sand and great surf when the tides are right. Located along a fabulous part of the south west coastal footpath, both have surf hire and a choice of cafes, pubs, shops, galleries and more.
Enjoy Tehidy Woods nearby for a woodland walk and to feed the squirrels. The Mineral Tramways Coast to Coast takes you from the Atlantic coast in Portreath to the sheltered waterways of Restronguet Creek at Devoran; an easy cycle.
Located between St Agnes and Hayle, these two towns offer a great location to base yourself to explore everything Cornwall and the far west has to offer.
Sleeps 4
A gorgeous cottage in the heart of one of Cornwall's most sought after villages. It's a short walk to a surfing beach as well as fantastic local pubs and restaurants. *Short breaks available*
Porthtowan has a wealth of heritage set in a narrow winding valley lined by great granite cliffs. The Wheal Towan copper mine was most notable just over a century ago when the mining industry was flourishing and it generated incredible wealth. Today there is still some evidence of the old mining tramways network that was used to transport the copper ore and tin to Portreath and St Agnes, the nearby harbours. They are currently being converted into footpaths and cycle paths. The popularity of the large sandy beach at Porthtowan dates back to the Victorians who would visit to brave the Atlantic.
Portreath has a very narrow harbour that was once busy importing coal and exporting copper. Tehidy Country Park is about a mile and a half from Portreath, situated in a valley of one of the upper tributaries of the Red River which flows into the sea near Gwithian. It was formerly the estate of the Bassett family who made a fortune from leases granted by them for tin and copper minds located on their estates, most notably the tin and copper mines at nearby Pool, from which they earned income of £10,000 per year. The family also controlled two of the richest mines in Cornwall, “Cook’s Kitchen” in Pool and “Dolcoath” near Tehidy. In 1873 they were the fourth largest landowner in Cornwall.
PORTHTOWAN BEACH - Located within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this award-winning beach is a popular surfing spot with soft golden sand backed by large dunes and dramatic cliffs. Porthtowan's large expanse of sand, perfect for families and surfers alike. There is a beach bar (The Blue Bar) a pub (The Unicorn) and a couple of cafes. See more details below for places to eat.
PORTREATH – A large beach with soft fine sand, and popular with families. The harbour wall is popular with experienced surfers for its “vortex” surf break. There are two surf/beach shops and plenty of amenities for refreshments and food in the village. At low tide you can explore the large tidal pools and search for the eight ‘baths’ that Lady Bassett enjoyed. The village has two good cafes, seafront parking, a local shop, Portreath Bakery. See more details below for the local cafes and shops.
CHAPEL PORTH – With stunning views out across the Atlantic this National Trust owned and maintained beach has fantastic surf when the tides are right. The dramatic ruins of the old Wheal Coates tin mine are perched on the cliffs above the beach, and the walk from there around the coast to the village of St Agnes gives incredible views. A seasonal dog ban is in place between 10am and 6pm in July and August.
TREVAUNANCE COVE – St Agnes’ main beach is popular with both surfers and families. When the tide is out there’s numerous rock pools to explore and a stream to splash in. The beach is lifeguarded during the season and it is gently shelving, making it perfect for children. Dogs are also allowed year-round, as long as they remain on a lead. At low tide, the remains of the old harbour can be explored on the western side of the beach and you can walk to the neighbouring northerly beach of Trevellas Porth. Trevaunance Cove is a well-known surfing spot as well as being used by local fishermen as a fishing ground for crab, lobster, and mackerel. It’s nestled in a valley at the bottom of the village.
GODREVY – Set at the far end of St Ives Bay, Godrevy beach is popular for surfers, families, walkers, nature watchers and those who simply want to sit and admire the view. Godrevy's awe-inspiring expanse of sandy beach leads on to wildlife-rich headlands and the dramatic coves of the North Cliffs and Western Hill. Godrevy beach is also connected to Gwithian beach and at low tide it’s an impressive stretch of sand to explore. In the summer months the rocks surrounding the island are a favourite spot for seals to rest and Mutton Cove, just past Godrevy head, is home to a large colony of Grey Seals, which can be seen throughout the year.
