Porthtowan, Cornwall travel guide and Porthtowan information

Visit Porthtowan

Porthtowan is a small village on the north-eastern coast of Cornwall, just west of Saint Agnes.

Porthtowan is a very popular destination in the summer, due to the attractiveness of the surrounding region, and the fine beach.

Visit Porthtowan

The beach is twice distinguished - as a great surfing beach, and as a 'blue flag' (clean, very well maintained) beach. It is a broad sandy beach, with dunes and rocks behind and to the sides.

As with all blue flag beaches, Porthtowan has lifeguards on duty during the summer months

When you tire of the beach and Porthtowan itself you can take a walk along the clifftops for some lovely views.

The village itself has most facilities, and a few reminders of the industrial heritage of the region in the copper mining industry. The most prominent is the large building you see in the village, called Wheal Towan and in its day one of the most productive copper mines in Cornwall.

Note that the village and beach fall within the UNESCO listed world heritage site of the 'Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape'.

Visit Porthtowan - practical information

The car park provides easy access to both the beach and the village, and all the facilities - shops, cafes and tea shops etc. The Blue Bar is the most popular of these, and well placed right next to the beach.

Dogs are not permitted on the beach between easter and the end of September.

Photographers note - sunset at Porthtowan is an especially good time for atmospheric photos.

Several larger towns are within easy reach, including Perranporth, Redruth and Newquay.

You can find more local travel ideas in the Cornwall guide and the Cornwall guide.