Porthcurno Beach
Flanked by rugged cliffs, with gorgeous white sands lapped by turquoise waves, Porthcurno makes for an oasis of stunning natural beauty.
Experience Porthcurno
With soft white sand, and a stream down one side that is great for children to paddle in, it's no wonder Porthcurno Beach is popular amongst families. Porthcurno's south-facing direction and flanked by high headlands provides a natural shelter from the wind and weather, which gives the beach its own near-microclimate. Though the conditions are often flat in the summer, winter's southwest swells can see a quality break for surfers and bodyboarders.
Walking at Porthcurno
There's a number of breathtaking views to be discovered from the winding coastal paths found around Porthcurno. Access to the South West Coast Path is provided just behind the beach. From there, savour the beauty of the aquamarine water and sheer cliffs as you wander westwards to Porthgwarra, a reclusive cove, or head eastward to find yourself at Treryn Dinas, the iconic headland that features a promontory fort that dates back to the Iron Age.
Contacts and Links
Address: Porthcurno Beach, Porthcurno, Cornwall, TR19 6JX
If you find your visit to Porthcurno is in need of a little more spectacle, why not wander up to the Minack Theatre? It's open to visitors all year, and between Easter and September a number of delightful plays are put on, produced by companies from all over the UK.
The History of Porthcurno
In the late nineteenth century, Porthcurno began to receive a great deal of national attention, for it became the British connection of the world's very first international telegraph cable. This first cable stretched all the way to India, with subsequent cables being built to reach other areas within the British Empire.
In 1872, the Eastern Telegraph Company (ETC) Limited took over the operation of the cables and built a concrete cable office in the valley—a building which still stands today. In the inter-war period, this office briefly became the busiest telegraph station in the world, capable of transmitting up to two million words a day. The operation would later be forced underground in the Second World War, and was ceased totally in the 1970s.
Over the last century, Porthcurno has also made its name as the backdrop to Cornwall's iconic Minack Theatre. The theatre was started in the early 1930s by Rowena Cade and her gardener, Billy Rawlings, with many improvements being made over the following years. With an ancient Greek appeal atop rugged Cornish cliffs, it's no wonder the theatre's popularity has only grown over time.
Something about Porthcurno seem oddly familiar? The beach was used as a backdrop to a dream sequence starring Ross and Demelza in the BBC's 2015 historical drama series 'Poldark.'
Plan your trip
Everything you need to know about getting to Porthcurno Beach.
Porthcurno Beach
Porthcurno
Cornwall
TR19 6JX
There is a large pay and display car park located at the bottom of Porthcurno village, with access to the beach via a five minute walk over a sandy path and steps. Please do not park on the road, either in the village or on the way into it.
The Land's End Coaster is an open-top scenic bus travelling all across West Cornwall. It stops in Porthcurno on its journey between Penzance and Land's End.
There is a seasonal dog ban in place at Porthcurno from the 1st of July and the 31st of August, between 10am and 6pm. At all other times dogs are welcome.
- RNLI Lifeguards
Porthcurno Beach is patrolled by RNLI Lifeguards between the 13th of May and the 24th of September, from 10am to 6pm (2023).
Access to Porthcurno is via a sandy path and steep steps. The beach is not wheelchair friendly.
The Minack Theatre is a ten minute walk from Porthcurno Beach via the South West Coast Path.
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