Porthtowan Beach

Porthtowan beach is a large sandy beach popular with both surfers (good for beginners) and families. The beach is also backed by a small dune area, and as the tide goes out you have some rockpools to explore.

To the northeast of the bay, you have a concrete dam in the rocks creating a nice tidal rock pool although you need to be very cautious of the tides as you could be cut off.

At low tide, you can take a 15-minute walk along the beach to neighbour Chapel Porth, alternatively, lots of cliff-top walks. This walk takes you below the Towanroath engine house at Wheal Coates which is one of the iconic locations of this tin and copper mining county.

Facilities at the beach include a large car park, shop, wetsuits and board hire, cafe, pub, toilets and lifeguards in summer.

The name “Porthtowan” comes from the Cornish words “porth” meaning port or harbour and ‘tewyn” meaning dune.

Porthtowan Beach is a Blue Flag Beach and has been awarded a regional Seaside Award.

Dog Friendly Beach?

Porthtowan beach has seasonal dog restrictions not allowing dogs from 15th May to 30th September between 10 am - 6 pm

Why not check other beaches nearby as we have 216 beaches in Cornwall, or check our list of Cornwall Dog Friendly Beaches.

Visit Porthtowan Beach

(Get directions)

Porthtowan Beach Water Quality

Water samples are taken at regular intervals during the bathing season and at the end of the season the water quality is classified as:
  - Excellent: the highest classification meaning the water is cleanest
  - Good: generally good water quality
  - Sufficient: meets minimum standards
  - Poor: You are advised not to swim. The beach will stay open and an action plan should be in place to improve the water quality.

Porthtowan Beach 7 Day Weather Forecast

Today

Expect a temp in the range 13.9℃ to 16.4℃ with wind speed 6.7 m/sec (ESE)

Saturday, Jun 03

Expect a temp in the range 9.8℃ to 11.3℃ with wind speed 4 m/sec (ENE)

Sunday, Jun 04

Expect a temp in the range 12.2℃ to 13.2℃ with wind speed 5.6 m/sec (E)

Monday, Jun 05

Expect a temp in the range 12.1℃ to 13.4℃ with wind speed 2.7 m/sec (SE)

Tuesday, Jun 06

Expect a temp in the range 11.7℃ to 14℃ with wind speed 1.4 m/sec (NE)

Wednesday, Jun 07

Expect a temp in the range 10.8℃ to 13.2℃ with wind speed 3.1 m/sec (ESE)

Thursday, Jun 08

Expect a temp in the range 10.4℃ to 11.9℃ with wind speed 2.1 m/sec (ESE)

St Agnes weather forecast from Yr, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and NRK

Porthtowan Beach Tide Times

Tide times are available at around 600 locations and the closest location to Porthtowan Beach is at Perranporth 9.60 km (5.97 miles) away. Tides are displayed beneath for up to 7 days and we list both high and low water times along with the height, helping you to plan the best time to visit Porthtowan Beach. These times are not adjusted for BST.

Fri 02 Jun
   High Tide at 03:25 (Height 6.14m)
   Low Tide at 09:51 (Height 1.34m)
   High Tide at 15:48 (Height 6.28m)
   Low Tide at 22:09 (Height 1.27m)

Sat 03 Jun
   High Tide at 04:06 (Height 6.39m)
   Low Tide at 10:31 (Height 1.15m)
   High Tide at 16:29 (Height 6.53m)
   Low Tide at 22:51 (Height 1.08m)

Sun 04 Jun
   High Tide at 04:49 (Height 6.56m)
   Low Tide at 11:12 (Height 1.03m)
   High Tide at 17:11 (Height 6.70m)
   Low Tide at 23:32 (Height 0.96m)

Mon 05 Jun
   High Tide at 05:33 (Height 6.64m)
   Low Tide at 11:52 (Height 1.00m)
   High Tide at 17:55 (Height 6.77m)

Tue 06 Jun
   Low Tide at 00:18 (Height 0.93m)
   High Tide at 06:19 (Height 6.61m)
   Low Tide at 12:39 (Height 1.06m)
   High Tide at 18:42 (Height 6.73m)

Wed 07 Jun
   Low Tide at 01:08 (Height 0.99m)
   High Tide at 07:09 (Height 6.47m)
   Low Tide at 13:28 (Height 1.22m)
   High Tide at 19:32 (Height 6.60m)

Thu 08 Jun
   Low Tide at 01:59 (Height 1.14m)
   High Tide at 08:01 (Height 6.26m)
   Low Tide at 14:19 (Height 1.43m)
   High Tide at 20:27 (Height 6.41m)