Summary of Attractions
A seaside resort amid dramatic coastal vistas, Perranporth is home to one of the finest beaches, not only in Cornwall but across the United Kingdom.
Perranporth Beach is frequently occupied by surfers; however, there remains ample space for all on these expansive sands that appear endless when the tide recedes.
The South West Coast Path invites exploration along the heather-topped cliffs and haunting tin mines of Poldark country, the backdrop for Winston Graham’s novels, which were adapted by the BBC for television.
Venturing inland offers opportunities for excursions to Trerice’s Elizabethan manor house and local farms specializing in Cornish cider and ice cream.
1. Perranporth Beach
Stretching from Droskyn Point to Penhale Point, Perranporth Beach encompasses three miles of stunning shoreline, especially evident during low tide.
The soft, golden sand is caressed by reliable waves, making it ideal for surfers and bodyboarders alike.
At low tide, visitors can discover a variety of rock pools that stimulate curiosity, and the hike up to Penhale Point provides additional scenic views.
Along the northern edge, the beach is bordered by Penhale Sands, a vast dune system topped with grass, housing an ancient oratory dating back 1,500 years, which will be discussed later.
Chapel Rock situated in the center of the beach features a tidal pool at low tide, while the southern section, closer to the town, showcases striking stacks and natural arches.
This beach is unique in the UK for having a pub directly on the sand, known as the Watering Hole.
2. Surfing
When weather conditions align, with east-southeast winds, the beach breaks at Perranporth create exceptional lefts and rights for surfers.
A vibrant surf community thrives here, featuring several shops and recognized surf schools with certified instructors to help you begin your surfing journey.
Perranporth Surf School operates directly on the beach throughout the summer, offering friendly and adaptable instruction for individuals, families, and groups.
Ticket to Ride Surf School is also well regarded, providing standalone lessons for beginners or those seeking a refresh, alongside “Surf & Stay” packages and camps.
A popular option includes a morning surf lesson alongside all-day equipment rental, allowing participants to practice their new skills in the afternoon.
Every Friday evening at 18:00, an open surf and yoga session takes place.
3. South West Coast Path
This 630-mile National Trail ranks among the world’s premier walking routes.
Beginning in Minehead, Somerset, the path traces the rugged coastline of South West England, descending to each river’s mouth and ascending to high cliffs.
These frequent changes in elevation present a challenging experience for long-distance hikers; however, casual walkers can enjoy brisk day hikes amidst breathtaking scenery while returning to the comfort of their accommodations.
From Perranporth, travelers can venture south into the deserted mines and rugged cliffs of the St Agnes Heritage Coast (more on this later). Alternatively, walking north towards Pentire and Newquay unveils equally dramatic landscapes, winding around the dark, rocky outlines of Kelsey Head and leading to the sheltered cove at Poly Joke Beach, followed by the expansive sands of Crantock Beach.
4. Perranzabuloe Museum
Meaning “Perran in the Sands,” Perranzabuloe refers to the broader parish, which houses the museum located in the 19th-century hall of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
For those seeking a break from the coastal scenery, sand, and surf, this venue offers a glimpse into local history.
The exhibits encompass traditional livelihoods such as fishing, mining, and farming, alongside the arrival of the railway in 1903. The museum features compelling narratives about various shipwrecks in the parish, the First World War munitions factory, and the military training exercises leading up to the Normandy landings in 1944. It also documents Perranporth’s surfing legacy dating back to the 1920s when an undertaker sold coffin lids for surfing! Lastly, visitors can learn about novelist Winston Graham, who resided in Perranporth at age 17 in 1939, later setting his Poldark novels in rugged North Cornwall.
5. Perranporth Gardens Charities
Connecting Perranporth is a series of gardens situated between the historical railway embankment in Perrancombe and the promenade waterfront.
These include a clock garden, promenade garden, bowling green, as well as putting greens and a boating lake operational in the summer.
The gardens are adorned with meticulously maintained flowerbeds, shrubs, and palms.
Since 1937, these gardens have been managed by a charity benefitting from income generated by the waterfront car park, ensuring their maintenance and supporting significant local initiatives.
6. Healey’s Cornish Cyder
Operating for over three decades, Healey’s Cornish Cyder specializes in a variety of ciders, wines, spirits, juices, and jams.
Its most notable product is the Rattler Cornish Cloudy Cider, known for its robust flavor.
Healey’s farm, located just outside Perranporth, is a popular family attraction, where adults can gain insight into cider production while children can enjoy tractor rides and interactions with farm animals.
An engaging guided tour provides a comprehensive overview of the production processes, showcasing the state-of-the-art cider production hall, cider press, a cidermaking museum, and a whiskey distillery with cellars.
The tour concludes with an orchard ride and sampling session.
Visitors can subsequently indulge in a classic Cornish cream tea or savor a cider-infused stew at the Old Bottlery restaurant.
7. St Piran’s Oratory
The town’s name translates to the Cove of St Piran, in homage to a 5th-century abbot.
St Piran is recognized as the patron saint of Cornwall and tin miners, with the Cornish flag—a white cross on a black background—representing St Piran’s Flag.
He established an oratory at Penhale Sands, which became obscured by shifting dunes until its rediscovery in the 19th century.
The remnants of a later parish church, also buried by sand, are located nearby.
In recent years, excavation of the oratory has resumed, with structural reinforcements to safeguard it from the elements.
Visitors can observe the remains of the small nave and chancel, along with an inscribed stone and carved heads, incorporated into the wall and doorway from the Medieval period.
