Porth Beach

Newquay

Porth Beach in Newquay is a scenic, family-friendly beach known for its golden sands, safe swimming conditions, and natural rock pools, making it a popular destination for visitors of all ages.

Sandy

Seasonal

No

Yes

Porth Beach

Porth Beach, nestled in the vibrant coastal town of Newquay, Cornwall, is a picturesque haven that captivates visitors with its expansive golden sands and serene ambiance. Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, the beach offers a safe environment for swimming and a plethora of natural rock pools perfect for exploration. Its gentle waves and stunning views make it a cherished spot for both locals and tourists seeking a peaceful retreat by the sea. Whether you're looking to relax under the sun, engage in water activities, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery, Porth Beach provides an idyllic coastal escape.

Newquay epitomises the quintessential Cornwall holiday experience, offering a plethora of attractions to delight every visitor. With its picturesque beaches, breathtaking vistas, renowned surf spots, diverse culinary scene, and top-tier art galleries, Newquay is a destination that leaves visitors yearning for more. It's no surprise that people return to Newquay year after year, captivated by its charm and endless array of delights.

About Porth Beach

Porth Beach, located in the charming seaside town of Newquay, Cornwall, is a beloved destination known for its wide expanse of soft golden sand and tranquil atmosphere. This family-friendly beach is perfect for a variety of activities, from safe swimming and sunbathing to exploring the fascinating natural rock pools that appear at low tide. The beach is sheltered by Porth Island, a dramatic headland that adds to the scenic beauty and offers excellent walking trails with stunning coastal views. Facilities at Porth Beach include a seasonal lifeguard service, ensuring a safe environment for all visitors, as well as convenient amenities such as cafes, restrooms, and nearby parking. Whether you're looking for a peaceful day by the sea, an adventure exploring marine life, or a picturesque spot to enjoy a picnic, Porth Beach provides a welcoming retreat for all ages.

Swimming at Porth Beach is a delightful experience, particularly renowned for its safe and family-friendly conditions. The beach’s gentle, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for swimmers of all ages and skill levels, including young children and those new to swimming. During the summer months, the beach is patrolled by lifeguards, providing an added layer of safety and peace of mind for visitors. The sheltered bay, protected by the natural barrier of Porth Island, ensures calmer waves compared to other nearby beaches, creating perfect conditions for a leisurely swim. Whether you're looking to cool off on a hot day, swim a few laps, or simply enjoy floating in the tranquil sea, Porth Beach offers a welcoming and secure environment for a refreshing aquatic adventure.

Porth Beach in Newquay is a fantastic spot for surfing and a variety of other watersports, catering to both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. While the beach's gentle waves provide a more relaxed surfing experience compared to some of Newquay's more challenging surf spots, they are perfect for those learning to surf or looking to enjoy a mellow ride. In addition to surfing, Porth Beach is an excellent location for bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking, offering plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful coastline from the water. Local surf schools and rental shops provide lessons and equipment, ensuring that even newcomers can confidently take to the waves. With its picturesque setting and versatile water conditions, Porth Beach is an ideal destination for anyone looking to engage in exciting watersports in a stunning coastal environment.

No, there are no toilet facilities directly on the beach. Visitors need to use restrooms available at nearby cafes or other local establishments.

Explore the wonders of marine life with your family at Porth Beach, where vibrant rockpools teeming with creatures await discovery; revealed at low tide, these captivating pools harbour an array of inhabitants, from playful crabs to elusive prawns, and, occasionally, even curious fish or two, nestled along both the left and right sides of the beach.

At low tide, Porth Beach reveals an expansive stretch of golden sand, creating ample space for beachgoers to enjoy a variety of activities. The receding water uncovers numerous rock pools teeming with marine life, making it an excellent time for families and children to explore and discover crabs, starfish, and other sea creatures. The low tide also provides an opportunity to walk across to Porth Island, where visitors can take in panoramic views of the coastline and explore the rugged terrain. Beachcombing, playing beach games, and simply strolling along the vast shoreline are popular pastimes during low tide, offering a tranquil and engaging experience for all.

