From the Cove shop
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
Tucked between high craggy cliffs on Cornwall's north coast, Porthcothan Bay is a sheltered sandy cove with a little stream running across it. At low tide it opens out to join smaller pockets of sand, making it a brilliant spot for poking about in the rock pools.
Beach and cove guide
A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.
Porthcothan is the kind of place where the day is shaped by simple things: tide, weather, a picnic, and time to notice the coast properly.
Families, beach days, coast paths, rock pools and relaxed exploring.
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
Plan the final walk from the car park and check whether the beach is easy with pushchairs, tired legs or beach bags.
A useful read before visiting with children, especially for tides, paths, facilities and simple beach expectations.
Look up tide times, swimming guidance and weather before you go, especially on wilder beaches.
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
Porthcothan Bay is a narrow sheltered cove with a lovely sandy beach which at low tide joins up with smaller areas of sand to form a really great place to explore rock pools.
The beach has a small stream running though it.
The cliffs on either side of the beach form a lovely picturesque scene.
Sea Fishing in this area
The beaches are good for bass fishing. You can also catch some decent sized turbot and plaice. We recommend fishing on the incoming tide as you are more likely to catch.
RNLI Lifeguards are on duty:
2025
Daily 17 May - 28 September
Patrol times 10am-6pm
RNLI Lifeguards are on duty:
2025
Daily 17 May - 28 September
Patrol times 10am-6pm
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
