Perranporth Beach
Surrounded by tall cliffs and rolling dunes, this vast sandy beach has something for everyone, whether that be snorkeling, sunbathing or a splash about in the surf. It’s no wonder Perranporth Beach was winner of the Seaside Award 2022!
Contacts and Links
Perranporth Beach, TR6 0AQ
Things to do
Though surfing and swimming are certainly the headline acts at Perranporth Beach, there's a wealth of alternative activities to undertake in the area. Experience the sea in new ways with the selection of water sports offered by local companies, or float about on the surface with a snorkel while gazing on the marine life below.
The beach is easily accessible which is ideal if you’ve got young ones in tow and you can just plonk yourself on the sand close to the village, put down your towels and relax, there's even a bar close by!
Seaside walks
If the tide’s right out, do the beach justice and have a walk up towards Ligger Point, only a two mile jaunt away. Because the beach is so huge, it will feel like you have the place to yourself even if there are others around. Early morning you’ll probably see a few horses and their riders having a paddle in the surf and there’s a welcome café for a coffee stop halfway along.
You can make the return journey (or if the tide’s in) over the extensive sand dunes which are teeming with wildlife, and home to the ruined chapel of St Piran.
The History of Perranporth
Perranporth is an area shrouded in Cornish myth and legend. It is said that in the 5th century AD Saint Piran, the patron saint of Cornish miners, was tied to a mill-stone and thrown off the cliffs in Ireland.
Rather than sinking, the seas immediately became calm and he floated across the water all the way to Cornwall, where he washed up on Perran Sands, adjacent to Perranporth. Saint Piran built a Christian oratory behind the beach, whose ruins still stand today.
Today, Perranporth’s Atlantic swell attracts surfers from far and wide, but it is a little known fact that the very roots of British surfing are owed to the area. In the 1930s, after seeing the popularity of surfing in countries such as Australia and South Africa, Brits returning home were determined to acquire their own boards. Tom Tremewan, a Perranporth local, created some of Britain’s earliest surfboards from whatever wood he had handy, including coffin lids!
For more information on the history of Perranporth, the Perranzabuloe museum is located just off Perranporth’s high street and has displays on the social and industrial heritage of the area, including mining, farming, surfing and fishing.
Surf and swim at Perranporth
Blessed by a perfect Atlantic swell, Perranporth Beach is widely-renowned among surfers and swimmers alike. Swimmers can take a dip in the clear waters of the surf, or if the waves aren't to your liking, relax in the Chapel Rock tidal pool. Surfers can expect to ride a fantastic break in one of Cornwall's prime surfing locations, with an incredible view of the coast to keep them company on their board. Be sure to take advantage of the numerous surf schools scattered about the beach and town, offering lesson levels ranging from newcomer to advanced.
Plan your trip
Everything you need to know about getting to Perranporth Beach.
Perranporth
Cornwall
TR6 0AQ
Wheal Leisure Car Park offers free parking in the off season and is located on Wheal Leisure, just next to the main street. Alternatively, the Car Park on the Promenade is a pay and display bordering right onto the south end of the beach.
The main bus line travelling into Perranporth is the U1 line, which has stops in Falmouth, Penryn, Truro, and Newquay, along with several other towns and villages. The closest stop to Perranporth Beach is the Beach Road stop. Visitors inside Cornwall unable to access the U1 or U1A lines may need to look at connecting lines.
The nearest train station to Godrevy Beach is Hayle railway station, around 4 miles away. The station is on the Cornish main line, which connects Penzance to Plymouth.
Dogs are currently allowed on Perranporth Beach all year around. However, they are required to be on a lead in the main beach area from 10am to 5pm during July and August.
Perranporth Beach is a great location for swimmers and surfers alike, and is RNLI lifeguarded through early April to the end of October.
Perranporth Beach offers an enormous package of experiences, featuring everything from surfing and surfing to golfing and skydiving. There is no shortage of activities available across the entire year for the whole family.
There is a free public toilet located at the south end of Perranporth Beach, next to the Car Park on the Promenade.
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