Porthcothan Bay

Porthcothan Bay is a narrow, north-west-facing inlet on the North Cornwall coast, roughly five miles south of Padstow between Treyarnon Bay and Bedruthan Steps. High craggy cliffs shelter the beach at high tide, while at low tide the sand opens out to connect with small coves to the north and south, revealing rock pools and caves worth exploring.

The beach picks up enough swell for surfing, with intermediate surfers enjoying clean mid-tide banks and beginners best suited to smaller days. Bodyboarders find fast sections on a pushing tide. There is no seasonal dog ban, making Porthcothan popular with dog walkers year-round.

Porthcothan Bay Stores and Cafe sits right by the sand, serving coffees, pasties and picnic supplies. Parking and toilet facilities are close to beach level. The clifftop fields around the bay were used as filming locations for the BBC’s Poldark series.

The South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs in both directions, with walks north towards Trevose Head and south to Bedruthan Steps. Padstow’s harbour, restaurants and shops are a short drive up the coast. Porthcothan suits families and walkers looking for a quieter stretch of sand away from the larger resort beaches. The beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards during summer months, typically from mid-May through September. At low spring tides, a natural arch and sea caves on the southern side of the bay become accessible on foot, though visitors should check tide times before exploring.