The small village of St Levan which lies east of Sennen Cove is one of Cornwall’s pretties places. Surrounded by quaint hamlets, dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery, Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre are on its doorstep, as is the South West Coast Path and beaches like Pedn Vounder, Porthchapel and Porthgwarra.

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A local’s guide to holidays in St Levan…

Things to do in St Levan

Staggeringly beautiful, St Levan is a place for complete relaxation and connecting with nature however if you’re looking for a holiday itinerary to keep you busy there are a few fascinating sites to visit.

Historic sites

The Holy Well which can be found on the South West Coast Path above Porth Chapel’s beach is thought to be the oldest Christian building in Cornwall, whilst St Levan Church and its mysteriously split granite obelisk is a must-see.

PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications

Journey into the history and future of global communications as the museum explores the impact of undersea telegraph cables first brought ashore in Porthcurno 150 years ago – ultimately leading to today’s fibre optic technology. Visitors can crack Morse code, learn about digital communications, and meet Morgy, a sea monster-themed interactive exhibit. Highlights include a WWII underground bunker and a historic cable hut. The museum also features a café serving Cornish pasties and cakes – perfect for making a whole day of it!

The Minack Theatre

One of Cornwall’s most iconic landmarks, this nearly century-old open-air venue dramatically perched on a rocky granite outcrop overlooking the sea. Created by Rowena Cade in 1930, it hosts thousands of visitors annually from May to September for a range of performances, from classical plays to musical shows. Visitors can also tour the theatre and its 1.5-acre tropical gardens, which bloom year-round with plants like aeoniums and agapanthus. The site features The Shack café for light refreshments and a gift shop for souvenirs.

Walk to Porthgwarra Cove

About 40 minutes’ walk from St Levan along the South West Coast Path, this hidden gem was one of the secret filming locations for Poldark. The cove features a tidal beach that reveals its sandy shore at low tide only and its stunning sea cave arch makes the walk well worth the effort. Although both the cove and its slipway are privately owned, the public is welcome to enjoy them quietly and respectfully. Swimming in the cove is generally safe, but it’s important to stay within the headland to avoid dangerous currents beyond.

 

 

Beaches in St Levan

Pedn Vounder Beach

Further to the east between Porthcurno and the Logan Rock headland lies the tidal cove and beach of Pedn Vounder. Smaller than its neighbouring Porthcurno it’s set below the stunning cliffs of Treryn Dinas and has the same crystal clear turquoise water and beautiful white sand. Access down to the beach is also steep so care should be taken especially if there are children in tow although Tripadvisor has also reported it to unofficially nudist or naturist.

Porthcurno Beach

Stunning and otherworldly, Porthcurno Beach sits at the base of the Logan Rock headland and can be reached in around 20 minutes on foot from St Levan. Popular for its soft white sand bordering crystal-clear waters, it’s also ideal for families and there’s a seasonal beach café nearby, allowing you to pack light for the day. Unfortunately dogs are banned seasonally from July 1 to August 31, between 10 am and 6 pm.

Sennen Cove

Set on Cornwall’s south coast, Sennen with its white sand beach and lovely village atmosphere is just 15ish minutes’ drive from St Levan. If you love to surf it’s a brilliant spot for it, and busy as it can be in the summer, Sennen manages to retain an unspoiled atmosphere.

  • Where can I find good food in St Levan?

    The historic 17th Century First and Last Inn is 11 minutes’ drive in Sennen while the award-winning 16th Century Logan Rock Inn is less than 10 minutes’ drive. Both have a variety of excellent ales and menus that offer delicious homestyle meals. Mousehole’s restaurants like The Old Coastguard Inn and 2 Fore Street lie within a half-hour drive from St Levan.

     

  • What coastal walks are in St Levan?

    One of the best walks to do is from St Levan to Nanjizal Bay via Porthgwarra (about 1.5 hours) Just over 3.5 miles (about 5.5km). Walk down to the beach where you can take a dip in the turquoise water of the tidal pool beneath the Song Of The Sea cave. If you’re feeling energetic, continue on the coast path for a further 1.2 miles to Pordenack Point where you’ll be rewarded with a soaring view over the Atlantic and coastline.

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