The full guide
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
NO RNLI Lifeguards are on duty
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.
Porthpean is a good launch point for a walk, too. A circular route links the cove with the historic port of Charlestown along the bay, while another heads the opposite way past the pale shingle of Silvermine towards the Iron Age cliff fort at Black Head, with sweeping views over St Austell Bay along the way.
Common questions
- Where is Porthpean Beach?
- Porthpean Beach sits in St Austell Bay on Cornwall's south coast, about two miles south of St Austell town along Porthpean Beach Road.
- What is Porthpean Beach like?
- It is a small, sheltered sandy cove with gently shelving, clear water and plenty of rock pools at low tide. Backed by low cliffs and a sailing club, it has a calm, family-friendly character.
- What is the nearest town to Porthpean Beach?
- St Austell is the nearest town, around two miles to the north, with the harbour village of Charlestown also close by along the bay.
