History of Porthtowan Tidal Pool
The tidal pool at Portwowan was constructed around 1908 by a local man, Mr Francis Beringer, with the permission of the Prince of Wales, on the conditional payment of an annual rent of 1 shilling to the Duchy of Cornwall land steward.
It was constructed with the help of Cornish mining explosives expert Jabus Foster Maynard by moving some large rock boulders at the base of the cliff and forming a concrete dam to retain the seawater as the tide dropped.
Old photos of Porthtowan pool suggest it held water better back in the day, but it’s still a great hidden spot for a wild saltwater swim, busy in the Summer months but you’ll often have it all to yourselves in the winter.
How Do You Get To Porthtowan Tidal Pool?
The pool is hidden amongst the rocks and below the cliffs on the eastern side of Porthtowan beach.
Originally there were steps down from the cliffs above on the coast path, but erosion and a series of rockfalls mean these are no longer safe to descend.
The easiest way to get to the rockpool is to approach it from the North at low tide with your back to the sea, this way you’ll see the concrete wall as you approach the pool. If the tide is still too high your other option is to scramble across the rocks from the main beach area. Either way, you’ll want some sensible shoes to navigate the barnacle-covered rocks and take great care, especially with children and dogs!
When is the best time to visit the sea pool in Porthtowan?
Two to 3 hours on either side of low tide is the best time for swimming at Porthtowan tidal pool. The pool is usually busy on hot days, particularly during school holidays. We like it best for a sheltered winter’s dip of an evening sunset during the summer months when we’re more likely to get it all to ourselves.
Is Porthtowan Tidal Pool Dog Friendly?
The beach at Porthtowan has a seasonal dog ban. in place – Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 15th May to 30th September / from 10am to 6 pm.
So, as long as you come outside those times with your four-legged friend you should be fine. It’s probably best to approach from the ocean side unless your dog is confident with climbing over the rocks!
Is Porthtowan Tidal Pool Good for small children?
It’s popular with local kids who are ok climbing and scrambling over the rocks, like all kids right? But there’s no access for buggies and pushchairs and it would be quite precarious carrying very small children over the large boulders.
Are there any food and drink options near Porthtowan?
Picnic or BBQ on the beach is recommended but Porthtowan has a good selection of cafes, bars and pubs close to the beach and car park including:
- The Blue Bar
- Porthtowan Beach Cafe
- Seasmiths Fish and Chips
- The Unicorn on the Beach
- Wilder Allotment Kitchen at Mount Pleasant Eco Park
- The Victory Inn
- Moomaid of Zennor
- Elm Farm Cafe
What else is there to do near Porthtowan?
This area of Cornwall has a rich mining heritage and forms part of the St Agnes District Cornish Mining World Heritage site with some amazing walks near the dramatic mining ruins looming over Tywarnhale valley.
Other activities available locally include:
- Surf Lessons
- Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Body Boarding
- Beach Yoga Sessions
- Horse riding
- Coasteering
