Surfing Etiquette
19/06/2024
Top Activities Around Perranporth for Non-Surfing Days
04/07/2024
The Best Beaches Near Perranporth
Some of the best spots along Cornwall's North Coast
Here at Stoked Surf School, we're proud to call Perranporth home.
Located on the north coast of Cornwall, Perranporth is a haven for beach lovers and surfers alike. Beyond its own stunning sands, the surrounding area boasts a variety of beautiful beaches, each offering its unique charm and appeal. In today's post, one leading up to an all-encompassing guide to the area, we'd like to share some of our favourite nearby beaches.
Whether you’re looking for the best surf spots, family-friendly locations, or tranquil retreats, here are the top beaches close to Perranporth you won't want to miss.
Perranporth Beach
It'd be remiss for us not to start our local beach guide without mentioning the one closest to home.
Perranporth Beach is the heart of the town, renowned for its expansive golden sands and excellent surfing conditions. Stretching for nearly three miles at low tide, this beach offers plenty of space for sunbathing, beach games, and exploring. The beach is also home to the iconic Watering Hole, the UK’s only bar on the beach, providing a unique spot to enjoy a drink while soaking in the stunning sea views. They also host a surf cam for Perranporth beach.
In addition to the Watering Hole, Perranporth offers a range of amenities including us at Stoked Surf School where you can book a surf lesson or even hire some surf gear, and various eateries and shops nearby.
Perranporth Beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards during the summer months, ensuring a safe environment for swimming and surfing.
Families can enjoy the rock pools and the natural sea pool located at Chapel Rock, while dog owners will appreciate its dog-friendly nature with their canine companions being allowed on the beach all year round (they must be kept on leads from 10am - 5pm in July and August, however).
With its combination of natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere, Perranporth Beach is a must-visit for anyone staying in the area.
Fistral Beach, Newquay
A short drive north from Perranporth, Fistral Beach in Newquay is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the UK. Known for its consistent and powerful waves, Fistral attracts surfers from around the world and hosts numerous surfing competitions including the one held at the popular Boardmasters Festival.
The beach itself is spacious and sandy, which you can see for yourself using the Fistral Beach Surf Cam. This provides plenty of room for sunbathers and beachgoers. It’s an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced surfers, with several surf schools offering lessons and equipment rental.
Fistral Beach also boasts excellent facilities, including cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a convenient spot for a day out. The nearby Headland Hotel, famous for its 1990 adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel The Witches, offers stunning views and a touch of luxury.
Whether you’re there to catch some waves at the British home of surfing or simply relax, Fistral Beach provides a vibrant and lively beach experience.
Crantock Beach
Just south of Newquay, Crantock Beach is a hidden gem nestled between headlands and backed by rolling dunes.
This National Trust beach offers a more peaceful and picturesque setting, ideal for families and those looking to escape the crowds. The Gannel Estuary, which flows into Crantock, provides a safe spot for swimming and paddleboarding, while the surrounding dunes and cliffs offer excellent walking opportunities. The beach is also popular for bodyboarding and kayaking and also has an RNLI lifeguard presence to ensure safety
Crantock Beach has a car park nearby and basic amenities including toilets and a beach cafe. The charming village of Crantock is within walking distance, offering additional dining options such as the nearby Bowgie Inn (which overlooks the beach and hosts its own Crantock Beach Surf Cam), and local shops.
The beach’s tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty make it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the sea.
Polly Joke (aka Porth Joke)
Polly Joke, also known as Porth Joke, is a secluded and lesser-known beach nestled between Crantock and Holywell Bay.
This hidden gem is our head coach Julian's favourite beach (outside of Perranporth, of course!) and is a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a tranquil day by the sea. With its golden sands, clear waters, and dramatic cliffside surroundings, Polly Joke offers a picturesque and serene setting.
Access to Polly Joke involves a bit of a walk, as there is no direct car park nearby. Visitors typically park at West Pentire and enjoy a scenic walk through fields and coastal paths, which adds to the sense of adventure and seclusion. The effort is well worth it, as the beach’s unspoiled beauty and peaceful atmosphere provide a perfect escape from busier tourist spots.
