Porthpean Beach

St Austell

Porthpean Beach in Cornwall is a charming sandy beach renowned for its clear waters, scenic views, and excellent facilities for water sports and family activities.

Sandy

Seasonal

Yes

Yes

Porthpean Beach

Porthpean Beach, nestled on the southern coast of Cornwall, is a picturesque haven renowned for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. This charming beach offers a serene escape for visitors, boasting stunning views across St Austell Bay and providing a perfect setting for a variety of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. With its sheltered cove, family-friendly amenities, and close proximity to historical landmarks and the South West Coast Path, Porthpean Beach is an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you're seeking a peaceful day by the sea or an active outing with loved ones, Porthpean Beach promises an unforgettable experience in one of Cornwall's most beautiful coastal locales.

St Austell epitomises the quintessential Cornwall holiday experience, offering a plethora of attractions to delight every visitor. With its historic market town charm, stunning gardens like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture, St Austell is a destination that leaves visitors yearning for more. It's no surprise that people return to St Austell year after year, captivated by its unique blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and welcoming community.

About Porthpean Beach

Porthpean Beach is a hidden gem on Cornwall's southern coast, known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. The beach features soft, golden sands that gently slope into the clear, turquoise waters of St Austell Bay, making it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing. Porthpean is also popular among water sports enthusiasts, offering opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The surrounding cliffs and rock pools provide a wonderful playground for children and a rich area for exploring marine life.

Accessible by a short walk from the nearby car park, Porthpean Beach is equipped with essential facilities, including toilets, a seasonal café, and a shop for beach supplies. The beach's sheltered location means it is usually calm, making it a safe environment for families with young children. For those interested in hiking, the South West Coast Path runs nearby, offering stunning coastal views and the chance to explore Cornwall's rugged landscape.

Porthpean Beach is also steeped in history, with the nearby Charlestown Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a glimpse into Cornwall's maritime past. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day at the beach, an adventure on the water, or a step back in time, Porthpean Beach has something for everyone.

Porthpean Beach is a perfect spot for swimming, thanks to its clear, calm waters and gentle slope into the sea. The sheltered bay ensures that the water remains relatively safe and warm, making it ideal for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Lifeguards are on duty during the peak season, providing added safety for those taking a dip in the refreshing waters.

While Porthpean Beach is not known for big waves suitable for surfing, it excels as a destination for other water sports. The calm waters are perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, offering an enjoyable experience for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Equipment rentals and lessons are available nearby, allowing visitors to easily get started with their water adventures.

Conveniently located near the entrance to Porthpean Beach, the toilet facilities ensure that visitors can comfortably spend the entire day by the sea. The amenities are clean and well-maintained, providing essential services for families and individuals alike. Additionally, there is a seasonal café nearby where visitors can grab refreshments and snacks.

At low tide, Porthpean Beach reveals a fascinating array of rockpools, teeming with marine life. These natural features provide an excellent opportunity for children and adults to explore and discover crabs, starfish, anemones, and other sea creatures. The rockpools offer an engaging and educational experience, making a visit to the beach even more memorable.

During low tide, Porthpean Beach expands significantly, exposing a wide stretch of sandy beach and an intricate network of rockpools. This is the perfect time for beachcombing, building sandcastles, and exploring the diverse marine life in the rockpools. The extended shoreline also provides ample space for beach games and relaxing walks along the water’s edge.

At high tide, the water comes closer to the cliffs, reducing the sandy area but creating ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. The beach maintains its tranquil charm, and the clear, calm waters are perfect for a refreshing swim or a paddleboarding session. The reduced beach space also adds a cozy feel, making it an intimate spot for relaxation.

Porthpean Beach Address

Porthpean Beach
St Austell
Cornwall
PL26 6AU

Map of Porthpean Beach

Porthpean Beach

How do you get to Porthpean Beach

Porthpean Beach is easily accessible on foot, especially for those staying in the nearby areas of St Austell or Charlestown. A pleasant walk along the South West Coast Path offers scenic views and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Cornwall's coastline. Signposted paths lead directly to the beach, making it a straightforward and enjoyable journey for hikers and walkers.

For those traveling by car, Porthpean Beach is conveniently located just a few miles from St Austell. Follow the signs towards Porthpean, and you'll find a dedicated car park a short walk from the beach. The car park is spacious, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended. From the car park, a brief stroll through a picturesque lane leads you directly to the beach.

Visitors can also reach Porthpean Beach by bus. Regular bus services run from St Austell to nearby stops, with the closest bus stop being a short walk from the beach. Check the local bus timetables for the most convenient routes and schedules. This option is ideal for those who prefer not to drive or wish to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying the beautiful Cornish coast.

Porthpean Beach General Information

Beach Type: Sandy

Dog Friendly: Seasonal

Public Toilets:Conveniently located near the entrance to Porthpean Beach, the toilet facilities ensure that visitors can comfortably spend the entire day by the sea. The amenities are clean and well-maintained, providing essential services for families and individuals alike. Additionally, there is a seasonal café nearby where visitors can grab refreshments and snacks.

Accessibility: Access to the beach is provided by a gently sloping slipway. Additional facilities can be found along the flat, concrete promenade that runs behind the beach.

Lifeguard Cover: No lifeguard cover.

Porthpean Beach FAQs

Are there public transport options to reach Porthpean Beach?2024-05-19T18:02:10+01:00

Yes, regular bus services run from St Austell to stops near Porthpean Beach. The closest bus stop is within a short walking distance from the beach.

Can I bring my dog to Porthpean Beach?2024-05-19T18:03:15+01:00

Dogs are welcome at Porthpean Beach outside of the peak season. During the summer months, there may be restrictions, so it’s best to check local guidelines before planning your visit with a pet.

Is Porthpean Beach accessible for people with disabilities?2024-05-19T18:02:55+01:00

Access to the beach is via a gently sloping slipway, which is relatively accessible. However, the beach itself may present challenges for those with mobility issues, especially when navigating the sand and rockpools.

Is Porthpean Beach suitable for families?2024-05-19T18:01:07+01:00

Yes, Porthpean Beach is very family-friendly, offering calm waters, soft sands, and plenty of amenities such as toilets and a seasonal café. The beach’s gentle slope and lifeguard presence during peak seasons make it safe for children.

Is there parking available near Porthpean Beach?2024-05-19T18:01:51+01:00

Yes, there is a car park located a short walk from the beach. However, it can get busy during peak times, so it’s advisable to arrive early to secure a spot.

What facilities are available at Porthpean Beach?2024-05-19T18:02:33+01:00

Facilities at Porthpean Beach include toilets, a seasonal café, and a shop for beach supplies. There is also a concrete promenade providing easy access to these amenities.

Weather At Porthpean Beach

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

Tide Times At Porthpean Beach

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

13 September 2025

Time Type Height
03:55 low 0.96m
10:01 high 5.01m
16:13 low 1.15m
22:20 high 4.84m

14 September 2025

Time Type Height
04:35 low 1.41m
10:45 high 4.71m
17:01 low 1.61m
23:11 high 4.43m

View full 7 day tide times.

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