About the Area

Porthgwarra and the surrounding far west Cornwall coastline is one of the most beautiful parts of the UK — a mix of wild natural scenery, hidden coves, dramatic walks and some excellent bookable experiences.

Natural Attractions

Porthgwarra Cove

A tiny fishing cove with crystal-clear water, caves, old granite slipways and a wonderfully peaceful feel. Great for swimming, snorkelling and coastal photography. It’s also one of the filming locations used in the TV series Poldark. (Visit Cornwall)

This is our tiny cove from above! Wonderful walks all around and then you can take a dip in the cove with the seals if you are lucky!

The path through the cliffs to Porthgwarra Cove 5 mins walk from the house.

Porthgwarra Cove – 5 mins walk down the track from the house. And a Cafe at the top selling pasties and ice creams!

Gwennap Head

One of the best cliff-top viewpoints in Cornwall with dramatic granite cliffs, seabirds and huge Atlantic views. Fantastic for sunset walks and storm watching. The South West Coast Path runs right through it.

Porthchapel Beach

A quieter neighbouring beach with turquoise water and white shell sand. Often much less busy than nearby Porthcurno. Great for a scenic coastal walk from Porthgwarra approx 20mins walk across the cliffs. Bit a climb down but well worth it!

Pedn Vounder Beach

Famous for its almost Mediterranean-looking water and dramatic cliffs. Accessible via coastal paths and scrambling routes. Best at low tide. This is the best beach in the entire world POV! Not for the faint hearted and would not recommend climbing down with small children – walking boots and backpacks required so your hands are free for climbing.

Nanjizal Beach

A remote hidden cove known for the “Song of the Sea” sea cave and natural arch formations. A brilliant walk from Porthgwarra. Its the one from insta! Can be beautiful if there is sand but not always guaranteed.

Sennen Cove

Sennen Cove is a beautiful surfing village about 15 mins drive from Porthgwarra – with a long sandy beach, turquoise water and a traditional fishing harbour. Popular for surfing, coastal walks, sea swimming and spectacular sunsets, it combines a lively beach atmosphere with dramatic Cornish scenery.

Land’s End

Touristy in parts, but the surrounding cliffs and coast paths are spectacular. Around 15 minutes by car from Porthgwarra. Not that nice but you can say that you have been to Lands End!

---

Bookable Attractions & Experiences

The Minack Garden and Minack Theatre

Probably the most iconic attraction nearby — an open-air theatre carved into the cliffs above the sea. You can book theatre performances, music events or daytime garden visits. We highly recommend that you book well in advance and take cushions and macs! www.minack.com

PK Porthcurno

www.PKPorthcurno.com
Address: Eastern House, Porthcurno, Penzance TR19 6JX, United Kingdom
Phone: +441736810966

Excellent interactive museum about the history of global communications and the undersea telegraph cables that connected Britain to the world. Surprisingly interesting and very well done. Great for all ages!

Marine Discovery Penzance

Marine Discovery Penzance
Web
Address: Shed 5, Penzance Harbour, Penzance, TR18 2LL, United Kingdom
Phone: +447749277110

Wildlife boat safaris looking for dolphins, seals, basking sharks and seabirds. One of the best marine wildlife operators locally. Trips leave from Penzance Harbour.

Coast Boat Trips – Penzance

Coast Boat Trips – Penzance
Web
Address: Albert Pier, Penzance, TR18 2LL, United Kingdom
Phone: +447522607126

Boat excursions around Mount’s Bay and the south Cornish coast. Great for coastal sightseeing and wildlife spotting.

Cormorant Cruising Boat Trips

Cormorant Cruising Boat Trips
Web
Address: Mousehole, Penzance, TR19 6QW, United Kingdom
Phone: +441736800165

Smaller wildlife-focused boat trips from nearby Mousehole with a lovely local feel.

---

Gardens & Heritage Nearby

Trewidden Garden

Trewidden Garden
Web
Address: Trewidden, Penzance, TR20 8TT, United Kingdom
Phone: +441736364275

Subtropical Cornish gardens with ancient trees, walled gardens and lovely café areas. Excellent on mixed-weather days.

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens
Web
Address: Nr Gulval, Penzance, TR20 8YL, United Kingdom
Phone: +441736448089

A combination of exotic planting, outdoor sculpture and elevated views across Mount’s Bay.

National Trust – Trengwainton Garden

National Trust – Trengwainton Garden
Web
Address: Boscathnoe Ln, Madron, Penzance TR20 8RZ, United Kingdom
Phone: +441736363148

Large historic garden with winding wooded paths and subtropical planting that thrives in Cornwall’s mild climate.

Geevor Tin Mine Museum

Geevor Tin Mine Museum
Web
Address: Pendeen, Penzance, TR19 7EW, United Kingdom
Phone: +441736788662

One of Cornwall’s best mining heritage attractions. Underground tours and a really atmospheric site perched on the cliffs. Its fantastic to visit but take warm clothes as its cold down the mine!

---

Particularly Good Things To Do Around Porthgwarra

• Sunset picnic at Gwennap Head
• Swim at Porthgwarra early morning
• Walk Porthgwarra → Porthchapel → Porthcurno → Minack
• Dolphin or seal spotting boat trips
• Stargazing — very low light pollution
• Wildflower and coastal photography in late spring/early summer
• Watching the fishing boats use the old slipway
• Birdwatching – many amazing species of birds including the infamous Chough bird!