RachelPerranporth Beach, a well-known holiday destination in Cornwall, stretches over 2 miles on the North Coast of Cornwall. Its miles of golden sands make it perfect for walkers, families, horse riders, and dog walkers (depending on the time of year). Owned by the Parish Council, Perranporth is a very popular beach, and it was expected to attract 12,000 visitors in a single day in August 2021. Situated approximately 8 miles west of Truro and 8 miles south of Newquay, the beach is easily accessible by car or bus. Perranporth Beach is a favourite spot for surfers, sunbathers, and nature enthusiasts alike, thanks to its huge surf, sand dunes, and rock formations.
At low tide, Perranporth Beach is extended to join Penhale Sands. This makes the beach very long. Perfect for an afternoon walk. You could even stop in at The Watering Hole – the UK’s only bar on the beach! They serve excellent food and drink! In the summer, you can go to the iconic music festival – Tunes in the Dunes! Right on the beach! Check their page for upcoming events!
The Town
The high street of Perranporth is right by the beach. It has a host of shops available. Including a Post Office, Coop, gift shops, The Hub restaurant, Boots, a pub, and various ice cream parlours, cafes (serving cream tea), and restaurants. Of course, being a seaside town you will want to know where are the best fish and chips in Perranporth are! Well, I can recommend the Dolphin Cafe and The Hadock’s End as the top 2 places, but there are many others close by as well.
The History of Perranporth
Perranporth has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age, with evidence of ancient settlements and mining activity still visible in the surrounding landscape. The town takes its name from the nearby St. Piran’s Oratory, a 6th-century chapel dedicated to the patron saint of Cornwall. In more recent times, the town was a hub for mining and fishing, with evidence of these industries still visible in the local museum. The Perranzabuloe Museum, located just off Perranporth’s high street, offers a wealth of information on the village’s social and industrial heritage, with displays on mining, fishing, costume, farming, and surfing. The museum is run by a team of enthusiastic volunteers and offers visitors a chance to learn more about the history and culture of this fascinating part of Cornwall.
St Piran’s Oratory, located in the dunes of Penhale Sands is an ancient Christian chapel located near Perranporth Beach in Cornwall. The chapel is believed to date back to the 6th or 7th century AD and is dedicated to St Piran, the patron saint of Cornwall. The chapel is said to mark the spot where St Piran, an Irish missionary, established a Christian centre of worship after being washed ashore on a millstone. The chapel fell into disuse in the 12th century and was eventually buried by sand dunes, only to be rediscovered and excavated in the 19th century. Today, the chapel’s four walls still stand, protected by a covering of sand, and it is a popular destination for visitors interested in Cornwall’s rich history and culture. The chapel is enclosed by railings to protect it from damage and erosion caused by visitors, and access is limited to protect its fragile structure.
Perranporth Tidal Pool
It’s a beautiful beach to explore, with caves, interesting rock formations, miles of golden sands, flat rocks and a swimming pool in the rocks! A glorious treasure to find and explore! Don’t forget the tidal pools! The tidal pool at Perranporth can be found at the back of Chapel Rock. It’s the big rock that stands to one side of the beach with the Cornish flag on top! There are a few rock pools around, but it’s not really a rock pool beach.
Is Perranporth Beach Accessible?
Yes. Perranporth Beach is one of very few here in Cornwall that is very accessible to wheelchair users. The carpark is level with the beach and virtually on the beachfront. It has a large free toilet and changing block in the carpark. It makes it ideal for families with young children to be close to the amenities as well.
Perranporth Beach has sand chairs for hire, call either 07591 935222 / 01637 831383
Lifeguards at Perranporth
On the main beach at Perranporth, it has lifeguard cover at Easter and then from 1st May to the 30th September and during October half-term holiday. Normal duty hours are 10 am -6 pm. When on a lifeguarded beach with red and yellow flags always swim or bodyboard between them. This area is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards.
Perranporth Tides
Perranporth is known for having very strong undercurrents and large breaking waves. So please always swim in the lifeguarded areas. When it’s high tide most of the sandy beach is underwater. The small streams near the car park at the town end of the beach may be visible, depending on the water level. It’s best to check the tide times before heading to the beach.
Surfing
Perranporth is a fantastic beach for surfing with the swell coming in from the North Coast. It also has its own surf lifesaving club.
Are Dogs Allowed on Perranporth Beach?
Yes. Currently, they are allowed all year round on the beach. However please note that during the busy months of July and August, dogs must be on short leads between 10 am and 5 pm on the main beach area. Perranporth beach is a large area and there are many sand dunes at the back where dogs can be let off their leads if needed.
Car parking at Perranporth
The carpark by the beach is the most accessible and perfect for disabled users – flat entry to the beach! However, it does fill up really quickly. There is also a large car park on Station Road, a car park in the town at Wheal Leisure and a car park at the top of Cliff Road. This will require a steep trek down the road and of course back up again!
Tip: The beach can get very crowded during peak season, so be prepared for busy conditions. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting early in the morning or in the evening.
Directions
Perranporth is 9 miles from Truro using the B3284, and 8 miles from Newquay via the A3075 and B3285.