When the tide comes in, Porth Beach transforms into a more compact, intimate setting, perfect for swimming and watersports. The higher water level brings the waves closer to shore, making it an ideal time for activities such as surfing, bodyboarding, and paddleboarding. The sheltered bay ensures that even at high tide, the waves remain manageable and enjoyable for beginners and families. High tide also provides a beautiful backdrop for relaxation, with the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore creating a serene atmosphere. Whether you’re taking a refreshing swim or simply lounging on the sand, high tide at Porth Beach offers a picturesque and calming seaside experience. High tide can cover the whole beach.

Porth Beach Address

Porth Beach
Porth
Newquay
Cornwall
TR7 3NH

Map of Porth Beach

Porth Beach

How do you get to Porth Beach

Reaching Porth Beach by foot is a pleasant experience, particularly if you are staying in or around Newquay. The beach is approximately a 20-minute walk from the town center, making it easily accessible for pedestrians. The route takes you through picturesque streets and offers stunning coastal views along the way. Signposts are well-placed, guiding you to the beach without any difficulty. Walking to Porth Beach allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area and can be a relaxing prelude to your day by the sea.

Traveling to Porth Beach by car is convenient, with clear signage directing you from Newquay and the surrounding areas. The beach is located just off the A3058, making it easily reachable from major roads. Ample parking is available in the car park situated close to the beach, providing easy access to the sands and amenities. During peak times, the car park can fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to arrive early, especially in the summer months. The journey by car offers flexibility and convenience, particularly for families or those carrying beach gear.

For those opting for public transport, Porth Beach is well-serviced by local bus routes. The Newquay to Watergate Bay route includes a stop at Porth, with buses running regularly throughout the day. The bus stop is conveniently located just a short walk from the beach, making it an easy and environmentally friendly option. Using the bus allows you to avoid the hassle of parking and provides a scenic view of the coastline en route. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date timings and plan your trip accordingly for a smooth journey to Porth Beach.

Porth Beach General Information

Beach Type: Sandy

Dog Friendly: Seasonal dog ban - 15th May – 30th September - Between 10am – 6pm

Public Toilets: Available at the beach entrance

Accessibility: Disabled access and toilets. A sand chair is available to hire

Lifeguard Cover: Daily 13 May-24 September - Patrol times 10am-6pm

Porth Beach FAQs

Are the lifeguards on duty at Porth Beach2024-05-15T16:48:40+01:00

Yes, during the summer months, lifeguards are on duty to ensure the safety of swimmers and beachgoers.

Are there any food and drink options near Porth Beach?2024-05-15T16:51:41+01:00

Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants near the beach where visitors can enjoy a variety of food and beverages, making it easy to spend the whole day by the sea.

Are there toilet facilities at Porth Beach?2024-05-15T16:50:06+01:00

No, there are no toilet facilities directly on the beach. Visitors need to use restrooms available at nearby cafes or other local establishments.

Can I bring my dog to Porth Beach?2024-05-15T16:49:09+01:00

Dogs are allowed on Porth Beach outside of the peak season (July to August). During peak season, restrictions may apply, so it’s best to check local guidelines.

Is Porth Beach accessible for people with disabilities?2024-05-15T16:51:08+01:00

While the beach itself is sandy and may be challenging for wheelchair access, the nearby car park and some local facilities provide accessible options. It’s recommended to check specific accessibility needs in advance.

Is Porth Beach suitable for families?2024-05-15T16:48:06+01:00

Yes, Porth Beach is very family-friendly with its gentle waves, shallow waters, and expansive sandy areas perfect for children to play safely.

Is there parking available at Porth Beach?2024-05-15T16:49:34+01:00

Yes, there is a car park near the beach, providing convenient access. However, it can fill up quickly during busy times, so early arrival is recommended.

What watersports can I do at Porth Beach?2024-05-15T16:50:35+01:00

Porth Beach is ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking, with local surf schools offering lessons and equipment rentals.

Weather At Porth Beach

Check the weather forcast for Porth Beach. Check our weather forcast for the next few days.

Tide Times At Porth Beach

Planning a beach day at Porth Beach? Don’t forget to check the tide times today! These are today's tides for Porth Beach

07 August 2025

Time Type Height
04:39 high 5.62m
11:00 low 1.9m
17:00 high 6.07m
23:24 low 1.6m

08 August 2025

Time Type Height
05:21 high 6.03m
11:41 low 1.46m
17:39 high 6.48m

09 August 2025

Time Type Height
00:03 low 1.16m

View full 7 day tide times.

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