Local Area · The Seven Bays
Porthcothan, the southernmost bay
A wide National Trust beach in a deep inlet near St Merryn, with caves, rockpools and a stream across the sand — broad at low tide, and about ten minutes from the park. Always check the tide before you go in.
Right on the doorstep
A wide beach at the southern end of the bays
Porthcothan is the southernmost of the run of bays near St Merryn — a wide, National-Trust-owned sweep of sand set deep in an inlet, backed by low cliffs and dunes. At low and mid tide it opens out generously, with caves and rockpools to explore at the edges and a small stream running across the sand to the sea, which makes it an easy, relaxed spot for a family beach day.
It sits about a ten-minute drive from Atlantic Bays, with the South West Coast Path on the cliffs above for a walk towards Treyarnon and Constantine. One honest note: the beach narrows sharply at high tide and is known for strong rips, so check the tide times and the lifeguard flags, and swim between the flags in season.
- Setting
- National Trust beach in a deep, sheltered inlet
- Best for
- Families at low tide, rockpoolers, coast-path walkers
- Tides
- Broad at low water — narrows sharply at high tide
- By car
- About a ten-minute drive from the park
What to do at Porthcothan
The sand, the caves and the coast path
A few things that make Porthcothan worth the short drive from the park.
A wide beach at low tide
At low and mid tide Porthcothan opens out into a broad sweep of firm sand at the head of its inlet — plenty of room for cricket, sandcastles and a long paddle. It's one of the southernmost of the Seven Bays, tucked into a deep cleft in the coast and backed by low cliffs and dunes.
Caves and rockpools
The edges of the bay are worth exploring as the tide drops, with caves cut into the cliffs and rockpools to comb through along the rocks. Keep an eye on the tide as you go — the water returns up the inlet quickly.
The stream across the sand
A small stream runs out across the beach to meet the sea — shallow and easy for little ones to dam, paddle and play in, and a reliable bit of entertainment on a warm afternoon.
On the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs above the bay, heading north towards Treyarnon and Constantine — a fine, breezy clifftop walk if you'd like to stretch the day out beyond the sand.
Before you go
Good to know
A few practical notes — and an important word on tides — to help you make the most of a day at Porthcothan.
Check the tide and the flags
Porthcothan is broad and family-friendly at low and mid tide, but it narrows considerably at high water and is known for strong rip currents. Check the tide times before you set off, look for lifeguard flags in season, and swim between the flags.
Facilities
Porthcothan is a small village with limited facilities — there's a beach shop and café near the sand, with parking close by, generally seasonal. Out of season much of the coast quietens down, so bring what you need on a quiet day.
Dogs
There are dog-friendly beaches along this coast, though seasonal restrictions can apply on the busier sands in summer — check the local signage. Dogs are welcome on the park's touring and camping pitches.
On foot
If you'd rather leave the car behind, the South West Coast Path links Porthcothan with Treyarnon and Constantine to the north — a lovely clifftop route between the bays.
Nearby on the coast
More of the Seven Bays
Porthcothan is one of a string of bays within a short drive of the park. A few of its neighbours:
Treyarnon Bay
The next bay north, a quieter cove with a celebrated natural rock pool and caves at low tide.
Constantine Bay
Wide-open Atlantic surf for confident surfers, backed by dunes and golf.
Harlyn Bay
A sheltered, gentle bay with a long-running surf school, popular with families.
Stay here to explore
Porthcothan, and the Seven Bays, on your doorstep
Base yourself at Atlantic Bays and Porthcothan is a short drive away each morning — in a luxury lodge, a sun cabin or your own pitch. Check live availability for your dates, or call the team and they’ll help you find the right stay.