From the Cove shop
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
opens onto a wide sweep of golden sand backed by dunes and cliffs still marked by the engine houses of its tin-mining past. A favourite with surfers chasing its powerful Atlantic swell, this former mining village turned Victorian resort is one of the north coast's most atmospheric beaches.
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.
Porthtowan 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.
Porthowan
Porthtowan has a very large sandy beach which is great for surfing. The engine house standing on the cliff serves as a reminder of Porthtowan’s history is as a mining village. Tourism was first discovered when Porthtowan became a popular Victorian seaside resort.
Sea Fishing in Porthtowan area
This area provides excellent bass beaches and all species of flatfish. In the autumn you will also catch codling and whiting in this area.
RNLI Lifeguards are on duty
2025
Easter School Holidays 05 April - 21 April
Weekends Only 26 April - 27 April
Daily 03 May - 28 September
Weekends Only 04 October - 19 October
October Half Term 25 October - 02 November
Patrol times 10am - 6pm
RNLI Lifeguards are on duty
2025
Easter School Holidays 05 April - 21 April
Weekends Only 26 April - 27 April
Daily 03 May - 28 September
Weekends Only 04 October - 19 October
October Half Term 25 October - 02 November
Patrol times 10am - 6pm
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