WALKING – THE MINERAL TRAMWAYS COAST TO COAST are a unique network of 37.5 miles of trails exploring the historic mining region in the beautiful Cornish countryside. The trails are fairly level and take in fantastic views along both coasts and via some remains of engine houses. Open for walking, cycling and horse riding they’re accessible for pushchairs and wheelchair users.
SURFING – TRIS SURF in Porthtowan has a full range of equipment available to hire by the day or week. Their surfing tuition is run seasonally out of the surf shop, a stone’s throw from Porthtowan Beach. Lessons aim to provide an informative and fun introduction to surfing for all ages with an emphasis on beach safety and respect for the ocean.
CYCLING – THE TRACK, PORTREATH is an exciting and safe place for everyone to ride. They provide a friendly, fun, socially inclusive riding environment where you can improve your bike confidence and learn some new skills.
As above - THE MINERAL TRAMWAYS COAST TO COAST
HOUSES AND GARDENS – Trebah Garden is a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop. The wooded 25-acre sub-tropical ravine garden descends to its own beach on the Helford River and the visitor centre is home to a distinctive restaurant with a Mediterranean-style terrace, plant and gift shops.
TEHIDY COUNTRY PARK is a beautiful country park of around 250 acres. There are around 9 miles of nature trails and most of the park is woodland. It is now owned by Cornwall County Council and is open to the public year-round with several ponds and a lovely lake with swans and various kinds of ducks as well as bridleways for horse riding and tracks for mountain bikes. Rogue Theatre also regularly put on immersive theatre deep in the woods.
SHOPPING
CUSGARNE ORGANIC FARM is owned by Greg who was recently on TV with Rick Stein talking about the joys of offal. Apart from having a herd of premium beef, Greg and his family are producers of lovely organic fruit and vegetables.
PORTHTOWAN VILLAGE STORES is about 100 yards from the beach and offers a range of products including hot pasties and take away coffee.
ETHERINGTON’S FARM SHOP is home to a range of everyday store cupboard ingredients, specialist products and award-winning meats. The farm shop is also home to Etherington’s Bakery where nearly 1000 pasties are made every day.
TRIS SURF has been on the beach since 1974. They’re a surf shop driven by a passion for surfing, the ocean, and the lifestyle that comes with it.
NATURE’S TREATS is a plant-based Health Food shop offering a wide range of organic groceries, eco-friendly toiletries & household products, organic fruit & veg, as well as showcasing a number of local art and craft businesses. In August 2021 they opened their new zero waste refill area.
EATING
ST AGNES BAKERY is one of the oldest bakeries in the country and still working from its original site. For over 100 years they have been baking traditional Cornish recipes every day from scratch, from their famous gold standard Cornish Pasty to their Giant Sausage Rolls.
SEASMITHS is a small Cornish business in the heart of Porthtowan. They keep things simple and produce well-sourced, well-cooked fish and chips.
J EARL SHELLFISH is a family run fishmonger business based in Chapel Porth just outside of St Agnes. Originally set up nearly 50 years ago it is now run by grandson Kyle who operates out of a yellow bungalow, selling fish and shellfish caught from his uncle’s boat and other local fishermen.
PORTREATH BAKERY make sourdough bread from their own seawater starter, definitely worth a try!
THE HUB PORTREATH serves great coffee and food right by the beach.
THE ATLANTIC, PORTREATH is great for a family-friendly restaurant or somewhere to enjoy a cocktail by the beach, you can treat yourself to some fabulous food, creative drinks and a wonderful atmosphere at The Atlantic Café & Bar. It also has a fish and chip shop attached.
THE BAIT SHED, PORTREATH is a seasonal popup kitchen and café that only serves local Cornish produce and adapts their menu each week.
THE UNICORN, PORTHTOWAN is perfectly positioned for stunning sunsets on the north Cornish coast. It is a great place to visit for food and drink near the beach with local lobsters from the next bay over.
THE BLUE BAR, PORTHTOWAN is situated on the dunes and is a perfect place to get together with the whole family. All wrapped up in “shabby-chic” decor with a casual, friendly atmosphere the Blue bar and restaurant serves food all day with healthy kid’s meals and always plenty of crayons, dogs are welcome too!
