Porthmeor Cove

  • Porthmeor Cove
    © Cornwall Beaches
  • Porthmeor Cove
    © Cornwall Beaches
  • Porthmeor Cove
    © Cornwall Beaches
  • Porthmeor Cove - high tide
    © Cornwall Beaches
  • Porthmeor Cove - sand
    © Cornwall Beaches
  • Last updated:

    This secluded cove is set on the rugged West Cornwall coast between Land's End and St Ives. It is about as far removed from its namesake (Porthmeor beach) in St Ives as possible. Instead of the summer hordes it is a place of solitude.

    The foreshore is mainly composed of rounded rocks and boulders but towards lower tides a sandy area is revealed. There are a few other patches of sand amongst the rocks but these vary from year to year.

    Porthmeor would be a great spot for kids if it was easier to get to as it has lots of fascinating nooks and crannies. As it is it is mainly frequented by passing walkers and the odd geologist (not that geologists are odd you understand!).
    Porthmeor Cove is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on account of its geology. In fact it is one of the most important geological locations in SW England.

    Type of beach

    Sand and rocks

    Lifeguard service

    No lifeguard cover

    Dogs friendly beach?

    Dogs allowed all year

    dog friendly beaches »

    Nudist/naturist beach

    Yes

    Postcode

    TR20 8YX

    OS grid ref.

    SW 4255 3749

    Parking

    There is parking by the roadside, but there is only enough space for 2 or 3 cars. Other alternatives include parking at Carn Galva engine house around a mile away, or at Gurnards Head, which is about the same.

    Porthmeor Cove Reviews (4)

    Aug 11th 2022

    Great beach at low tide, very quiet to begin with, just half a dozen nudists being very discreet but after a while several more people turned up with dogs, using the beach as an exercise yard, which spoiled the solitude

    Great little cove

    Kevin

    Apr 21st 2022

    Great little cove to catch the sun and have a lovely swim. As previously stated a bit tricky for some getting down over large boulders and time your arrival for a couple of hours after High Water. The sand, once exposed, is lovely and soft. Three other naturists and one textile there when I visited for the afternoon. Will definitely go there again????.

    Risk and Reward

    Alex

    Aug 12th 2020

    Time your visit for low tide and you’ll be rewarded with sand. The big boulders make for an added challenge but were manageable for our 5 year old. Practically deserted on a sunny Sunday in August.

    Seldom anyone else there

    John Edwards

    Aug 09th 2019

    Very quiet with rocks offering privacy

    Show all 4 reviews