Porthtowan Beach Cottages

Porthtowan Beach Cottages and the North Cornwall Coast

Nearby towns and villages

St Agnes is close by and gives you a more established village setting, with pubs, cafés, independent shops and access to Trevaunance Cove. It is a good option for meals out, local browsing and a different beach stop without travelling far. The surrounding area also has strong links to Cornwall’s mining history, which gives this stretch of coast a clear identity.

Portreath lies in the other direction and has a harbour, beach and a more sheltered village feel. Truro is the nearest city for larger shops, restaurants, the cathedral and rainy-day plans, while Newquay is within reach for surf schools, family attractions and a livelier coastal town. Redruth and Camborne are also close enough for practical services and local transport links.

Nearby beaches

Porthtowan Beach is the main beach, with sand at lower tide, surf and cliffs on either side. It is popular with surfers, bodyboarders and families, especially when lifeguard cover is in place during the main season. The beach has food, drink and facilities close by, so it is easy to spend the day there without much planning.

Chapel Porth is nearby and offers a smaller cove with cliffs, old mining scenery and access to coast path walks. Trevaunance Cove at St Agnes gives another beach option with a village setting, while Portreath Beach is better if you want a harbour-side beach with a slightly different feel. Godrevy, Gwithian Beach and Perranporth are all within reach for wider sands and more open beach days.

Points of interest and things to do

The South West Coast Path is one of the best reasons to stay in Porthtowan. The route towards Chapel Porth and St Agnes Head takes you through some of Cornwall’s most recognisable mining coast, with engine houses, cliff views and open sea all along the way. It is proper coastal walking, so footwear and weather matter.

Surfing is another big part of the village, with Porthtowan Beach often drawing surfers when conditions are right. The Blue Bar by the beach is one of the village’s best-known spots for food, drinks and sunset views. For days away from the sand, St Agnes, Wheal Coates, Tehidy Woods, Truro and the north coast beaches around Godrevy and Gwithian give you plenty of choice without long journeys.