About Perranporth Beach

Named for the Patron Saint of Cornwall, who washed up tied to a millstone at Perran Sands, Perranporth Beach is steeped in history. Not only did St Piran supposedly build the ancient oratory that sits in the dunes behind the beach, but he is also credited with bringing tin mining to Cornwall, the industry that brought wealth and prosperity to the county during its 19th-century boom, resulting in many of the gorgeous engine houses that pepper the landscapes to this day. Today, the beach is one of the top surfing spots in Cornwall, with people swapping millstones for surfboards that can be rented along the shore.

Behind the beach, Penhale Dunes, the largest sand dunes in Cornwall and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), provide a rich habitat for local birds and plantlife, from kestrels dipping and diving overhead to sea holly and plumes of wildflowers in the summer months. Along the outskirts of the beach, rockpools form underwater havens for crustaceans and smaller fish, perfect for curious children to learn about life beneath the waves. Further out to sea, grey seals can often be seen popping up amongst the waves, while the occasional dolphin and basking shark explore the depths beyond the shore. Enjoy a wildlife-watching walk along the surrounding South West Coast Path, where the cliffs provide excellent sea views, or book onto a nearby boat trip to see some of Cornwall’s marine wildlife up close. 

Where is Perranporth Beach?

Perranporth Beach is on Cornwall’s rugged north coast and sits amidst a stretch of coastline famous for its beautiful beaches and excellent surf. Perranporth Beach is only a short drive from Newquay and Truro, with only 8 miles between them, giving you easy access to two of Cornwall’s cultural and foodie hubs. 

Set at the foot of Perranporth, one of North Cornwall’s vibrant coastal towns, this sprawling beach promises its own round-up of restaurants and attractions to explore, whether you’re looking for a beach café or a picturesque garden. 

How to get to Perranporth Beach

By car: If travelling from the M5, take the A30 down to Carlan Cross roundabout, where you will join the B3288, before joining the B3285 in Goonhavern.

By foot: You can walk along the South West Coast Path from St Agnes and Newquay, or walk along the beautiful Saints Trail from Goonhavern, which takes you along a pretty river that’s perfect for children and bikes.

By public transport: With a train station in Newquay and the First Bus 87 travelling between Newquay, Truro, St Agnes and Perranporth, it’s super easy to get around when visiting Perranporth Beach. 

Access to Perranporth Beach

With pay and display parking close to the beach, a concrete slipway and ramps joining the beach with the promenade, and sand chairs available for hire in the summer, Perranporth Beach is wonderfully accessible and perfect for family-friendly days out. 

Is Perranporth Beach dog-friendly?

Perranporth Beach is dog-friendly year-round, making it ideal for sandy zoomies and beach days with the pooch. During July and August, dogs must be kept on a lead within the main area of the beach between 10am and 6pm. There is also a number of fantastic dog-friendly places to eat nearby, including The Watering Hole, Summer House, and Alcatraz, making Perranporth an amazing dog-friendly destination. 

Is Perranporth Beach lifeguarded?

One of Cornwall’s most family-friendly beaches, Perranporth Beach is lifeguarded throughout the main season, which typically runs from late March to early November. Daily patrols run between 10am and 6pm, offering continuous cover across the beach. Red and yellow flags are used to keep swimmers and surfers safe, as there can be strong currents at certain parts of the beach, so make sure to always check for flags before entering the water. 

When is the best time to visit Perranporth Beach?

Low tide is the best time to visit Perranporth Beach, as the already impressive 3km of sand stretches to an almighty 5km, offering plenty of space for every kind of beachgoer. As with most of Cornwall’s beaches in the summer months, arriving early is key to nabbing a good spot and is the best time to enjoy a quiet stroll along the scenic sands. Low tide also reveals the fascinating sea pool at Chapel Rock, a part-natural, part-manmade tidal pool; just be aware of tide times so you don’t get cut off from the beach.

