St Agnes Beaches

Overview

Nestled on Cornwall's dramatic north coast, St Agnes is a captivating destination known for its stunning scenery within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. Rather than vast, sprawling sands, St Agnes offers characterful coves tucked beneath rugged cliffs, perfect for visitors seeking breathtaking views, coastal walks, and a strong sense of local heritage. It's an ideal spot for those who appreciate a scenic, slightly wilder Cornish coastal experience.

The village's main hub is Trevaunance Cove, the most easily accessible beach, popular with families and offering a taste of traditional seaside charm right near the village centre. A short walk along the coast path brings you to the iconic Chapel Porth Beach, famed for its dramatic beauty, especially with the historic Wheal Coates mine perched above. Be aware that this beach changes significantly with the tide, revealing a large sandy expanse at low water. While swimming is enjoyed at both, conditions can be changeable, particularly at Chapel Porth.

Beyond the immediate village coves, the area boasts other fantastic beaches. Nearby Porthtowan is a well-known hotspot for surfers, offering reliable waves. For those seeking miles of golden sand, the expansive Perranporth Beach is just a short drive away, providing a different scale of beach experience compared to St Agnes' intimate coves. Between Trevaunance Cove and Chapel Porth lies the quieter, more rugged Trevellas Porth, offering a glimpse into the area's industrial past.

Exploring St Agnes means embracing the landscape, often involving walks along the spectacular South West Coast Path which links many of these spots. Access to some beaches involves steeper paths down the cliffs, adding to the adventure. Whether you're drawn by the surf, the scenery, or the unique atmosphere, St Agnes provides a memorable coastal escape. Discover more details about these and other local beaches in our full guide.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is St Agnes good for a traditional beach holiday?

St Agnes offers a fantastic coastal experience centred around its dramatic beaches, making it great for visitors who love scenery, coastal walks, and a village atmosphere. While it has lovely beaches like Trevaunance Cove and Chapel Porth, it's less about vast sandy expanses like nearby Perranporth and more about characterful coves nestled amongst cliffs. It's ideal for those seeking a scenic, slightly rugged Cornish coastal holiday rather than just lying on a huge beach.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

Perranporth Beach

Is St Agnes suitable for families with young children?

Yes, St Agnes can be very suitable for families, particularly Trevaunance Cove. This beach has easier access compared to others, seasonal lifeguard cover, rock pools at low tide, and nearby facilities like cafes and toilets. Chapel Porth is also popular but involves a steeper walk down and can have stronger waves. The village itself is family-friendly with amenities. However, be mindful of parking challenges in peak season and the steep paths to some coves.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

Can you swim safely at St Agnes beaches?

Swimming is popular, especially at Trevaunance Cove and Chapel Porth, both of which usually have RNLI lifeguard cover during the main season (check specific dates). However, conditions can change. Chapel Porth, in particular, is known for strong currents and rips, so always swim between the flags and check conditions. Trevaunance Cove is generally considered calmer for swimming and paddling, especially at lower tides.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

Are the beaches in St Agnes dog friendly?

Dog restrictions vary. Trevaunance Cove has a seasonal dog ban, typically from 15th May to 30th September between 10 am and 6 pm. Chapel Porth also has the same seasonal ban. However, Trevellas Porth, located between the two, is dog-friendly year-round. Always check the latest Cornwall Council guidance for specific dates and times as regulations can change.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

Where is best to stay in St Agnes for beach access?

Staying in St Agnes village provides good access, particularly to Trevaunance Cove which is walkable down a steep road/path (around 15-20 minutes). Properties higher up the village or further out may require driving to the beaches, especially Chapel Porth or Trevellas Porth. Consider accommodation described as being in 'St Agnes village' or specifically near 'Trevaunance Cove' if easy beach access on foot is a priority.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

What's the parking like for St Agnes beaches?

Parking can be challenging, especially during summer holidays and sunny weekends. Trevaunance Cove has a pay-and-display car park near the beach, but it fills up quickly. Chapel Porth has a National Trust car park (free for members) which is also very popular and often full by mid-morning. Trevellas Porth has limited roadside parking. Consider walking from the village or using local transport if possible during peak times.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

Which St Agnes beach is best for surfing?

Both Trevaunance Cove and Chapel Porth are popular surfing spots, suitable for various abilities depending on conditions. Chapel Porth often picks up more swell and can offer more powerful waves, attracting experienced surfers, but it also has rips. Trevaunance Cove can be good for learners and intermediates, with surf schools often operating there. Check local surf reports for daily conditions.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

Are there facilities like cafes and toilets at the beaches?

Yes, facilities vary by beach. Trevaunance Cove has the most amenities directly accessible, including pubs, cafes, shops, and public toilets near the beach entrance. Chapel Porth has a popular cafe known for its 'hedgehog' ice creams and National Trust toilets in the car park area. Trevellas Porth has minimal facilities, retaining a more rugged feel.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

What is Chapel Porth beach like at low tide vs high tide?

Chapel Porth changes dramatically with the tide. At low tide, a large expanse of golden sand is revealed, connecting to neighbouring Porthtowan beach (check tide times carefully if walking between them) and exposing numerous caves and rock pools. At high tide, the beach becomes much smaller, mostly pebbles and rocks right up to the cliff base, and access can be restricted.

Chapel Porth Beach

Porthtowan

Is it easy to walk between the St Agnes beaches?

You can walk between the main beaches via the South West Coast Path, offering stunning views. The walk between Trevaunance Cove and Chapel Porth via Trevellas Porth takes roughly 30-45 minutes each way and involves steep sections and uneven terrain. It's a scenic hike rather than a casual beach stroll. Walking between Chapel Porth and Porthtowan is possible along the beach at low tide, but check timings carefully to avoid being cut off.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

Porthtowan

Are there any quieter or hidden beaches near St Agnes?

Trevellas Porth is generally quieter than Trevaunance Cove and Chapel Porth, offering a more rugged, industrial heritage atmosphere. For truly smaller, more secluded coves, explore the coast path in either direction – towards Perranporth or towards Porthtowan. These often require a scramble down from the path and may have limited or no sand, especially at high tide.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

Porthtowan

What's the best way to get down to the beaches?

Access varies. Trevaunance Cove has a road leading down to the car park and beach entrance, making it the most accessible, though the final path can still be steep. Chapel Porth involves a walk down a relatively steep valley path from the National Trust car park. Trevellas Porth access is via rougher tracks. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially if accessing via the coast path.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

How do St Agnes beaches compare to Perranporth?

St Agnes beaches (Trevaunance Cove, Chapel Porth) are generally smaller, cove-like beaches surrounded by dramatic cliffs, offering a more rugged and picturesque feel. Perranporth boasts a much larger, three-mile sandy beach with easier access and more extensive facilities directly on the beachfront, often feeling busier and more commercial. St Agnes offers a village atmosphere, while Perranporth is a larger town.

Trevaunance Cove

Chapel Porth Beach

Perranporth Beach