Britain's most southerly port, with a granite harbour, a foodie reputation, big winter storms and the long sandy stretch of Loe Bar nearby.
Porthleven is a small harbour town on the Lizard side of Mount's Bay. Its granite harbour and clock tower are famous for the huge waves that crash over them in winter storms – but in calmer months it's a relaxed spot with a growing reputation for food.
Things to do in Porthleven
- Walk the harbour. Watch the boats, browse the galleries and shops, and admire the view back to the clock tower.
- Storm watching. In winter, big swells make for dramatic scenes – watch from a safe distance.
- Food festival. Porthleven Food Festival, held in spring, celebrates Cornish produce and chefs.
- Surf. Porthleven's reef break is well known among experienced surfers.
Beaches
Porthleven Sands stretches south-east to Loe Bar, a shingle bar separating the sea from Loe Pool, Cornwall's largest natural lake. The sea here has dangerous currents and swimming is not advised. Praa Sands, a few miles west, is a long, family-friendly sandy beach.
Walks
Walk along the coast to Loe Bar and around Loe Pool on the National Trust's Penrose Estate – a lovely circular walk through woodland. West, the path leads towards Rinsey and Wheal Prosper's mine engine house.
Food and drink
Porthleven punches well above its weight for food, with harbourside restaurants, cafés, bakeries and pubs.
Getting there and parking
Porthleven is about three miles south-west of Helston. The nearest railway station is Penzance. There are car parks near the harbour.
When to visit
Spring for the food festival, summer for beaches, and winter for the storms.
Approximate · next 3 days
Reading the sea…