Porthpean Beach

Porthpean is a small stretch of golden sand framed by rugged cliffs and backed by rolling green farmland, which gives it a settled, almost rural feel despite sitting only a couple of miles from St Austell. The wooded slopes above and the calm, clear water have made it a steady favourite for swimming and paddling, and the cliffs to the east are home to nesting seabirds through the season.

When the tide is out the cove opens up, revealing numerous rock pools towards the western side that are well worth picking over with younger explorers. The sheltered, gently shelving water also lends itself to a range of watersports, from dinghy sailing to snorkelling, which is part of why the local sailing club has long made its home here.