Porthcothan Beach guide

Surf opportunities and dog-friendly walks

Part of the renowned Seven Bays area of Cornwall and equidistant from both Newquay Airport and Padstow, Porthcothan Bay is a small coastal village celebrated for its north-west-facing beach, surfing conditions and headland walks. Perfect for surfing, sunbathing or swimming, this sandy spot in North Cornwall offers everything you need for a relaxing day. Before your next visit, look at our beach guide below.

FAQs

Nearest car park: Porthcothan Bay's car park has 174 spaces plus accessible parking
Nearest shop: Porthcothan Bay Stores opens seasonally between Easter and October half term
Lifeguarded: From May to September
Dog-friendly? Yes, year-round
Nearest restaurant: The Cornish Arms in St Merryn and DuchyGrub in Constantine Bay
Nearest toilets: Located in the car park beside the beach
Where to stay nearby: Roscarrock, Noordhoek and Seastar

When to visit 

Whether you're escaping to Cornwall during the winter or summer months, Porthcothan Bay is a great spot year-round. Watch storms roll into shore from October with your hot chocolates and wellies in tow or venture towards the water with your buckets and spades during the May half term for a dreamy summer's outing. Owned by Cornwall Council, this beach is patrolled by lifeguards from the middle of May until late September so it's always best to time your visit when they're keeping watch, especially if you're planning on enjoying some time in the water. 

The weather in Porthcothan is at its best between May and September and its sheltered position between the rocks means you can enjoy basking in the sunshine or cooling down in the water during your getaway.

Surf conditions 

Porthcothan is a long narrow surfing beach so it's a great location for those being introduced to the sport. It's generally best when the tide is mid-low throughout the day and it's a great alternative when neighbouring spots including Constantine and Mawgan Porth have bigger swells. If you're looking for some tuition, Waves Surf School operate in the Seven Bays area and can accommodate lessons for all levels of ability. 
 

Information for your four-legged friends

Porthcothan Bay is one of Cornwall's year-round dog-friendly beaches. There's plenty of space for paws to roam free, as well as long coastal path routes heading in both directions for those who enjoy a long walk. The left headland takes you in the direction of Newquay and the right towards Treyarnon Bay, which is also dog-friendly.

Nearby amenities 

There's a large tarmacked car park located opposite the beach, where electric car charging is also available. After crossing the road between the car park and the beach, you can find a local store nestled amongst the dunes on your left. Open between April and September, homemade food to go, hot coffees and beach equipment are available daily so you won't have to worry about travelling too far if you fancy a refreshment. 

Located at the top of the hill, Berryfields Tearoom is a family-run cafe serving up delicious lunchtime dishes including fresh sandwiches, toasties and jacket potatoes. Open from 12pm until 5pm between April and October, their famous cream teas are not to be missed and are best enjoyed after a long walk. 

Accessibility notes

There's a path from the car park through the dunes to the beach that takes approximately five minutes to walk. This path is sloping in places and is not suitable for wheelchairs. There are also steps down from the coast path.

Tide times 

Low tide is the best time to visit Porthcothan Bay, as it opens the beach to a larger expanse of sand where families can play for hours. During this time, a series of rockpools are also revealed so it's a great spot for studying small marine life including crabs, limpets and shrimps. During high tide, the beach is almost completely covered so it's always best to check this before heading off. For a detailed daily surf report, Surfline is on hand, providing a wave and wind update.

Where to stay in Porthcothan

Our gorgeous homes in Porthcothan promise to deliver a holiday of relaxation and revival. With stunning sea views and luxurious facilities, each one is perfectly placed to give you a holiday you'll never forget. If you're looking to base yourself on the edge of the beach, Noordhoek sits just 10 strides from the reed-lined entrance. Or for those who prefer a more elevated position, Roscarrock is spread across three floors and sits high above the bay. Alternatively, Seastar is an idyllic family-friendly escape and boasts a hot tub and steam room. 

Left: Roscarrock | Middle: Noordhoek | Right: Seastar 

Image credits: All images are our own.