Porthcurno Accommodation

Last week we took a little staycation in Porthcurno. A great opportunity in October to either grab some crowd-less late season sun on the beach and explore some of the lesser known coves and beaches in the area - like Porthchapel or Penberth Cove…or simply watch the storms role in, with a hot cup of tea, from a stunning, elevated position. We ended up doing a bit of both.

There are beach destinations that take your breath away, and then there is Porthcurno. Located near the south-western tip of Cornwall, this tiny coastal haven feels less like England and more like a secluded pocket of the Mediterranean. Soft, seashell-white sand meets clear, turquoise sea framed by rugged granite cliffs carved by the Atlantic.

While visiting Porthcurno for a day trip is memorable, staying directly above it in a coastal apartment elevates the experience entirely.

The Front-Row View: Coastal Magic from Breakfast to Sunset

Stepping onto the communal BBQ area, with a morning coffee or food and drinks in the evening…as the Atlantic tide washes across the bay is hard to match.

On sunny days, the sand reflects light through the shallow water, turning the bay a striking shade of turquoise. In the winter and during ‘storm season’, you have front row seats to a dramatic, ever changing landscape.

Morning offers sunrise views and as evening falls, watch the light shift over the granite headlands with a glass of wine without having to travel back to base.

One of the greatest luxuries of staying in an apartment perched on the cliffs or nestled in the valley is convenience. You can abandon the car keys for the entire duration of your stay.

• Direct Beach Access: Grab your towel, walk down the footpaths, and be on the sand in minutes.

• The Minack Theatre: Carved into the granite cliffside just above the bay, this open-air theatre is world-famous. Staying nearby means walking to evening performances.

• South West Coast Path: Hike east toward the picturesque fishing cove of Penberth or west toward Land's End.

When to Visit :

• Summer (June–August): Perfect for swimming (under the watchful eyes of the lifeguards), sunbathing and attending outdoor plays at the Minack Theatre.

• Spring & Autumn (April–May & September–October): Clear skies, comfortable walking weather, and far quieter beaches.

• Winter (November–February): Ideal for dramatic storm-watching from a cozy living room overlooking the ocean.

Swimming at Charlestown, St Austell.

Walking down to Charlestown Harbour is like walking into a film set…possibly because it is used as a film set! The site has been used on the BBCs recent adaptation of Poldark and Doctor Who, as well as Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland….and a number of other titles.

Charlestown is a UNESCO world heritage site and it’s a little like stepping back in time when you access certain areas of the harbour and won Tripadvisor’s ‘Travelers’ Choice Award’ for 2021.

For swimming Charlestown is ideal. It’s not great on a moderate to strong easterly wind…but we don’t get that many days (particularly in the summer) where the wind blows in that direction. Europe is also in the way for big swells to roll on in.

In terms of swims - you can swim from Charlestown to Carlyon Bay and back, swim Charlestown to Porthpeanand back or opt for a shorter swimming route from Charlestown to Duporth and back. Alternatively, you could swim one way and walk back across the coastal path.

Charlestown has quite a few spaces in local car parks, as well as lots of on-street parking. The local town has all of the facilities that you’d need for a swim or day out.

Swims are best accessed from the beaches either side of the harbour. The harbour is quiet in terms of traffic but you still get the odd boat travelling in or out… Take care.

Swimming Charlestown to Porthpean (& back) - approx 2.5-3km

Swimming Charlestown to Carlyon Bay (& back) - approx 2km

Swimming Charlestown to Duporth Beach (& back) - approx 1-1.5km

Swimming at Porthpean Beach, St Austell

We carry out a lot of our swimming activity in west Cornwall, mainly as we’re based in the local area. Cornwall as a whole has some stunning swims throughout the entire county.

Personally I’m not a massive fan of the town but St Austell in particular has a number of outstanding swimming options. The highlight of these options (for me) being the Charlestown and Porthpean area.

Porthpean - is a quiet beach, a mile or two along the coast from Charlestown Harbour. You can find a small car park just up the road from the beach (PL26 6AX). It’s then a 2 minute walk down to the beach. We’ll include a video/photos rather than a description. The water quality and clarity is always great. You’d want to avoid the entire area on an moderate to strong easterly wind.

Charlestown - always a real treat. Ample car park space and a fair bit of on-street parking. I always pop into Short and Strong for a coffee whilst in the area…there are lots of other options. The harbour itself is stunning and has featured in a number of films, including Alice in Wonderland. As well as Dr Who and the BBCs most recent adaptation of Poldark.

SWIMS : great swim from Porthpean to Charlestown and back. Best attempted on an incoming tide, near to high. Approx distance 2-3km. There’s also a very active, very social group of local swimmers.

Other routes might include a longer swim from Porthpean to Carlyon Bay.