May, June, and September promise more relaxed beach days without the school holidays, while July and August celebrate good old-fashioned family fun, with picnic blankets adding pops of colour to the sun-soaked beach. Parking can fill up fast in the summer months, so we recommend arriving early to stake your claim, especially if you want to park as close to the beach as possible.

In the autumn and winter, Perranporth Beach is a haven for dog walkers. The giant expanse of sand is perfect for uninhibited zoomies, while the surrounding coastal paths promise sprawling views and breathtaking longer walks. And when hunger hits, kick off the sand and head to one of the many cosy pubs for a slap-up Sunday roast with all the trimmings - the ultimate end to a day spent exploring Perranporth Beach.

With its north-westerly aspect, Perranporth Beach is also a superb spot to watch the sunset. Take a flask of hot chocolate and a picnic blanket to enjoy the sinking spectacle from the beach, or head to one of the many sea-view cafés and restaurants to watch the sun dip behind the horizon as you sip a cocktail and tuck into a delicious plate of food.  

What is there to do at Perranporth Beach?

There are lots of things to see and do at Perranporth Beach, whether you’re an adrenaline seeker, a sun chaser, or a lover of live music. One of the top surfing beaches in Cornwall, Perranporth Beach is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its consistent surf. You can hire wetsuits and surfboards from the beach, and even join classes or book 1-1 tuition with local surf schools for more personalised instruction. Perranporth is also great for swimming and bodyboarding, with the surrounding coastline also providing an excellent adventure playground for coasteering and sea kayaking enthusiasts.

The Watering Hole, the UK’s only bar on a beach, is famous for its live music, as well as its popular annual music and surfing festival, Tunes in the Dunes, which takes place in and around June right here amidst the sands. For historians, St Piran’s Oratory is only a few steps away, while Perranzabuloe Museum invites you to dig deeper into the area’s fascinating past, from mining and fishing to archaeology. 

Perranporth Beach is a great destination for family-friendly days out, whether you want to build sandcastles, go bodyboarding, or enjoy a spot of rockpooling at low tide. A stunning stroll along the South West Coast Path will soon deliver you to Newquay, where a fantastic aquarium, zoo, and activity centre await. A short drive from Perranporth sits Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, a superb day out full of tractor rides, farm animals, and, you guessed it, cyder! 

And for those who want a thrill alongside their views, Perranporth’s very own skydiving centre is the way to see this beautiful corner of Cornwall from a different angle. Or you can calm things down with a visit to the relaxing fields at Cornish Lavender.

Facilities at Perranporth Beach

Not only are there public toilets and showers in the main car park by the beach, but Perranporth Beach is surrounded by excellent beach cafés, pubs, and restaurants. For live music and sand between your toes, head to The Watering Hole - you can’t miss it, it’s the only bar in the UK to sit on the beach - while cocktails and coffee are best enjoyed at Alcatraz (at sunset for extra special views). 

The Summer House is one of the best restaurants in Perranporth, whether you’re looking for big plates, small plates, or somewhere in between plates, with The Cove serving up button-popping breakfasts to fuel the day’s adventures. If you’re looking for a pub stop, The Tywarnhayle Inn promises proper pub grub in a stylish setting, while The Perranporth Inn boasts a vibrant atmosphere, especially when there’s a game on the telly. 

The town itself is also home to plenty of shops, from eco-stores and independent sellers to shops lined with everything you need for a day at the beach. There are also some great clothing retailers, so you can get festival-ready with ease.

What was filmed at Perranporth Beach

With its dramatic backdrop and sprawling sands, it’s little wonder that Perranporth Beach has been used as a scenic backdrop for several TV shows over the years. Known for its love of Cornish scenes, Poldark cast Perranporth Beach as the fictional Hendrawna Sands, and often showcased the cliffs and surrounding beaches in the beloved series. 

Nearby, Hollywell Bay has played host to numerous productions, including House of the Dragon and Doc Martin, while Newquay became the home of the cast of Playing Nice while it filmed around Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth, and Bedruthan Steps.