Portreath
Portreath is a popular family beach which, like many beaches on the north Cornish coast, attracts surfers and bodyboarders. The beach backs onto the village offering facilities including several shops, toilets and cafés.
Situated at the end of a valley between high cliffs, the village of Portreath straddles a small river that runs down to the long narrow harbour built to export copper and tin in the 19th century.
Portreath is now a popular family destination with a soft sandy beach that is also a favourite of surfers when the conditions are right. There’s a wealth of facilities including a carpark right beside the beach, friendly pubs, shops, surf hire and cafe’s.
For those who like exploring, see if you can find the five remaining sea baths cut into the rocks by the local landowner in the 1700s.
Portreath was once a busy port shipping copper ore from nearby mines across to Wales for smelting. It was originally known as Basset’s Cove after the rich landowner who had the port built. The harbour wall now provides experienced surfers with the Vortex, a surf break that runs along side the wall.
The former tram lines, originally used for transporting the copper ore to the harbour, have now been adapted for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and as the Coast to Coast Path link Portreath with Devoran, a village on one of the creeks inland from Falmouth.
A good walk from Portreath is along the North Cliffs westwards to Hells Mouth, about five miles there and back. Although the walk is strenuous at the start and finish, there are lovely views, lots of wild flowers and a good chance of seeing seals.
The cliffs in the area are made up of slate and are subject to erosion, so don’t be tempted to go close to the edge and keep dogs under control.
Heading east from the village, past the harbour and its day markers, takes you up alongside RAF Portreath, a former WWII airfield, still used by the military as an air defence radar station. You can’t help but notice the large white ‘golf ball’ positioned at the end of the runway that houses the main RADAR.
Seaside Cottage – Portreath
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This endearing cottage rests within the seaside town of Portreath, ideally positioned just 150m from the beach, and perfect for exploring the Cornish Coast and Countrywide.
Oceans Edge – Portreath
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If you dream of being thirty seconds from the sea, this is the place for you. Exceedingly private, you access the beach via a private slipway. This is a uniquely premium property, in a glorious beach side location.
The Cowshed – near Portreath
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For those craving a rural Cornish idyll then The Cowshed, is for you. This luxurious cottage provides a perfect place to retreat after a day’s exploring, with all you need for your every comfort.
The Lodge – near Portreath
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The Lodge is a beautiful Grade II Listed detached 18th Century retreat, which was once a gateway into the Tehidy Country Park Estate. Set within a magical setting with Tehidy Woods and Golf Club on the doorstep.
Beach House – Portreath
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This stylish and modern beach front property occupies an enviable position on Smuggler’s Cove, with direct beach access. Expansive views overlooking the beach and out to sea have influenced the design.
