Porthleven Beach: Where To Stay, What To Do, And Where To Eat

Porthleven is often forgotten about in favor of more popular Cornish spots such as St. Ives or Penzance. While these locations are picturesque vacation spots, their popularity means the streets are brimming with tourists in the summer months and the hotels are often full.

If you’re looking for an alternative option, you should check out the lesser-known Porthleven Beach, which features all of the things that make for a great trip to Cornwall – turquoise waters, plenty of surfing opportunities, and world-class seafood that’s freshly caught every day. 

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and experience the real Cornwall, consider staying in Porthleven. In this post, we'll be covering how to get there from London, as well as where to stay, what to do, and the best restaurant to eat in.

Where Is Porthleven Beach?

When you look at Porthleven Beach, it's hard to believe that you're in England. The UK is known for many amazing things, such as fish and chips, quaint villages, and its arts scene, but clear blue waters and picture-perfect beaches, it is not.

Porthleven is located on the Lizard Peninsula, on the southern coast of Cornwall, which is full of wild, unspoiled beaches with golden sands and azure waves. It is less than 30 minutes away from the larger town of Penzance in a south easterly direction. Porthleven Beach is over 450 kilometers / 280 miles from the capital city of London and it takes approximately 5.5 hours to drive the distance.

How To Get To Porthleven Beach 

If you're traveling to Porthleven from London, there are several options to reach this part of Cornwall. 

First of all, you can catch a train from London's Paddington station to St. Erth, which takes just under five hours and leaves several times per day. You'll need to travel the final 20 kilometers / 12 miles to Porthleven via taxi, which you can usually find directly outside of the train station.

Alternatively, you can take a short internal flight from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Newquay Airport. From there, you'll need to take several buses. The first is to the Newquay bus station, followed by another to Camborne, and then finally a bus to Porthleven.

The easiest route is to drive. If you have a car available, it's the cheapest way to travel and takes under six hours in good traffic. If you don't have a vehicle, you can rent one from any of London's airports for an affordable price. It is worth having a car when traveling to Cornwall, as there are many hidden gems that aren't accessible by public transport.

Where To Stay Near Porthleven Beach

Options for staying in the village itself are extremely limited, but if you have a car, you'll have a wider selection of properties available to you.

Harbour Inn

You can't beat the view from Harbour Inn. Overlooking Porthleven harbor, the property features large rooms and some even have window seats for taking in the view. There is a bar and restaurant on site, which serve locally brewed beer and freshly caught Cornish fish, and breakfast is included in the price.

Pol Glas Hall

Pol Glas Hall is situated in the Cornish countryside, just a few miles outside of Porthleven, and features a hot tub with views over the rolling green hills of southern England. You'll have the entire property to yourself, which includes two bedrooms — one with twin beds. There is also barbecuing equipment available, which enables you to enjoy the endless summer evenings outside.

Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa 

If you want a peaceful break, check out Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa. The hotel is perched on the edge of dramatic cliffs with sharp drops to the crashing waves below. There is an award-winning restaurant on the property, as well as a tranquil spa. Breakfast is included in the room rate and features a buffet of English favorites, such as local sausages and free-range eggs. If you want to experience local traditions, book an afternoon tea looking out over the Atlantic Ocean, where the hardest decision will be whether to put jam or cream on your scone first (this is a sore subject that is widely fought over in the UK).

What To Do At Porthleven Beach

Porthleven Beach is a three-mile stretch of golden sand that is framed by jagged cliffs and overlooks the endless vast ocean. One of the main things to do while you're in the village is to simply stroll along the sand and admire the views.

Surfing

Porthleven is known to be one of the best surfing spots in Cornwall, especially for beginners, and there are a number of surf schools available in the area for those who are enthusiastic to learn.

Porthleven Beach is a great spot for beginners, as the waves are usually small and gentle. The beach is also situated close to a number of restaurants and cafes, so you can refuel after a day of riding the waves.

The best time to surf at Porthleven is between April and October when the water is at its warmest and most predictable. In saying that, you will likely still need a wetsuit to head out and catch some waves.

Want to connect with other surfers around the world, to find the best spots? Join our community where you can chat with other travelers who also have a passion for the open water. 

Kayaking

If you want to capture Cornwall from a different perspective, try kayaking around the coastline. The sheltered waters around Porthleven make it an ideal place to kayak, and beginners and advanced kayakers alike will enjoy the experience.

As you paddle, you'll experience blasts of the fresh Cornish air through your lungs as you explore hidden coves and wild beaches, and perhaps even spot a seal.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding 

While the water at Porthleven is rocky enough to make for great surfing, there are also places where it is still enough to mount a stand-up paddle board (SUP) and travel along the shallow waters. The water sport is easy for anyone to pick up and doesn't require a lot of skill, however, those who don't have a good sense of balance may find themselves in the water more than on their board!

Where To Eat Near Porthleven Beach 

The main fare in this part of Cornwall is freshly caught seafood which varies from day to day.  

SeaDrift Restaurant 

The SeaDrift Restaurant is a popular spot that requires booking a table due to its limited capacity, but if you can plan your trip in advance, it's well worth the extra effort.  Like many other restaurants in the seaside town of Porthleven, the menu revolves around the fresh fish that is caught daily by one of the local fishermen. The portions are generous and the restaurant is dog-friendly, which in our opinion, already makes it a winner!

Menu favorites include the seafood chowder, the crispy squid, and the chicken in pancetta.

The Square at Porthleven

At The Square at Porthleven, you can enjoy a relaxed lunch or glass of wine overlooking the harbor. As its location may suggest, the menu includes lots of freshly caught Cornish seafood, although there are also vegetarian and vegan options available. The menu is imaginative and uses many locally sourced ingredients. Dishes that will make your mouth water include the open crab sandwich, Old Winchester cheese and basil arancini, and the Cornish seafood, tiger prawn, and roasted cauliflower coconut dhal. 

The Atlantic Inn

The Atlantic Inn is a quintessential British pub restaurant with a Latin American twist. The Brazilian-inspired menu serves variations of classic dishes, such as a spicy chicken and chorizo lasagna, as well as traditional British roasts. Visitors also enjoy trying the catch of the day.  

Final Thoughts 

Porthleven is an excellent place to experience on a trip to Cornwall, where you can avoid some of the summer crowds. With its delicious cuisine, ample watersports, and stunning coastline, there's something for everyone in the village.