Overview of Porth Beach
Porth Beach Newquay | Video Credit: Views of Cornwall
How do you get to Porth Beach?
I love all of Cornwall’s North coast beaches, each one has its own unique beauty and personality. Some are rugged with sand that stretches for miles, others are tucked away and more secluded. Porth Beach offers you a little bit of everything.
Just over a mile outside of Newquay, Porth Beach is one of the most easily accessed beaches along the North coast, with a Council run car park directly on the beach. The car parking area is not large, so fills up quickly in the summer months. Please also be aware of the tide times and make sure you park in the designated area. Vehicles that aren’t can find themselves closer to the sea than expected on a high tide.
There is also parking opposite the beach in the privately owned Porth Beach Holiday Park.
Can you swim at Porth Beach?
Set in a deep inlet Porth Beach is such a perfect setting for all ages. The beach is narrow and shallow and at high tide has a fantastic expanse of water which is very popular for swimming and paddle boarding.
Is Porth Beach good for surfing?
Its exposure to Atlantic swells makes it a great location for surfing, although please be aware that surfing is not permitted on Porth Beach during the summer season, while lifeguards are on duty.
Is there a Beach Cafe at Porth Beach?
There are a fantastic range of Cornish cafes surrounding the beach and the legendary Mermaid Inn (#pubonthebeach). Roo’s Beach Coffee sits opposite and does a great take-out breakfast, drinks, coffees and teas. Cafe Coast with outside tables offers homely food and local cream teas. You can dine in or take away at The Gwenna Teahouse and without even leaving the beach you can fill up on ice creams and drinks from The Hole in the Wall, which is literally what it is.
Is Porth Beach good for small children?
With two car parks making it so easy to access, Porth Beach is the most perfect beach to enjoy with small children. The long expanse of soft dry sand at the top of the beach, is perfect for sand castles. The river joins the beach and runs all the way down to the sea, making it perfect for paddles. If you want to get away from the crowds in the summer, just take a stroll at low tide down the beach and there are a few sandy spots on the right hand side, tucked away behind the rocks. Just remember to keep an eye on the tide.
There is also a toilet block, that is clean and easily assessable right next to the beach car park, which is such a bonus for families of all ages.
Are there lifeguards at Porth Beach?
There are RNLI lifeguards on Porth Beach every day from 10am – 6pm from about the second week in May to the end of September.
Is Porth Beach dog friendly?
The beach is great for dogs of all shapes and sizes, but please be aware that they are not permitted on the beach from 15th May to 30th September between 10am and 6pm. The beach is patrolled by local dog wardens.
What are the best walks near Porth Beach?
You don’t have to go far to enjoy a spectacular walk directly from Porth Beach. Head West uphill on Alexandra Road, past the Newquay Football Golf Centre and follow the footpath towards Trevelgue Head, otherwise known as Porth Island. This sites has an Iron Age promontory fort, two bronze age round barrows and evidence of Iron Age smelting. Go over the footbridge, which is in itself such an amazing place to stop. At low tide you can look down and see people clambering over the rocks between the steep narrow passageway, to try and reach the secrets of Whipsiderry Beach (what an amazing name) to the west of Porth Beach, only accessible at low tide and at hide tide, be almost overwhelmed by the energy and swells of the Atlantic directly below your feet. I can literally stand there for hours just mesmerised. At the end of the headland, you can also enjoy the incredible sights and sounds of the blow hole, just breathtaking, particularly on a stormy day.
From the Football Golf Centre, you can also join the South West Coast Path which will take you along the stunning and dramatic north coast, past Whipsiderry Beach and on towards the incredible expanse of Watergate Bay.
Alternatively, head South along the footpath past the toilet block, or at low tide up the steep steps halfway down the beach and you can follow the road and/or coast path past the famous Lust Glaze Beach, a small and privately owned beach, renowned for its glamping and dream weddings, held directly on the beach and on across the Barrowfields, once part of a round barrow cemetery dating back to the early bronze age period and into Newquay town centre and all the amazing beaches and views the coastline here has to offer.
What else is there to do at Porth Beach?
Porth Island Golf (previously known as The Newquay Football Golf Centre) is situated directly overlooking Porth Beach, just to the west as you enter Porth Island and great fun for all the family. Check out their website for opening times.
The incredible blow hole from Porth Island.
Porth Beach is a truly stunning destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression. With its breathtaking scenery, water activities, food and drink options, and convenient location, it’s no wonder that it’s one of Cornwall’s most popular beaches for families. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the area, be sure to add Porth Beach to your list of must-visit destinations.
