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Down The Cove
Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

St Agnes

is one of north Cornwall's most characterful coastal villages, its granite cottages set above a coastline of dramatic cliffs and sheltered coves. From the rock pools of Trevaunance Cove to the iconic Wheal Coates engine houses on the cliff, the old tin-mining heritage is never far from view.

The cliff-top engine house of Wheal Coates above St Agnes, standing over rugged cliffs and the Atlantic below.
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.

St Agnes 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.

St Agnes is a large village on the north coast. St Agnes has a choice of beaches. Trevaunance Cove is a great beach for rock pooling while Trevellas Porth is quiet and secluded and popular amongst local fishermen. A third beach, Chapel Porth, is now owned by the National Trust.

Sea Fishing in St Agnes

St Agnes provides good sport with bass fishing.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth

Trevellas Porth

Browse coastline guides

St Agnes RNLI

The Lifeboat

XKalibur - D Class Lifeboat

More information about the Lifeboats

The Lifeboat Station

St Agnes is one of seven stations operating a lifeboat funded by viewers of the BBC television programme Blue Peter. The inshore lifeboat crews have been honoured with seven awards for gallantry.

More information about St Agnes RNLI Station

Support St Agnes Lifeboat...

Follow St Agnes Lifeboat on TwitterLike St Agnes Lifeboat on FacebookView our coastal safety guidePurchase our PDF Charity Song Book in aid of the RNLI

With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information

St Agnes RNLI

The Lifeboat

XKalibur - D Class Lifeboat

More information about the Lifeboats

The Lifeboat Station

St Agnes is one of seven stations operating a lifeboat funded by viewers of the BBC television programme Blue Peter. The inshore lifeboat crews have been honoured with seven awards for gallantry.

More information about St Agnes RNLI Station

Support St Agnes Lifeboat...

Follow St Agnes Lifeboat on TwitterLike St Agnes Lifeboat on FacebookView our coastal safety guidePurchase our PDF Charity Song Book in aid of the RNLI

With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information

Common questions

Where is St Agnes?
St Agnes is a village on the north coast of Cornwall, between Perranporth and Porthtowan. Its beaches include Trevaunance Cove, the secluded Trevellas Porth and, just along the coast, Chapel Porth.
What is St Agnes known for?
St Agnes is known for its spectacular mining heritage, including the cliff-top engine houses of Wheal Coates, and for its choice of coves. The St Agnes lifeboat is famously one funded by viewers of the BBC's Blue Peter.
What is there to do in St Agnes?
You can swim and rock-pool at Trevaunance Cove, walk the cliffs past Wheal Coates and St Agnes Head, explore Chapel Porth, climb St Agnes Beacon for panoramic views, or visit the village's museum and shops.
Is St Agnes worth visiting?
St Agnes combines striking coastal scenery, several beaches and some of Cornwall's most photographed mining ruins, making it a memorable base. Wheal Coates and Chapel Porth are cared for by the National Trust.
What is Wheal Coates near St Agnes?
Wheal Coates is a former tin mine on the cliffs between St Agnes and Porthtowan. Its restored Towanroath engine house, perched dramatically above Chapel Porth, is one of the best-known sights in Cornwall.