Postcode: TR6 0JN
How To Get To Perranporth Beach
There are several ways to get to Perranporth Beach, including driving, taking the bus, or walking. Here are some details on each mode of transportation:
1. Driving: If you are driving, Perranporth is easily accessible via the A30. From the A30, take the B3285 towards Perranporth. The beach has several car parks, including a large one located at the top of the cliffs. During peak season, parking can be limited, so it’s best to arrive early or consider using public transportation.
2. Bus: Perranporth is well-served by bus routes from nearby towns and cities, including Truro and Newquay. The First Kernow bus service operates several routes to the beach, including the 87 and 588. The bus stops at several locations in Perranporth, including the main car park and the town centre.
3. Walking: For those who enjoy hiking, Perranporth can be accessed via several scenic walking routes through the special area of conservation. The South West Coast Path, which runs along the entire Cornish coast, passes through Perranporth, offering stunning views of the beach and surrounding landscape. The beach can also be reached via several inland footpaths.
Where To Stay Close To Perranporth Beach
Here are some of the best accommodation places in Perranporth and the surrounding areas:
1. Haven Perran Sands Holiday Park – Situated at the northern end of the beach, you can stay in caravans, chalets, beach houses, lodges or even go glamping! Step out of your caravan and walk to the beach below!
2. Seiners Arms: This charming inn is located in the centre of Perranporth and offers cosy rooms and a traditional pub atmosphere. The inn is just a short walk from the beach and offers free parking for guests. Prices start at around £70 per night.
3. The Perranporth Hotel: This stylish hotel is located just a few minutes walk from the beach and offers a range of amenities, including an outdoor pool, spa, and restaurant. The hotel also offers free parking for guests. Prices start at around £100 per night.
4. The Seaview Inn: This cosy inn is located in the nearby village of Porthtowan and offers comfortable rooms and a traditional pub atmosphere. The inn is just a short drive from Perranporth and offers stunning views of the coast. Prices start at around £60 per night.
5. The Oasis Guesthouse: This family-run guesthouse is located just a few minutes walk from the beach and offers comfortable rooms and a friendly atmosphere. The guesthouse also features a garden and terrace for guests to enjoy. Prices start at around £60 per night.
All of these accommodations offer easy access to Perranporth Beach and the surrounding area, as well as a range of amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Prices vary depending on the season and availability, so it’s best to check with each accommodation directly for the most up-to-date rates.
Where To Eat and Drink
Here are some of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars in Perranporth:
1. The Watering Hole: This popular beach bar is located right on the sand and offers stunning views of the beach and sea. The bar serves a range of drinks and pub-style food from its fully equipped kitchen, including burgers, fish and chips, and sandwiches. Prices start at around £7 for a main dish.
2. Alcatraz Bar and Restaurant: This lively bar and restaurant is located in the centre of Perranporth Beach and offers a range of food and drink options, including cocktails and pizza. It’s a great place to go with friends to watch the sunset! Prices start at around £10 for a main dish.
3. The Willow: This cosy cafe is located in the centre of Perranporth and offers a range of breakfast and lunch options, including sandwiches, salads, and baked goods. Prices start at around £5 for a sandwich.
4. The Summer House: This stylish restaurant is located just a few minutes walk from the beach and offers a range of food and drink options, including seafood and cocktails. Prices start at around £15 for a main dish.
5. The Pavilion Boatshed Cafe: This charming cafe is located at the end of the pier and offers stunning views of the beach and sea. The cafe serves a range of food and drink options, including coffee, cakes, and light bites. Prices start at around £3 for a coffee.
All of these establishments offer a range of food and drink options to suit all tastes and budgets. Prices vary depending on the establishment and menu item, so it’s best to check with each restaurant or cafe directly for the most up-to-date prices. Many of these establishments have received positive ratings on review sites such as TripAdvisor, with The Watering Hole being a particularly popular spot for visitors to Perranporth.
Things To Do at Perranporth
Here’s a quick guide to things to do in Perranporth:
1. Golfing: Perranporth Golf Club is a popular destination for golfers, offering stunning views of the coast and challenging holes on its golf course for all skill levels.
2. Horseback riding: Reen stables in the area offer horseback rides along the beach and surrounding countryside, providing a unique and memorable way to experience the area’s natural beauty.
3. Coastal walk: The South West Coast Path passes through Perranporth, offering breathtaking views of the coastline, rocky cliffs and surrounding landscape. There are several walking routes to choose from, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes.
4. Visit the Perranzabuloe Museum: This local museum offers a wealth of information on the village’s social and industrial heritage, with displays on mining, fishing, costume, farming, and surfing.
5. Visit St. Piran’s Oratory: This ancient Christian chapel is located just a short walk from the beach and offers a glimpse into Cornwall’s rich history and culture.
6. Walks around Perranporth – Walk the beaches! At low tide, Perran Sands combines with Perranporth into a 2.2 mile stretch of sand between Droskyn Point and Ligger Point to explore!
Summary
Perranporth Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike due to its stunning natural beauty and range of activities. The beach on the north Cornwall coast boasts miles of golden sand, impressive surf, and unique rock formations, making it an ideal spot for sunbathing, surfing, and exploring. The sand dunes and nearby cliffs provide a picturesque backdrop for hiking and bird watching. The beach is easily accessible by car or bus, making it a convenient destination for day trips or longer stays. The town of Perranporth also offers a variety of accommodation options, restaurants, bars and ice cream shops, making it an attractive destination for visitors looking for a complete holiday experience. It is the perfect holiday destination for the whole family. Especially in the summer months!
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