Cornwall, England, United Kingdom

Porthcothan Beach

Porthcothan Beach is a popular destination known for its gentle slope and the beautiful rocks that border both sides. It is a great location for families with small children and is also dog-friendly. The beach is well-equipped with amenities, including a convenient cafe and a beach shop that offers a variety of items such as ice cream and coffee. There is also a restroom facility located nearby.

Parking is available across the road from the beach, although the car park is small and can fill up quickly, especially before 10:30 AM. This limitation, however, helps to control the number of visitors to the beach, ensuring it never gets too crowded. The beach's unique orientation allows the north side to enjoy permanent sunshine, while the south side benefits from shade provided by the cliffs, making it an ideal spot for families with young children.

Discover places to stay near Porthcothan Beach and enjoy the unique charm of its sunlit north side and shaded south side.

Visitors can reach Porthcothan Beach by road, although it should be noted that the journey involves a significant amount of road walking. Despite this, the stunning beauty of the beach, particularly at night, makes the trip worthwhile.

What to do at Porthcothan Beach?

Amenities

Porthcothan Beach amenities include parking and toilet.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the beach's gentle slope and its suitability for small children and dogs. They appreciate the convenient amenities such as a nearby cafe, parking, and a beach shop offering ice cream and coffee. However, some visitors complain about the necessity of road walking to reach the beach.

Where to Stay near Porthcothan Beach?

Visitors to Porthcothan Beach often stay in the nearby village of Porthcothan, which offers a range of accommodations within walking distance of the beach. Additionally, many choose to stay in Padstow, a charming town known for its culinary scene, which is just a short drive away.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Porthcothan Beach?

Latitude: 50.5102907 / Longitude: -5.0275701

Porthcothan Beach is located in Cornwall. The following map of Porthcothan Beach shows the exact location.

Porthcothan Beach: Weather Today

📅 Friday, July 24, 2026
Today offers a fair day for a trip to the beach, though it is better suited for scenic walks and coastal relaxation rather than a traditional swim. You can expect a mix of sunshine and scattered clouds throughout the day. While the breeze will be noticeable, it remains manageable, though you may feel it more clearly along the shoreline. The air will reach a maximum of 20.9 °C, which is pleasant for relaxing on the sand. However, please note that the water is quite brisk at 19.0 °C, making it too cold for comfortable swimming. Pack a light jacket if you plan to stay until later, as the wind might pick up slightly as the day progresses.
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Air

Low / High13.1°C/20.9°C
Feels Like (High)22°C
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Sea

Sea Temperature19.0 °C
Wave Height0.6 m
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Rain

Rain Chance0%
Rainfall0 mm
Rain Duration0 h
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Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:36/21:16
Sunshine Hours15.0 hrs
UV Index5.9
Cloud Cover21%
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Wind

Speed20.2 km/h
Gusts37.1 km/h
DirectionN

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