A selection of holiday properties in Porthcurno
The name Porthcurno evolved from the earlier spelling 'Porth Kernow' or 'Porth Curnow' which in Cornish means 'Port (or Bay) of Cornwall'. Porthcurno is a small village in the parish of St Levan in the very far west of Cornwall. In the late nineteenth century, Porthcurno became internationally known as a centre for international communications. Today, a white granite pyramid atop the cliff between Porthcurno and Logan Rock marks the spot where a hut which housed the termination of a submarine telegraph cable once stood. Porthcurno, its surrounding cliffs and coastline are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The views are widely considered to be some of the most visually stunning in the United Kingdom and as such, this is a fantastic location for keen walkers. The village has a sub-post office and general stores nearby, as well as a small café and ice cream stand near the car park (open only during the peak summer season). The National Trust own, preserve and maintain the coastal areas around Porthcurno, including those formerly owned by Cable and Wireless. The nearby cliffs rise to 60 m to 70 m above mean sea level and are formed from a bedrock of prismatic granite; over the geological timescales having been eroded, shaped and divided vertically and horizontally sometimes almost into rounded cubic blocks. An ancient bridleway, probably an early route to Porthcurno beach via the nearby Trendrennen Farm (about half a mile to the east of the village) has been opened by the Ramblers Association. The track was probably used by horse-drawn carts to collect seaweed to be used for land fertilisation. For over one hundred years, the area was dominated by the operations of the cable station owned by Cable and Wireless plc and its predecessor companies. Probably over 90% of the inhabitants were either employees of Cable and Wireless or were directly supported by it. During the Second World War, Porthcurno was designated a 'Vulnerable Point' and was heavily defended and fortified as a part of British anti-invasion preparations. There was even a platoon of 300 soldiers deployed to guard the station who camped on a former bowling green in the area. Any local who had business in the area was issued with a pass so that they could pass through. The defences included pillboxes and a petroleum warfare beach flame barrage which could be operated remotely from the tunnel. At the end of the War, although some 867 bombs fell in the Penzance area and 3957 houses were damaged or destroyed, the only damage suffered by any communications equipment at Porthcurno was the destruction of an antenna when a bomb fell about half a mile to the west of the cable office.
Take a look at what to do around Porthcurno
Tater-du, Porthcurno
2 Pets Allowed
Sleeps 2
No smoking allowed
From £288
Tater-du offers first floor accommodation in a lush valley setting just a few paces from an idyllic golden beach reminiscent of a Mediterranean hot spot. Porthcurno and its spectacular cove of soft ...
Lizard, Porthcurno
No Pets Allowed- Sleeps 2
- No smoking allowed
-
From £297
Porthcurno and its spectacular cove of soft white sands and clear azure seas framed by jagged headlands was the site of Britain's first major empire communications link in 1870 where a ...
Seascape, Porthcurno
- No Pets Allowed
- Sleeps 2
- No smoking allowed
-
From £235
The contrast of golden sands and clear blue waters framed by jagged headlands make the cove at Porthcurno a fabulous beach, and Seascape is within easy reach of this haven. ...
Longships, Porthcurno
- No Pets Allowed
Sleeps 4- No smoking allowed
-
From £306
Porthcurno and its spectacular cove of soft white sands and clear azure seas framed by jagged headlands was the site of Britain's first major empire communications link in 1870 where a ...
Wolf Rock, Porthcurno
- No Pets Allowed
- Sleeps 4
- No smoking allowed
-
From £318
Wolf Rock apartment is a magical holiday destination, lying within a peaceful valley and only a few minutes walk from the beautiful, sandy, Porthcurno Beach. The nearby coastal path provides excellent walking ...
Godrevy, Porthcurno
- No Pets Allowed
- Sleeps 4
- No smoking allowed
-
From £365
Porthcurno and its spectacular cove of soft white sands and clear azure seas framed by jagged headlands was the site of Britain's first major empire communications link in 1870 where a ...
Mariners' Watch, Porthcurno
- No Pets Allowed
- Sleeps 4
- No smoking allowed
-
From £392
Discover the lure of the Cornish coast and the enchantment of Porthcurno where an unspoilt cove of milk white sand washed by azure seas nestles in the fold of rugged headlands ...
Penthouse, Porthcurno
- No Pets Allowed
Sleeps 5- No smoking allowed
-
From £505
Commanding breathtaking views over shimmering seas, the sight of azure seas washing onto the milk white sands of a beautiful unspoilt cove framed by rocky outcrops and bracken covered headlands will capture ...
Porthcurno Bay View Porthcurno
- No Pets Allowed
Sleeps 6- No smoking allowed
-
From £650
Dazzling ocean views, a chic coastal interior and a Caribbean-like beach practically on the door step, Porthcurno Bay View has it all! Offering an unrivalled combination, this beachside bolthole is ...