Polly Joke is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the natural rock pools that are revealed at low tide. The beach is dog-friendly, making it a great choice for pet owners looking to enjoy a day out with their furry friends. While there are no facilities directly on the beach, the nearby village of Crantock offers amenities such as cafes, pubs, and shops as mentioned above.
For those seeking a peaceful and picturesque beach experience, Polly Joke is an excellent choice. Its hidden location, natural beauty, and tranquil ambiance make it a true Cornish treasure.
Holywell Bay
Holywell Bay, located just a few miles north from Perranporth, is known for its wide, sandy beach and dramatic dunes. It’s a popular spot for families, thanks to its shallow waters and facilities like a beach shop and toilets, and the beach is dog-friendly year-round, making it a great choice for pet owners.
The bay’s iconic Gull Rocks, visible from the shore, provide a stunning backdrop and are often featured in films (like 2002's James Bond hit Die Another Day) and TV shows such as the recent Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. Holywell Bay is also great for surfing and bodyboarding making it a choice destination for wave enthusiasts.
Not to be outshone by golden sands and crashing waves, Holywell Bay also has an area of natural beauty that give the beach its name; the "Holy Well" at St Cuthbert's Cave - a hidden grotto of white, blue, red, green and purple limestone walls filled with stalactites formed by years of freshwater dripping through.
In addition to its natural beauty, Holywell Bay offers several amenities including a pub, a golf course, and various accommodation options ranging from campsites to holiday cottages.
Whether you’re looking to relax, surf, or explore the dunes, Holywell Bay has something for everyone.
Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes
Trevaunance Cove, situated in the charming village of St Agnes (a few miles south-west of Perranporth), offers a picturesque and sheltered beach surrounded by high cliffs.
It’s a fantastic spot for both surfing and snorkelling, with rock pools to explore at low tide. The beach is family-friendly,especially for those with young ones who want to splash in the ocean - the beach's natural formation is enclosed enough for a parent's watchful eye to remain on them at all times.
The beach is also replete with nearby facilities including cafes, pubs, and toilets. The South West Coast Path runs through the area, providing breath-taking views and great hiking opportunities.
The village of St Agnes itself is worth exploring, with its independent shops, galleries, and eateries. Hollywood director Edgar Wright named the village's local chip shop, Fission Chips, as his favourite chippy in an episode of the popular comedy/food podcast Off Menu, hosted by comedians James Acaster and Ed Gamble.
St Agnes is also home to one of our favourite environmental charities Surfers Against Sewage, who have their headquarters in the nearby Wheal Kitty Workshops.
Trevaunance Cove’s unique blend of natural beauty and local charm makes it a wonderful destination for a day trip.
Porthtowan Beach
Porthtowan Beach is another excellent choice for beachgoers and surfers alike.
Known for its Blue Flag status, this beach boasts clean, golden sands and great waves. The nearby village offers a range of amenities, including cafes, bars, and shops.
Porthtowan is also home to the famous Blue Bar, a popular spot to relax with a drink while enjoying the sunset over the Atlantic. They also host the Porthtowan Surf Cam, so you can see the conditions yourself before thinking of heading down.
The beach is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer, ensuring a safe environment for swimming and surfing. For families, the nearby playground and sand dunes provide plenty of entertainment options.
Whether you’re looking to surf, swim, or simply unwind, Porthtowan Beach offers a perfect coastal escape.
The Best Beaches Near Perranporth - Conclusion
Whether you're a local or a visitor, the beaches around Perranporth offer a variety of experiences for everyone. And whilst this may not be an exhaustive list of the best beaches near Perranporth, we think that from the bustling surf scene at Fistral Beach to the tranquil beauty of Crantock, each beach has its unique charm and attractions. So, grab your sunscreen, pack a picnic, and explore the best beaches close to Perranporth – your perfect seaside adventure awaits.
