Porthpean Beach
A beautiful, sheltered bay near St Austell, Porthpean Beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming, watersports, and family fun, with stunning coasta...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Watersports & sunshine
Porthpean Beach
Best Time
Watersports & sunshine
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful, sheltered bay near St Austell, Porthpean Beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming, watersports, and family fun, with stunning coastal path access.
"Lovely little beach, steep walk down to it but worth the walk. Waters crystal clear."
🚗 Parking Tips
Use JustPark app for parking, or be ready for a steep walk down. Cash is also accepted.
🚶 Steep Walk Down
Be prepared for a steep descent to the beach; good footwear is recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Calm Waters for Swimming
The Bay
Enjoy crystal clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. A true gem for water lovers.
South West Coast Path Access
Coastal Path
Easily accessible from the scenic South West Coast Path, offering stunning views and a pleasant walk.
Watersports Hub
Beach Hire Hut
Rent kayaks and enjoy various watersports in the sheltered bay during summer months.
+1
Sunset Views
Beachfront
Experience stunning sunsets over the water, creating a magical end to the day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best for Calm Waters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Use JustPark app for parking, or be ready for a steep walk down. Cash is also accepted.
🚶 Steep Walk Down
Be prepared for a steep descent to the beach; good footwear is recommended. +1
☀️ Summer Watersports
Watersports hire is available in summer. No booking needed, just head to the hut!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Times
Dogs are welcome all winter and after 6 PM during the summer months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Use JustPark app for parking, or be ready for a steep walk down. Cash is also accepted.
🚶 Steep Walk Down
Be prepared for a steep descent to the beach; good footwear is recommended. +1
☀️ Summer Watersports
Watersports hire is available in summer. No booking needed, just head to the hut!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Times
Dogs are welcome all winter and after 6 PM during the summer months.
📸 Capture the Views
Don't miss the chance to capture the beautiful bay and coastal path views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Porthpean Beach is praised for its calm, clear waters, making it excellent for swimming and family fun. Visitors appreciate the easy access from the coast path and the availability of watersports during summer. Some find the beach itself less spectacular than other Cornish coves, and parking can be a challenge, with a steep walk down to the shore. +1
"Parked at the small car park, a short walk down to the beach.
Use justpark app, £3 for upto 3 hours which is reasonable.
The Beach itself, not a spectacle. It's a small stretch of shingles and seaweeds with the tide in and cafe closed (when we visited).
Instead, We took a short walk on the south west coast path (The trail winds toward Charlestown or Pentewan) and then headed straight to Carlyon Bay beach, which is just a 10 minutes drive away."
Maria Matos Sequeira
"Lovely little beach, steep walk down to it but worth the walk. Waters crystal clear.
There are toilets and a little shack offering simple food and drinks."
Laura Craven
"Beautiful beach. Minimum waves and stunning sunsets any time of year. Boating club there in summer, nice to watch. Dog friendly all winter and after 6 in the evening summer time. Love it here."
Katie Johnson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Porthpean Beach is located near St Austell in Cornwall. You can drive and park in the small car park (consider the JustPark app) or access it via the South West Coast Path. Some visitors have reported sat navs taking them the wrong way, so be mindful of signage. +1
Yes, there is a small car park. It can fill up quickly, so arriving early or using parking apps like JustPark is recommended. Parking fees apply.
There's a steep walk down to the beach from the car park. If you're walking the South West Coast Path, the beach is a scenic stop along the route.
While direct public transport to the beach itself might be limited, you can reach St Austell by train and then take a local bus or taxi to the Porthpean area.
It's located in St Austell Bay. While some visitors have had issues with sat navs, looking for signs for Porthpean or following the South West Coast Path will guide you there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Porthpean Beach itself is free to access. There are charges for parking in the designated car park.
The beach is accessible at all times. However, the watersports hire hut and cafe have specific operating hours, typically during the summer months.
