Porthcothan Beach
Beach Cornwall, England
About Porthcothan Beach
Porthcothan sits on North Cornwall's coast roughly halfway between Newquay and Padstow, northwest-facing and backed by low grassy dunes through which a small stream finds its way to the sea. At low tide the beach opens up considerably, connecting to smaller coves on either side that are worth exploring for their rock pools and caves — the beach has a well-earned reputation as one of Cornwall's best beachcombing spots, partly because of its exposure to the Atlantic and its tendency to collect flotsam from considerable distances. The playwright and filmmaker Nick Darke, who lived nearby and was known for his work on beachcombing, was long associated with the place. A large rock arch that once stood at the southern end was lost to storms in 2014. The clifftops above the beach were used as filming locations for the BBC's Poldark series, standing in for scenes around Nampara. RNLI lifeguards cover the beach from mid-May through September, which is also the window for reliable surf. In winter, the beach takes on a different character — exposed, quieter, and dramatic when Atlantic swells are running.
Location & details
- Category
- Beach
- Region
- Cornwall, England, United Kingdom
- Coordinates
- 50.51029, -5.02757
Nearby hidden gems
Looking for more? Explore all beaches in Cornwall.
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