Season: summer
A visit just after dawn highlighted Porthpean’s tranquil side. The beach is close to St Austell, yet the tall cliffs behind this stretch of coastline are more than a physical barrier to the town, ensuring an away-from-it-all feel to a trip here. There is a café, a sailing club with a slipway and a boom with buoys to protect swimmers from motor boats and jet skis at this time of year. This is one of the best, most sheltered swimming beaches in Cornwall.
Bill brings his family to Cornwall for a spot of sea kayaking.
“Just a short drive from Porthpean, award winning Bosinver Farm Cottages have 20 individual detached self catering cottages set in 30 acres of peaceful farm and woodland where children can play freely, couples and families can relax together and nature is truly on the doorstep www.bosinver.co.uk 01726 72128.”
Early morning on Porthpean beach.
Season: spring
A blue grey morning greeted me at Porthpean beach, near St Austell. The tide was in and the sea was calm, looking across the bay. Porthpean sits half way between Trenarren and Charlestown on the South West Coast Path. This is part of a fine section of walking on Cornwall’s south coast and Porthpean is a great place to take a break during any walk.
Belinda explains what the beach means to her.
Porthpean beach at high tide, as seen from above.
Season: autumn
This is a real locals’ beach. I was there in a wild easterly wind, blowing straight onto the beach and bringing the sea to life. The people I met were happy to be alive, including a charming young family. St Austell is nearby, as this is really a town beach.
With a rockpooling family.
The beach is a place of infinite possibilities. It’s a place to play, a place full of adventure, and a place to relax and unwind. From tranquil summer days when you can’t wait to run down to the water’s edge to dip your toes, to bracing winter walks watching the waves race to the shore – the beach is ever changing, and always inviting.