There is an informative board labeling the site, along with a 10th-century cross situated between the oratory and the old church’s graveyard.
8. St Agnes Head
The St Agnes Heritage Coast, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, begins directly south of Perranporth.
The landscapes at St Agnes are formidable and unrefined, featuring rugged outcrops, hidden coves, and towering cliffs adorned with heather and gorse.
Until the 1920s, the cliffs were mined for tin, remnants of which can be spotted in the old adits that pockmark the cliff faces.
Most notably is St Agnes Head, maintained by the National Trust, where the remnants of old engine houses precariously cling to the cliff’s edge.
9. Trevaunance Cove
As the primary beach for St Agnes, Trevaunance Cove is encircled by jagged cliffs, steeped in the village’s tin mining heritage.
The shoreline comprises both sand and shingle, while the indented coastline shields the cove from the direct impact of the Atlantic’s waves.
Rolling waves provide excellent conditions for surfers, and the beach is complemented by a café, pub, and shop.
When the tide recedes, visitors can explore the rock pools and trek to the adjacent Trevallas Porth beach, but attention to tide times is crucial to avoid a steep ascent back to the village! The sunsets from the stone terraces over the beach are particularly enchanting.
10. Blue Hills Tin Streams
Situated above Trevaunance Cove, Blue Hills allows insight into St Agnes and Cornwall’s tin-mining heritage.
Using traditional alluvial mining techniques, Blue Hills harnesses tin that has been unlocked and washed ashore by the relentless Atlantic waves.
The resulting tin concentrates are collected on the beach, then carefully processed, smelted, and refined.
Products made from this metal are crafted into various handmade gifts.
The coastal scenery here is remarkably rugged; after a brief introduction, guests will embark on a self-guided tour, learning about the perils of mining while witnessing live smelting demonstrations.
The owners possess a wealth of mining knowledge and are eager to address any queries.
11. Holywell Bay Beach
The National Trust manages this magnificent beach to the north of Perranporth.
Holywell Bay Beach is expansive, providing ample space for all to relish the shoreline in their preferred manner.
Bodyboarders frequent the surf, while families can spread out on the endless sandy shores.
As the tide rises, grassy dunes offer plenty of picnic space.
Exploration is encouraged, particularly at low tide when visitors can enter Holywell Cove, which features a series of step pools adorned with cream-colored calcareous deposits.
Additionally, remnants of a 70-year-old shipwreck may be visible during low tide.
Families can also visit the Holywell Bay Fun Park back in the village, which boasts an array of attractions keeping younger visitors entertained, such as bumper boats, trampolines, bouncy castles, mini-golf, and slides.
Fans of the Poldark TV series may recognize Holywell Bay Beach from the third season.
12. Callestick Farm
Located in proximity to Healey’s Cornish Cyder, this farm specializes in another delightful Cornish offering: ice cream.
Managed by the Parker family since 1953, Callestick Farm utilizes free-range milk from their herd of 300 cows grazing in a picturesque valley.
Visitors can enjoy a scoop or two of ice cream, and the farm is open for exploration, particularly appealing to children.
A variety of animals including pigs, different breeds of chickens, and of course, the cows, which typically calve in spring, can be observed.
The ice creamery is also accessible, providing insights into the production process, accompanied by refreshments, while a playground is available for younger children.
The farm invites guests seven days a week from Easter to October.
13. Trerice
Located a short distance away, Trerice is an exquisite Elizabethan manor house managed by the National Trust.
The history of Trerice is intertwined with that of the Arundell family, who resided here from the 12th century until 1768, long before the current structure was built. The house features splendid interiors along with an impressive collection, including a 300-year-old longcase clock and a six-meter oak table that cannot be removed from the Great Hall.
The Great Hall boasts a window of 576 panes, several of which date back to the house’s completion in the 16th century.
On the upper level, the Great Chamber offers a captivating view of St Newlyn East Church, complemented by fine stucco work (with a few minor discrepancies). Adjacent to the manor is a spacious barn that houses a restaurant, while the grounds feature a replanted Tudor-style knot garden with 800 yews and an orchard of historic fruit tree varieties.
14. Perranporth Golf Club
Though a private establishment, Perranporth Golf Club welcomes visitors year-round.
This highly esteemed natural links course, situated on elevated terrain, offers breathtaking vistas over the beach and sparkling ocean at Perran Bay.
Designed by the renowned course architect James Braid in 1927, Perranporth’s 18 holes have remained largely unaltered.
While the course accommodates less experienced players, it presents challenges even for skilled golfers, with deceptive blind drives and approach shots that are difficult to judge during the initial attempt.
This is partly due to the hard, fast greens located atop challenging plateaus.
For those up for an exhilarating yet fulfilling round, the green fees for 18 holes are £40 on weekdays and £47 on weekends.
15. Perranporth Country Market
Every Friday from 10:00 to 12:00, a market convenes within Perranporth’s Memorial Hall, featuring handmade crafts and produce sourced from local farms.
At an array of stalls, visitors encounter a diverse offering, including meats, eggs, fish, shellfish, flowers, plants, preserves, baked goods, haberdashery, cards, art, toys, and assorted crafts.
Additionally, a delectable selection of traditional Cornish pasties is available.
For those unfamiliar, Cornish pasties are a type of portable meal that originated within Cornwall’s tin mining communities, consisting of seasoned beef, potatoes, swede, and onion, all encased in pastry, providing miners a means to enjoy meals without the need for dishes or cutlery.
