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

📅 Monday, June 8, 2026
Today is certainly not a day for the beach, so it is best to make alternative plans. Persistent rain is expected throughout the day, creating a very wet and dreary environment that is unsuitable for any outdoor activities along the coast. The air temperature is quite cool, reaching a maximum of 14.4 °C, which will feel even colder when combined with the strong winds sweeping across the sands. Furthermore, the sea is very rough with high waves, and with a water temperature of only 14.1 °C, it is definitely not suitable for swimming. Conditions are dangerous for entering the water today, and the combination of heavy rain and powerful winds makes for a thoroughly unpleasant experience on the shore.
🌬️

Air

Low / High11.6°C/14.4°C
Feels Like (High)11.6°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature14.1 °C
Wave Height2.0 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance100%
Rainfall10 mm
Rain Duration18 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:09/21:28
Sunshine Hours15.0 hrs
UV Index5.85
Cloud Cover67%
💨

Wind

Speed28.4 km/h
Gusts50.4 km/h
DirectionW

These beaches might also interest you

Beaches near Porthcothan Beach

Recommended

Read More