Portheras Cove
- info
- weather & tides
- surfing
Portheras is one of the last remaining truly local beaches in West Cornwall. Located on one of the wildest stretches of Cornish coast between Pendeen and Morvah it isn't that easy to find.
Owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, the beach itself is a lovely sandy cove located at the end of a shallow valley with sheer cliffs at the northern end.
Until recently parts of the beach were out of bounds due to razor sharp fragments of an old wreck under the sand. In August 1963 the 454 ton cargo ship Alacrity, carrying anthracite from Swansea to Brussels, ran aground. In 2004 the wreck was finally cleaned up making the beach safe once again
Seals are a common sight here
Also known as:
Portherras Cove
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
No lifeguard cover
Dogs friendly beach?
Dogs allowed all year
Postcode
TR19 7TU
OS grid ref.
SW 3902 3572
Parking
Either park in the farm car park at the end of 'Rose Valley' or park in the Pendeen Watch car park.
Portheras Cove Reviews (16)
Five star beach
Jo clack
Jul 07th 2019It’s not the easiest access and has no facilities but if you would rather natural unspoilt beauty without the crowds for this part of Cornwall then make the effort.
Unspoilt
Bailey
Oct 21st 2019Those that don’t like it obviously don’t appreciate it’s true beauty and would rather have, cafes n 100s of people milling around… it is an idealic cove appreciated by people, dogs and seals. If you love being at 1 with nature then protheras cove is for you
Lovely quiet beach away from all the hustle and bustle, no frills but well worth it
Dogs
Anne
Aug 28th 2021I totally agree with the comments about dog walkers not clearing up their dogs mess. We have a large dog and we never go anywhere without dog poo bags. We always clear up wherever we go, and the morons that don’t, give dog walkers a bad name. If people think that leaving a mess is acceptable, it makes you wonder what their homes are like!!!
Best beach in Cornwall
James
Nov 21st 2021I’ve been coming to Portherras all my life (55 years literally) and it’s still my happy place…
Best beach in Cornwall !
Unspoilt, quiet, off the beaten track. Was my local beach, a secret well worth keeping.
Two Airedales
Toby & Tess
Sep 03rd 2019The best beach in Cornwall for dogs can’t escape, and plenty of fresh drinking water.
Amazing beach
Rory
Aug 17th 2019This is really beautiful beach, with a natural stream running down to the beach. The water is cold but waves were amazing and good fun to swim in.
Car Park is on a farmers property and then a walk down to the beach (+-1mile) . No facilities but its unspoilt , quiet and beautiful. I would definitely recommend visiting this beach. Its also dog friendly all year!!
Portheras cove
Not easy accesible if you have mobility issues!! Also it is not a life guarded beach and the swell here can be dangerous as its a small cove especially when tide is on its way out. The tide pull is strong and the beach dips away into the sea. Not good for children unless your willing to watch your children like a hawk. You need to be a strong swimmer and wouldnt reccomend sups or kayaks unless very experienced. The beach itself is beautiful but is sadly being spoilt by word of mouth so no longer a quiet beach.
Great place for a beach barbecue
murrayzz1
Aug 26th 2021This is the perfect spot for a beach barbecue. Nip over to Newlyn for some fresh fish, park up by the lighthouse and follow the path down to the beach. It’s about a 20 minute walk, with a scramble over the rocks at the end. OK for all, but may be slightly challenging for those with mobility restrictions or the very old. If you set up your barbecue at the right hand end of the beach, you’ll be treated to the most fabulous of sunsets as you cook your fish over open charcoal. Magical.
Great secluded beach for nudism
Very quiet and ideal for nudists as not much used went and used the far end
Irresponsible Dog Owners
This beach is a lovely beach with clear waters, shame it’s not clean due to the mess being left by the irresponsible dog owners allowing the dogs to crap over it and not clean up, but bury it shallow allowing the kids to come along afterwards and dig it up whilst playing in the sand and allowing there dogs to urinate over other peoples belongings as was the case on the sunny day of the 4th August 2021, then walk off and not even offer an apology, getting all dogs owners a bad review. They should be banned off the beach completely.
mark kirkby
Apr 21st 2021wonderful beach, at one with nature and not may people. if you want arcades and cafes will not be for you.
Secluded beach
Jean Cooper
Sep 11th 2020Had a lovely afternoon on this beautiful beach, had an invigorating swim and we saw a seal In the waves. Lovely walk down from the lighthouse I had a walking stick that helps on the steep climb down the rocks but worth it.
Alex
Aug 12th 2020Here on a foggy August day and we had the beach to ourselves at tea time. Great beach and loads of rocks to explore. Shame about the multiple dog craps on the path down. Some dog owners don’t deserve access.
Avoid
Banzy
Jul 13th 2019Don’t bother, it’s not great.