Best things to do in Porth, Cornwall

Looking for a relaxing yet adventurous Cornwall coastal break?  With its golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and easy access to some of the best beaches in Cornwall, Porth is an ideal destination for a weekend escape. Perfectly located between bustling Newquay and the famous Watergate Bay, it provides a fantastic base for exploring the local area.  Whether you’re a surf enthusiast, nature lover, or foodie, this charming village has something for everyone.

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I visited Porth with friends for a birthday celebration and was instantly smitten.  Although the forecast had threatened rain, the weather was surprisingly sunny with blue skies, giving us plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the area.

We stayed in a charming holiday house with views of Porth Island and Porth Beach, a location that couldn’t have been better.  In this guide, you’ll discover all the best things to do in Porth, Cornwall and why this area is the ideal place for your next Cornish break.

Whether you’re planning a beach holiday in Cornwall, a surfing break or a relaxing seaside getaway, this guide is for you.

Porth is a peaceful seaside village on the north coast of Cornwall, in South West England, just a 20-minute walk from Newquay and a short drive from Newquay Airport.

It’s ideally placed between Watergate Bay Cornwall and Fistral Beach, two of the UK’s top surf beaches. This makes it the perfect spot for exploring the South West Coast Path, visiting hidden coves, or simply soaking up the beachside vibe away from the crowds.

Start your weekend at Porth Beach, one of the most family-friendly beaches in Cornwall.  The tide goes out a long way to reveal a wide expanse of golden sand, sheltered by rocks on either side.

It’s ideal for swimming, paddling, sandcastle-building, or simply lying back and listening to the waves.  It’s perfect if you’re planning a family beach holiday in Cornwall.

One of our highlights was a walk around Porth Island, also known as Trevelgue Head.  This dramatic peninsula sits just north of Porth Beach and is connected to the mainland by a narrow footbridge.  In May, the cliffs were blanketed in pink sea thrift (Armeria), which was stunning.

But it’s not just about the views.  Porth Island is a nature reserve and home to one of Cornwall’s finest ancient monuments, an Iron Age promontory fort complete with defensive ramparts and two early Bronze Age barrows.

We could even see Porth Island from our accommodation and loved watching people exploring it each day.  It’s also a great spot for watching the sunset.

Need a place to stay? Check rates and availability for hotels and holiday cottages in Porth, Cornwall.

One of the best coastal walks near Porth, Cornwall is the stretch of the South West Coast Path to Watergate Bay. The trail follows rugged cliffs with spectacular ocean views, though expect it to be windy on the cliff top and take a jacket! Once you arrive,  you can enjoy Watergate Bay, one of Cornwall’s top surfing beaches.  It’s an extensive sandy beach with lifeguards by the sea, so great for families.

We stopped at the Watergate Bay Hotel for tea and an enormous scone on the ocean-view balcony.  If you’re after a more indulgent dining experience, you can book a table at the hotel restaurant, Zacry’s, which offers a delicious three-course tasting menu.

Looking for a holiday home in Porth?

Just down the coast from Porth lies the beautifully-named Lusty Glaze Beach.  This private beach is only accessible via 133 steep steps, but definitely worth the effort!

Lusty Glaze is a sheltered beach with a bar and restaurant overlooking the beach.  They often host events, and we enjoyed some amazing pizzas to the sounds of a local band.  If you want a lively evening at the beach, they often host at sundowner DJ sessions.

Or, for something more romantic, the beach also doubles as a wedding venue and offers seaside hideaway accommodation on the sand.  If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind stay on a Cornwall beach holiday, this is it.

Walking the other direction along the South West Coast Path will bring you into Newquay, Cornwall’s most famous surf town.  It’s a buzzing hub with surf shops, cafés, and bars and a lively atmosphere.  It’s especially popular with those looking for an energetic nightlife.

Newquay Beach is a favourite for both surfers and beachgoers.  It’s where I had my first surf lesson many years ago, and it’s still one of the best places for beginners to learn. There are plenty of surf schools here, and most offer board and wetsuit hire, making it easy to get started.  Here are some more adventurous things to do in Newquay:

• A 2-hour surf lesson in Newquay (for beginners or improvers)
• A 2-hour surf lesson for kids (8-13 years)
• A sea kayaking tour in Newquay
• A 2-hour coasteering expedition

If surfing isn’t your thing, you can stroll around the shops, grab a smoothie, or simply relax by the sea.

Newquay is also great for families.  If you’re looking for family attractions in Newquay, visit the Blue Reef Aquarium or Newquay Zoo for a break from the beach.

Keep going past Newquay and you’ll reach Fistral Bay, another of the UK’s most iconic surf beaches.

Backed by sand dunes and lashed by Atlantic waves, it’s popular with pros and beginners alike. Even if you don’t surf, it’s worth the walk for the views alone.

If you fancy a stay near Fistral Bay, the Fistral Beach Hotel is adults only and has its own spa and restaurant.  Sounds amazing!

Halfway between Porth and Newquay, Tolcarne Beach is a small but beautiful cove, perfect if you want a quieter beach day.  It’s accessed via steep steps or a ramp and offers a quiet retreat from the busier beaches.

We stopped here for the obligatory Cornish pasty and ice cream at the beachfront bar. It’s ideal if you want to eat your lunch with an ocean view and is another one of those hidden gems in Cornwall that you don’t want to miss.

Getting to Porth is easy whether you’re travelling by car, train, or plane.

If you’re driving, it’s well-signposted off the A3059, just outside Newquay.  There’s nearby parking for Porth Beach and many of the local walking routes. If you prefer public transport, you can take the train to Newquay Station, followed by a short taxi or bus ride to Porth.  We took the train and it’s a really pleasant journey passing along the Devon coastline.

For those coming from further afield, Newquay Airport is only a 15-minute drive away and offers direct flights from cities across the UK, making weekend breaks to Cornwall even more accessible.

There’s a great selection of accommodation in Porth, whether you’re after a cosy self-catering cottage, a beachside guesthouse, or a luxurious stay with ocean views.  Many places are just a stone’s throw from Porth Beach, making it easy to wake up and walk straight onto the sand.

• Porth Beach Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel with panoramic views of Porth Beach.
• Porth Veor Manor Villas offers a choice of modern apartments and is just 3 minutes’ walk from the beach.
• Ohana House is a 3-bedroom holiday home with direct beachfront access.  You can’t get any closer than this!

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What are your favourite things to do near Newquay?  Let us know in the comments below.

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