Porthgwarra is a picturesque fishing cove where a handful of boats still use the slipway. There’s only sand at low tide but plenty of rockpools to explore and tunnels to discover. It’s largely owned by Lord St Levan of St Michaels Mount.
Sleeps 6
Space, luxury, comfort & style. This beautiful apartment is perfect for a relaxing break and you're a short stroll from the stunning beach at Porthcurno. *Short breaks & just-for-2 discounts*
Sleeps 5
Escape is set tucked away five minutes from the world famous Porthcurno beach. Relaxed and laid back, this Scandi-inspired beach house has a private garden and parking space.
We love Porthgwarra! Like so many of the best hidden beaches, it's small and little known (except, that is, until Ross Poldark helped his friend escape to France from there in the 2015 TV series). There are two caves which are exciting for children and adults – let your imagination run away with tales of smuggling. In fact, they were used to store shellfish until the late 1980s.
PORTHGWARRA BEACH – Once a thriving fishing cove Porthgwarra is now a peaceful spot surrounded by wildflowers and birds. Now only one boat regularly works crab pots from Porthgwarra but there are lots of reminders of the fishing heritage. The cave running through the cliff is one of Porthgwarra’s most interesting features. There is a rope to hang on to as it’s dangerously slippery. It was dug by miners from St Just to allow access to the beach so that farmers could retrieve seaweed by horse and cart. The seaweed was then used as fertiliser. Bats can sometimes be seen flying in and out of the cave of an evening. The other tunnel leads to the sea and was used by fishermen who would store live shellfish in tidal 'hulleys' built into this tunnel for their weekly trip to market.
PORTHCURNO BEACH – Porthcurno is one of Cornwall’s jewels, with soft white sand and a turquoise blue sea. The cliffs and coastlines are officially designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and widely considered to be some of the most visually stunning areas in the United Kingdom. These high cliffs protect the beach from the winds that whip the west and on a sunny day you’ll think you’ve landed in paradise.
NANJIZAL BEACH – This is another favourite of The Cornish Way team. Accessibility is an issue, the nearest place to park is a mile and a half from Nanjizal, but it's worth the effort. There's a fresh water stream to wash your feet in, coarse clean sand, rockpools, and the Song of the Sea, the long narrow arch that entrances photographers as the sun glints through it. There are also caves and a cross formation in the cliffs that must have created a religious fervour in years gone by. Seals are often spotted at Nanjizal as they play in the waves.
SWIMMING - Swimming here is good, but don't go out beyond the headland as there's often strong currents and the beach isn’t lifeguarded.
WALKING – Porthgwarra is a good place to walk from to reach Nanjizal beach which is not accessible by road.
There is also a circular walk to the Minack Theatre, via St Levan’s Church and Porthchapel beach, from Porthgwarra. There are stunning views over Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder as well as an array of wildflowers, wildlife and ancient relics.
POLDARK – The popular scene in series ones of Poldark where Ross goes skinny dipping in the crystal-clear water while watched secretly by Demelza from the cliff tops was filmed here. As well as the pilchard fishing scene and many others.
SHOPPING
SENNEN MARKET – The market has grown over the years to both encompass and showcase locally grown produce, freshly made foodstuffs and handmade arts and crafts.
ST BURYAN FARM SHOP - A family run farm shop with a great selection of local produce and home reared meats – the pasties are delicious too!
BOSAVERN COMMUNITY FARM - Bosavern Farm Shop is a not-for-profit Social Enterprise run on Wholesome Food Association principles by a community of employees, members and volunteers. Great for organic fresh vegetables and eggs.
EATING
PORTHGWARRA COVE CAFÉ – Perfectly placed for walkers to take a break and just a stone’s throw from the beach Porthgwarra Cove Café has a beautiful garden and plenty of parking. You’ll find light lunches, Moomaid of Zennor ice cream, and homemade cakes. There’s also traditional Cornish cream teas and freshly baked pasties.
PORTHCURNO BEACH CAFÉ – A family run beach cafe offering a selection of drinks, lunch and afternoon tea. Dogs are welcome too!
THE LOGAN ROCK INN – A 16th century traditional village pub serving a variety of food and drinks. It stands a short walk away from the nearby village of Treen.
