Porthcurno Beach

A south facing beach in the far west of Cornwall, Porthcurno lies three miles from Land’s End and eight from Penzance. It’s an award-winning beach prized for its sparkling, fine soft white sand made up of crushed white seashells and its stunningly clear turquoise waters. 

Because of its easy access and sheltering by high cliffs on both sides, it’s a great place to bring the children, who will be especially thrilled with the stream that flows through the beach down one side – handy for paddling!

From the beach itself you get a great view of the Minack Theatre, an open air theatre built into the cliff by Rowena Wade in the 1920s. Another local attraction is the Museum of Submarine Telegraphy, marking Porthcurno’s fame as the hub of international cable communications from 1870-1970.

The surrounding cliffs and coastlines are officially designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South West Coastal Path passes through the area, providing gentle walks for when you’re tired of sunbathing.  The surfing’s also good provided the conditions are right. It’s no surprise, then, that with all this going for it, the bay has been listed as one of the most beautiful in the world.