No, you do not need to book tickets to visit Porthpean Beach. Entry is free. Booking is not required for watersports hire either; just turn up at the hut.
Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round, but with restrictions during peak summer hours. Check local signage for exact times.
There are toilets available, and a small shack offering simple food and drinks, especially during the summer season.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Porthpean Beach is great for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and enjoying the calm waters. It's also a lovely spot for a picnic and a stroll along the South West Coast Path.
Yes, its calm, shallow waters make it a safe and enjoyable beach for families with children. The easy access and facilities also add to its family-friendly appeal.
Absolutely! Porthpean is known as an amazing swimming beach with clear, calm waters, making it a popular choice for swimmers and cold water enthusiasts.
Yes, Porthpean Beach is dog-friendly all winter and after 6 PM during the summer.
Porthpean Beach is a mix of shingles and sand, with seaweed often present, especially at high tide.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small shack on the beach offering simple food and drinks, particularly during the summer months. For more extensive dining options, you might need to travel to nearby St Austell or Charlestown.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a great option, especially if the beach shack is closed or you prefer to dine al fresco. Remember to take all your rubbish with you.
The shack typically offers simple refreshments like drinks and snacks. It's perfect for a quick bite or an ice cream.
Nearby Charlestown offers a charming harbour with several pubs and restaurants. St Austell also has a wider range of dining establishments.
With its beautiful views and calm atmosphere, Porthpean Beach can be a lovely spot for a romantic picnic, especially during sunset.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the serene bay, the dramatic cliffs, and the South West Coast Path views. Sunsets here are particularly stunning and make for great photos.
The open bay and coastal scenery offer great potential for drone photography. Always check local regulations and fly responsibly.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing the clear water.
The rock balancing art created by visitors can be a unique subject. The 'moon gate' rock balance has been featured in videos.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The beach offers easy access, with toilets and a small snack shack nearby for convenience. +1Consider bringing beach toys and snacks, as the shack's offerings can be limited. The steep walk down might require a bit of effort, but the reward is a beautiful, sheltered cove that’s less crowded than some of Cornwall's more famous beaches.
🚶 Hikers and Coastal Path Explorers
The path provides stunning coastal views as you approach and depart from the beach, making it a scenic highlight of any hike in the area. +1Whether you're walking towards Charlestown or Pentewan, Porthpean offers a beautiful bay to break up your journey. Pack water and snacks, or plan to grab a refreshment at the beach shack.
🌊 Cold Water Swimmers
The clear water and the feeling of being immersed in nature are major draws for the cold water community. Swimmers appreciate the ease of access and the availability of facilities like toilets. Many find the experience invigorating and a great way to connect with the natural environment.
+1 Remember to always swim safely and be aware of tides and conditions. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The 'About Time' Movie Connection
Fans of the film often visit Porthpean specifically to see the locations and soak in the atmosphere that inspired the movie. It's a unique draw that blends the natural beauty of Cornwall with the magic of cinema, making it a memorable stop for many travelers. The tranquil setting of the beach perfectly complements the film's themes of cherishing everyday moments.
Watersports and Activities
+1 The calm, southerly-facing waters of the bay make it an ideal spot for beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike. Visitors can enjoy exploring the coastline from the water, with many sharing their kayaking adventures on Instagram Reels. +1Beyond rentals, the beach is perfect for swimming, with its clear waters and gentle entry. Cold water swimming communities also find Porthpean a welcoming spot, appreciating its accessibility and the refreshing Cornish sea.
Whether you're looking for an active day out or a peaceful swim, Porthpean offers a variety of ways to enjoy the ocean. +1Coastal Charm and Nearby Attractions
The industrial heritage of the region is also visible, with the Par driers (industrial chimneys) being a notable landmark visible from some nearby beaches, including Par Beach. While some might see them as industrial, others find a unique, almost beacon-like quality to them, especially against the coastal landscape.
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