Perranporth Holidays

Perranporth holidays offer laid back days spent down on the beach, where time is divided between relaxing in the Cornish sunshine and paddling its shimmering surf. The quintessential beach resort, its small high street which is situated mere minutes from the golden sands beyond, is lined with a variety of shops and cafes that include independent surf outlets, beach essentials and gift stores, creating the impression of it being an extension of the golden sands beyond.

Did you know? A local’s guide to holidays in Perranporth…

Favoured by sun seekers and water sports fans alike, Perranporth Beach’s two miles of golden sands, rolling surf and accessibility make it a top choice for beachgoers of all ages all year round.

Ranking up there as one of the largest in Cornwall, low tide exposes a marvellous stretch when Perran Sands joins up with Penhale Sands; so even in busier seasons the beach feels less crowded than some of its Cornish counterparts. Explore caves and stone arches as well as the iconic Chapel Rock which can be found at the town end of the beach, or stroll along the sand past dunes and cliffs while taking in the extraordinary sea views.

Famed also for the Watering Hole (a year round beach bar which is actually on the beach), there are plenty of refreshments on offer as well as live entertainment to ensure that the longest of days can be savoured.

Take a dip in Perranporth’s natural tide pool

It’s no secret that Perranporth is a fantastic beach with clean sand, rock pools and caves to explore but did you know that it also boasts a wonderful sea pool? The pool is situated on the far side of the iconic Chapel Rock and is refilled by the sea twice a day. At low tide it’s a great way to enjoy salt water swimming if you don’t fancy braving the ocean, but if you do feel like a sea swim, during the high tide the rock is surrounded by water and becomes an island which you can climb and then swim back to shore from.

Watch the sun set from the Watering Hole

This famous ‘bar on the beach’ brands itself as ‘a beach bar/restaurant and has become something of a landmark on Cornwall’s North Coast. If you spend a day on the beach then this is where you’re going to want to chill out after, your toes still digging into the sand as you feast on some yummy grub. A simple menu of burgers, pies and snacks is on offer as well as a range of cold and hot drinks, so it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun go down with the whole family.

Visit the Perranzabuloe Millennium sundial

Designed by local resident Stuart Thorn, this fantastic piece of design sits below Droskyn car park on the grassy clifftop alongside the path leading to the beach. The surrounding area is landscaped using granite, cobbles and grass, with the huge stainless steel gnomon (the big pointy bit)) casting shadows onto the clockface to show Cornish Time rather than Greenwich Mean Time. The view from here down to the beach and over the sea is second to none so if you’re looking for the best place to take a few photos, this is it!

Take a hike to St Agnes

The beauty of Perranporth is that it can be enjoyed no matter the time of year and one of the best ways to explore the area is on foot. The 3.6 miles (5.8 km) walk from Perranporth to St Agnes which is fairly level and provides excellent cliff top walking is not only an excellent way to take in the scenery but also perfect for anyone who is interested in Cornwall’s mining heritage. An abundance of birdlife can be found along the way as well as wild flowers and other native flora. This walk is particularly good for dogs as it passes beaches and pubs where dogs are welcome.

Play a round of golf

As one of Britain’s TOP 100 Links courses, Perranporth Golf Club boasts some of the finest golf in South West of England. Stunning views up and down the coast as well as excellent putting greens and a challenging James Braid designed links course all add to the uniqueness of the place so if you can’t bear to go on holiday without your clubs, you’ll be in for a treat!