Pictures of Porthcothan
in the county of Cornwall
About Porthcothan
Wildlife, wild plants, flowers, and winding lanes are typical of this part of Cornwall where Porthcothan beach is backed by an area of low dunes. A little stream flows into the sea at the head of what is a long, narrow inlet.
Along the sands, years of gale lashed seas have caused dramatic rock formations. Close to the cliffs the retreating tide leaves behind enchanting little rock pools where children can spend happy hours searching for crabs and fossils.
The sea here is good for quiet surfers, it is not particularly noted for the sport, but is perhaps ideal for beginners.
Most of the landscape of the region belongs to the National Trust, thus assuring the peace and perfection of the area and the continuation of its abundance of flora and fauna. The trust owns the cliffs and headland to the north of Porthcothan, these allow for exceptional sea views in all directions.
Off shore there are several attractive little islands to the left of the bay, these are known as Trescore Islands. Looking to the right is Will's Rock and casting a northwards glance you can see the Minnow Islands and Fox Cove.
This sun-kissed beach is perfect for relaxing, soaking up the sun and enjoying the gentle surf rippling over the soft sand sheltered beneath lofty rugged cliffs. Porthcothan is indeed one of the most tranquil and spectacular places along the north Cornish coast.
Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.
Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner
Recommended attractions near Porthcothan
| Carnewas & Bedruthan Steps | (1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Trevose Head Lighthouse | (2.8 miles, 4.5 km, direction N) | Pictures |
| Prideaux Place | (4.1 miles, 6.6 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Newquay Zoo | (6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay | (7.0 miles, 11.3 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| The Shire Hall | (13.6 miles, 21.9 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Bodmin & Wenford Railway | (13.7 miles, 22.1 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Callestock Cider Farm | (14.5 miles, 23.3 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Lanhydrock House | (14.9 miles, 23.9 km, direction E) | Pictures |
| Trewithen Gardens | (15.5 miles, 24.9 km, direction S) | Pictures |
| Merlin's Cave | (15.9 miles, 25.6 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| St. Agnes Leisure Park | (16.0 miles, 25.7 km, direction SW) | Pictures |
| Tintagel Castle | (16.0 miles, 25.7 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| Tintagel Old Post Office | (16.0 miles, 25.7 km, direction NE) | Pictures |
| The Eden Project | (16.0 miles, 25.8 km, direction SE) | Pictures |
All attractions in PorthcothanAll attractions in CornwallComplete A to Z of attractions in EnglandRecommended towns near Porthcothan
Constantine Bay in the county of Cornwall (1.6 miles, 2.6 km, direction N)
Constantine Bay lies south of Padstow, and just a short distance from Trevose Head.
Here visitors will find a marvellous...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
St Eval in the county of Cornwall (1.9 miles, 3.0 km, direction SE)
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Mawgan Porth in the county of Cornwall (2.9 miles, 4.7 km, direction S)
The glorious, almost white sands of Mawgan Porth, matches the creamy tips of the tumbling waves lapping the shore of this lovely coastal resort.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Padstow in the county of Cornwall (4.2 miles, 6.8 km, direction NE)
Padstow has become a phenomenon of the latter half of the 20th-century when Chef, Rick Stein, together with his endearing little dog, Chalky first burst upon our T.V. screens following the opening of his famous "Seafood Restaurant" which has since become a Mecca for fish and seafood lovers from all over the country and Europe.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Rock in the county of Cornwall (5.6 miles, 9.0 km, direction NE)
Rock is known to have been visited by at least one Royal Prince.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Polzeath in the county of Cornwall (6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction NE)
This is an area of pleasant coves, delightful bays and quaint villages.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
New Polzeath in the county of Cornwall (6.6 miles, 10.7 km, direction NE)
New Polzeath overlooks the extensive sands at Hayles Bay, where westerly winds provide perfect conditions for surfers. Just north of New Polzeath you can find steps leading to a beautiful beach.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Newquay in the county of Cornwall (6.8 miles, 11.0 km, direction S)
What a rare blessing Newquay has in its mile upon mile of sheltered, golden beaches that offer a safe haven for sun-worshippers and surfers alike.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Wadebridge in the county of Cornwall (8.0 miles, 12.9 km, direction E)
This enchanting place, is close to Padstow and Rock which are now renowed as excellent surfing resorts.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Crantock in the county of Cornwall (8.4 miles, 13.6 km, direction SW)
Situated on the River Gannel's estuary, Crantock beach offers low-tide sand backed by a broad expanse of dunes and low cliffs. It...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Holywell in the county of Cornwall (9.9 miles, 15.9 km, direction SW)
This pretty place is quieter than most on this coastline, it has a golden sandy beach stretching to almost a mile which offers idyllic sun-bathing and swimming conditions.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Port Isaac in the county of Cornwall (10.3 miles, 16.5 km, direction NE)
Port Isaac offers visitors many rich experiences from strolls around its ancient streets and narrow alleys criss-crossing the hillside, to simply standing on the top of a cliff watching the foaming waves of the changing tide.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Port Gaverne in the county of Cornwall (10.6 miles, 17.0 km, direction NE)
The village itself was especially noted for Pilchards, a fact which caused many fishermen in the 19th-century to make this little place their home.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Perranporth in the county of Cornwall (12.6 miles, 20.3 km, direction SW)
Perranporth has a spectacular golden sandy beach which stretches for about 3 miles along the coast.
Info | Pictures | Hotels
Bodmin in the county of Cornwall (13.8 miles, 22.1 km, direction E)
Historically fascinating and naturally beautiful, this area of North Cornwall has so much to offer. Equidistant from both the...
Info | Pictures | Hotels
All towns in CornwallComplete A to Z of towns in EnglandNearby travel help
| Newquay (Cornwall) Airport | (4.7 miles, 7.5 km, direction S) |
| Newquay Station | (7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction SW) |
| Quintrel Downs Station | (7.2 miles, 11.6 km, direction S) |
| Plymouth City Airport | (40.6 miles, 65.3 km, direction E) |
| M5 Junction 31 | (67.3 miles, 108.3 km, direction E) |
| M5 Junction 30 | (70.0 miles, 112.6 km, direction E) |
| Porthcothan to London | (224.3 miles, 360.9 km, direction E) |
Hotels & Accommodation in Porthcothan
| Hotel Name | Approximate distance from Porthcothan center |
| The Windward Hotel | (5.9 miles, 9.4 km, direction S) |
| Pine Lodge | (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction S) |
| The Metro | (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction S) |
| The Three Tees Hotel | (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction S) |
| Edgcumbe Hotel | (6.5 miles, 10.5 km, direction S) |
| Hotel Bristol | (6.7 miles, 10.7 km, direction S) |
| Cliffdene Hotel | (6.7 miles, 10.8 km, direction S) |
| Grand Palm Hotel | (6.8 miles, 11.0 km, direction SW) |
| Holmwood Guest House | (6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction S) |
| Trebarwith Hotel | (6.9 miles, 11.2 km, direction SW) |
| All hotels in Porthcothan |
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