New Year’s Day in Cornwall
Who can imagine a better way to spend New Year’s Day than in the crisp sunny outdoor air in...
Located on the south west coast of Cornwall, Porthcurno Beach is considered to be one of the UK’s finest. Its white sand and turquoise sea, surrounded by dramatic high cliffs, make it an oasis for those looking for an escape.
Having won several awards, this beach is well worth a visit and we highly recommend spending the day here. So why not read on for our complete guide to Porthcurno Beach?
Use our quick links below or read on to learn more about Porthcurno Beach:
Located in the quiet village of Porthcurno, on the southwestern coast of Cornwall is where you’ll find Porthcurno Beach. It’s approximately 9 miles from Penzance and is known for its near-white sands, stunning turquoise waters, and picturesque rugged cliffs.
Visitors flock here in their thousands every year to experience this little piece of paradise. At low tide, the white sands stretch all the way to the neighbouring beach of Pedn Vounder and small shallow pools of translucent water are revealed for those wanting to do some rock pooling. The walk between the two coves is relatively easy but be sure to watch the tide so you don’t get cut off.
Check the Porthcurno Beach tide times here.
If arriving by car, Porthcurno is only 10 miles from Penzance. To get to the beach, approach Penzance along the A30 and follow directions towards Land’s End. 2 miles after Penzance turn left on the B3283, driving through St Buryan. Once the B3282 joins the B3315 continue along the B3315 through the town of Treen until you reach Trethewey. At Trethewey, turn left and follow the signs to Porthcurno and take this road to the main car park.
The postcode for Sat Nav directions is TR19 6JX.
What3Words location for the car park entrance is ///waged.maps.predict.
You can also travel to Porthcurno Beach by bus from Penzance. Buses tend to run every hour and you should check the Porthcurno Bus Timetable before you set off.
Read our parking section for more details about parking charges and how to pay.
The only facilities located next to the beach are public toilets which are located in the car park. They are open throughout the year with a 20p charge to use them. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, the café at the Museum of Global Communications is just a short walk from the car park.
There are more facilities at the Minack Theatre, including a café and gift shop. The theatre also has a garden you can explore and often has shows that are worth seeing.
Porthcurno is most widely known for its hi-tech history as an international telecommunications centre. Around 150 years ago, the first international telegraph cable was brought onto the shores of Porthcurno Beach, connecting Britain to India and other parts of the British Empire. There is now a museum and cable station hut here to provide you with the history of submarine telecommunications.
Porthcurno Beach is generally considered accessible for most visitors. The car park is a short walk from the beach and final access to the beach is via a short set of steps, so bear this in mind when travelling with children, those with mobility challenges, or those using wheelchairs.
Porthcurno Beach is generally considered a safe beach for swimming, but as with any beach, it is important to be aware of certain conditions and take the necessary precautions to keep you and your loved ones safe. Some factors to consider:
If you’re looking to bring your four-legged friend with you for a holiday in South Cornwall then you’ll be delighted to know that Porthcurno Beach is dog-friendly. You and your pooch can run, swim, and laze around on the beach throughout most of the year. There is a small dog ban in place from 1st July to 31st August, between 10 am and 6 pm, but outside of this period, you and your doggy are free to roam.
Check out our guide on dog-friendly beaches in Cornwall for more fun days out with your dog.
Parking at Porthcurno Beach is relatively straightforward and easy. The car park is large, though it can fill up quickly during peak times (weekends and summer holidays) so it’s advised to either arrive early to make the most of your day or early evening to avoid the big crowds.
Current parking charges as of 2nd June 2023 are £2.60 for 0 to 2 hours, £5.00 for 2 to 4 hours, and £6.90 for all day. According to the PK Porthcurno website payment can be made via card or cash before leaving or you can pay using the RingGo app on your smartphone. If using the app, make sure you pay upon arrival.
Looking for more inspiration on things to do near Porthcurno Beach? We’ve put together a list of our top 5 favourite things to do near Porthcurno Beach while you’re in the South of Cornwall:
For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, we highly recommend walking the South West Coast Path.
One of our favourite walks goes from Penzance to Land’s End. Although the whole walk would take you roughly 8 hours to complete, there are some much smaller walks you can do along this particular stretch of coast.
Check out the Walking Britain or AllTrails website for more details on walking from Porthcurno to Land’s End or Penzance.
For more walking inspiration in Cornwall, take a look at the following blogs:
With its unmistakable white sands and stunning turquoise waters, Porthcurno Beach really is one of the best places to go Paddleboarding in Cornwall. Launch your board from the sandy shores at low tide and make your way to Logan Rock or head out on a mission to find a secluded cove.
Located just 10 miles from Porthcurno in the village of Penzance is the Minack Theatre. This unique open-air venue is set on the side of a cliff and is both a working theatre and a tourist attraction in its own right.
Check the website in advance for a timetable of their shows and book yourself in to watch a performance, or if that’s not your thing, be sure to check the website for days and times when the theatre is open for public viewings. Booking in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.
Nanjizal Beach is one of Cornwall’s hidden gems, accessible via the South West Coast Path and located near Land’s End. The beach is home to the Song Of The Sea Cave or Zawn Pyg and is truly spectacular.
Accessible only at low tide, this cavernous sea cave was created by a natural arch on the Southern side of the beach and has two separate entrances; one large one on the beach side and a narrow slit on the seaward side. It’s a very popular location for photography, especially when the sun goes down.
You’ll also find 2 sea pools separated by a rocky reef which make this a great location for wild swimming in Cornwall. On a very calm day, it may even be possible to swim right through the cave.
Whilst Porthcurno is known for its impressive beach, it’s not so well known for its communications history and international submarine communications cable station. Located near Porthcurno Beach, the Museum of Global Communications allows you and your loved ones to explore the amazing story of our connected world and how a tranquil valley in South Cornwall became a host to the past, present, and future of worldwide communications.
From the discovery of Morse code and electricity to fibre optics and the future of technology, this award-winning museum will show you it all. Take a tour of the museum and nearby Cable Hut before exploring underground Second World War tunnels and a ‘secret bunker’.
Book your tickets on the PK Porthcurno Museum website at least 24 hours in advance to avoid disappointment. They all offer a 50% discount for those with a valid Blue Light Card and those arriving at the museum by bus. All you need to do is show a valid bus ticket.
Looking for somewhere to stay near Porthcurno Beach? We have a range of properties just for you. From romantic boltholes and coastal cottages to dog-friendly cottages and log cabins and lodges, there’s something in Cornwall for everyone.
Hi, I'm Justine. Holidays and travelling have always been a favourite of mine from a young age. Having recently decided to travel...
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