Porthtowan Local Information

The lodges are located at the heart of Cornwall’s historic tin mining country and situated in the small coastal village of Porthtowan.
Porthtowan village offers a sandy Blue Flag beach along with a selection of pubs and restaurants all just five minutes level walk (by Cornish standards) from your lodge.

Porthtowan’s beach is great fun for all the family. Fantastic surf for the more adventurous and plenty of rock pools and sand for the little ones. Patrolled by life guards at peak periods the beach also benefits from the “Blue Flag” award for exceptional quality.

What is the origin of the name Porthtowan?

Porthtowan derives its Cornish name from its most obvious feature – its sandy beaches and dunes (towans). It owes its present day character to its popularity as a local seaside resort in Victorian and Edwardian times when the local populous from Redruth and the surrounding areas flocked here, particularly on Bank Holidays.

Today’s conveniently placed shops and tourist amenities have their roots in this period when a handful of bathing machines served the adventurous swimmers of the day, most people then being content merely to take tea after a walk on the cliffs. The cliff walks are still splendid, but there is now much more to Porthtown than just tea rooms!

What will I find in the village?

What shops, cafe's and pubs does Porthtowan have?

We have the Blue Bar right on the beach along with the Beach Cafe. Definitely recommend a coffee moment at Blue or the Beach Cafe and now the newly refubished Unicorn at the Beach. We have a couple of surf schools that supply all the gear along with lessons, two hair salons, a village stores providing all the essentials, a beach shop and a post office. Thats about it. Oh, I nearly forgot, we have a fantastic playground in the centre of the village. Totally un-commercialised.

Is the beach safe?

Good question. No beach, anywhere, is "totally safe". During busy season periods its patrolled by the RNLI. Its a great surfing beach but also has plenty of rock pools for the little ones to explore. The shallow areas of the surf are fine for children. In the deeper water, as with many beaches there is sometimes a rip current and its always best to check on conditions with the RNLI or locals. Never surf alone without Lifegaurd cover and young children should always be accompanied by an adult. It is advisable not to sit at the base of cliffs.

Are the lodges really only 5 minutes walk to the village and the beach?

If you are nipping down to the village for a newspaper or a pint of milk then its about 5 minutes. If you are loaded up with the children, surfboards and all the beach gear then you are talking about 10 to 15 minutes. Rosehill, as the name implies, is on a hill. But its a very gentle hill. At the bottom of Rosehill it brings you out onto Beach Road which is a level walk into the village

Are there Public Toilets at the beach?

Yes. They are situated in the main car park where you will find Ladies, Gents and disabled conveniences along with baby changing facilities.

Is Porthtowan Accessible by Wheelchair?

Yes but with limitations. There are disabled parking bays in the main car park but as with most rugged beach areas accessibility to some areas may be difficult. It is advisable to check with local bars if you have special requirements. Most places will be happy to help. There is also a braille welcome sign for those with sight issues.
Rosehill has hosted many guests who are chair users who have had a most enjoyable stay in the village.

A happy community keeping the village and beach a great place to visit.

The locals of Porthtowan are proud of their small community and being able to come together to achieve the Blue Flag status for residents, holidaymakers and all beach users.

Community Beach Clean

Porthtowan Folklore

One local folk tale tells of a voice from the sea; “The hour is come but not the man.” A ghostly figure spotted at the top of a nearby hill, in response to the call, rushed down and vanished beneath the waves.

Overlooking Porthtowan are the remains of Wheal Towan, one of Cornwall’s most celebrated 18th century copper mines and scene of a fortune amassed by Ralph Allen Daniell of Trelissick, “guinea a minute” Daniell – his reputed income night and day. See more Mining History.

You can hear a special audio description of Porthtowan by following this link.

A very central location

Porthtowan is between Newquay and St Ives on the North Cornwall coast and from here via the coast path you will be able to explore Chapel Porth, St Agnes and Portreath by foot. Truro, Falmouth and Penzance are within an easy drive if you want a family outing.

Media attention at the Beach

You can see some of the local features of the village by viewing the two video’s below. Some excellent drone footage is shown and film of residents explaining their love for the beach and activities.

For more information go to: http://porthtowanbeach.com or email: enquiries@porthtowanbeach.com. Thank you for watching.

‘Fantastic Day’ by kind permission of Nick Heyward,
Bryan Morrison Music and Sony Music.

Thank you for watching.
‘Woke Up Dreaming’ by kind permission of Sam Richardson and Echo Corner Studio.