Before you set off
Today's snapshot
Porthtowan works through the tide, but the waves become steeper and faster at low water. When the swell grows, they can break across most of the bay at once and the currents become stronger. Surfers and swimmers should follow the lifeguards' directions to the appropriate marked area.
Plan your visit
Getting there
The Beach Road car park sits right behind the sand at the bottom of the valley. It is run by Cornwall Council, with charges through the main season and free parking in winter.
- Parking: Cornwall Council's Beach Road car park is directly behind the beach. Charges apply through the main season and it is usually free in winter.
- Dog rules: Dogs banned 15 May - 30 September, 10am - 6pm (Cornwall Council PSPO, Blue Flag beach). Dogs welcome before 10am, after 6pm during this period, and all day from 1 October - 14 May.
- Lifeguards: RNLI lifeguards patrol daily through the main season from early May to the end of September, with weekend cover in spring and October.
- Tide watch: At low tide you can walk south towards Chapel Porth, but the headland cuts off as the water returns. Check the times before you set off.
Get in the water
Hire & lessons
Beginners should use Porthtowan's surf school and only enter the water when the instructors or lifeguards consider the conditions suitable.
Tris Surf Shop & Surf School
The beach's original surf shop, with lessons plus board, bodyboard and wetsuit hire.
After the beach
Eat, drink & stay
The Blue Bar is the centre of Porthtowan and sits directly on the dunes.
Local perspective
Local notes
Porthtowan is small, unpolished and shaped by the mining landscape behind it rather than by a large resort. The compact valley gives it a different feel from Newquay's busier beaches.
At low tide the sandbars produce steeper, faster-breaking waves, but the currents also become stronger. Beginners should not surf here unsupervised, and on bigger days they should ask a school or lifeguard whether another beach would be more suitable.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Porthtowan beach dog friendly?
Dogs banned 15 May - 30 September, 10am - 6pm (Cornwall Council PSPO, Blue Flag beach). Dogs welcome before 10am, after 6pm during this period, and all day from 1 October - 14 May.
What's the best tide for Porthtowan?
Low to mid tide gives the steepest, hollowest waves. High tide flattens things off and leaves less beach.
Is Porthtowan good for beginner surfers?
Only in smaller conditions and with a lesson. Porthtowan has a powerful shore break and strong currents, so follow the lifeguards' directions to the area designated for surfing.
Can you walk from Porthtowan to Chapel Porth?
At low tide, yes, but the headland between them cuts off on the rising tide. Check tide times before setting out and allow plenty of margin.
Where do you park for Porthtowan?
Cornwall Council's Beach Road car park is directly behind the beach, with charges through the main season.
Is it safe to swim at Porthtowan today?
Check the Environment Agency Swimfo profile and Safer Seas & Rivers Service before swimming, and swim between the red and yellow flags.
Is Porthtowan beach pram or buggy friendly?
The Beach Road car park sits directly behind the sand, so the approach is short. The final surface is soft sand, which is hard work for most prams and wheelchairs.
What facilities are available at Porthtowan?
Porthtowan has public toilets, including accessible facilities, in the main car park and seasonal outdoor showers during the lifeguard season. RNLI lifeguards patrol from Easter through the October half-term. A café, beach shop, surf hire, and disabled parking are close to the sand.
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