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Down The Cove
Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

Portholland

is a pair of tiny hamlets, East and West, on the unspoilt Roseland coast, linked by a beach that the high tide covers over. Sheltered behind a sea wall and backed by rocky outcrops, it sits close to Caerhays and the family-friendly sands of Porthluney cove. This is a quiet, secluded stretch of Cornish shore.

The secluded beach linking East and West Portholland on the Roseland coast, backed by a granite sea wall and rocky outcrops.
A calm Down The Cove places guide for slower coastal days, family visits and local detail.

Beach and cove guide

Plan your visit

A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.

Portholland is the kind of place where the day is shaped by simple things: tide, weather, a picnic, and time to notice the coast properly.

Best forOpen coastal character with sand, pebbles, cliffs or coves depending on the tide and weather.

Families, beach days, coast paths, rock pools and relaxed exploring.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Plan the final walk from the car park and check whether the beach is easy with pushchairs, tired legs or beach bags.

What to look forA calmer way to plan with children or visitors.

A useful read before visiting with children, especially for tides, paths, facilities and simple beach expectations.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Look up tide times, swimming guidance and weather before you go, especially on wilder beaches.

The full guide

Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.

The beach joins East and West Portholland. The beach is covered at high tide.

Caerhays

Caerhays is a private beach but is easily accessible. It is mainly pebbly.

Porthluney

Porthluney cove is situated under Caerhays castle. It is a lovely sandy beach with a large National Trust car park. It is a great beach for families.

Sea Fishing in this area

The whole of this area is well known for big bass catches. Also various flat fish and dogfish are caught here.

The headlands access is difficult in places and not really for the novice fisherman. For more experienced fisherman with climbing abilities, the headlands provide good fishing.

Browse coastline guides

NO RNLI Lifeguards are on duty

Beach Safety Guide

NO RNLI Lifeguards are on duty

Beach Safety Guide

Common questions

Where is Portholland?
Portholland is on the Roseland coast of south Cornwall, made up of the small hamlets of East and West Portholland, near Caerhays.
What is Portholland known for?
It is known as a quiet, unspoilt pair of coves whose beach joins East and West Portholland and is covered at high tide.
What is there to do in Portholland?
You can enjoy the secluded beach at lower tides, explore rockpools, and walk the South West Coast Path to nearby Porthluney and along the Roseland.
Is there a beach at Portholland?
Yes. A beach links East and West Portholland, backed by a sea wall and rocky outcrops, though it is covered by the sea at high tide.
Is Portholland worth visiting?
Yes. For peace, seclusion and unspoilt coastal scenery near Caerhays, Portholland is a lovely quiet corner of the Roseland.