6.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.4A broad sandy bay framed by dunes and cliffs, with the North Cornwall Coast Path running nearby. Its coastal scenery has also featured in the BBC series Poldark.
The appeal here is the combination of open sand, cliff scenery and a coastal-path setting. It makes a good base for a simple beach visit or a longer walk, though tides, path conditions and current facilities should be checked before setting out.
Wild · Dramatic
Find your way
Open mapPorthcothan Bay, near Padstow, Cornwall
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The experience
Keep it simple: spend time on the beach, take in the cliffs and dunes, and, if conditions and your plans allow, join the nearby Coast Path. Check tides, path updates and current safety advice before exploring the shoreline.
Things to do
Spend time on the sandy bay
Enjoy the beach and look across the bay to its dunes and cliffs. Check tide conditions and current safety guidance before exploring the shoreline.
1–2 hours
Walk a section of the North Cornwall Coast Path
The supplied source says the Coast Path runs close to the bay, with walks described towards Treyarnon Bay and towards the coastline around Bedruthan and Mawgan Porth. Choose a suitable section and check official updates, as coastal erosion may lead to diversions.
Look for coves and rock pools as the tide falls
The supplied source reports that falling tides reveal more sand, coves and rock pools. Check tide times and safety advice before exploring around rocks or coves.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: beach and bay views
- 01
Visit the sandy beach and take in the bay’s dunes and cliffs.
- 02
If exploring the shoreline, check tide times and current safety guidance first.
- 03
Check whether the nearby shop is open if you want refreshments.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: beach and Coast Path
- 01
Begin with time on Porthcothan Bay.
- 02
Follow a suitable section of the nearby North Cornwall Coast Path, choosing a direction and distance to suit your group.
- 03
Check official route updates, path conditions and tide and safety guidance before setting out.
- 04
Return to the bay or check whether the local shop is open for refreshments.
When to go
· Check tides and current conditions when planning a visit; no particular time of day is established by the supplied sources.
The supplied source reports lifeguards between May and September. Verify current seasonal cover and safety advice; no other seasonal recommendation is established.
Coastal conditions can change. Carry suitable layers and check tide times, safety guidance and Coast Path updates before setting out.
Worth pairing with
Treyarnon Bay
A neighbouring bay named by the supplied source as a Coast Path direction from Porthcothan. Check path conditions and route updates before walking between bays.
Padstow
The supplied source describes Padstow as a nearby harbour town with shops, food businesses and access to the Camel Estuary; plan transport and check current details.
What to look for
- 01
Notice how the view opens across the sandy bay from the dunes and cliffs. At lower tide, the supplied source says more sand, coves and rock pools are revealed
- 02
check tide conditions and safety advice before exploring.
Best time to go
May–September for the source-reported seasonal lifeguard cover; the bay can be visited outside this period, but check conditions and current safety guidance.
For seasonal lifeguard cover, the supplied source reports May–September; verify current dates and advice locally. Check tide times before exploring coves or rocks.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A sandy bay on the North Cornwall coast. The supplied source describes beach access and nearby parking; check current access, tide conditions and safety guidance before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
Nearby parking is reported by the supplied local-area source; check current availability and any restrictions before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Nearby toilets are reported by the supplied local-area source; check current availability before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
A local shop near the bay is reported to serve coffee, pasties, ice cream and local produce. Check current opening information.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check before visiting; no dog rules are established by the supplied sources.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Check before visiting; no access-surface or accessibility details are established by the supplied sources.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Porthcothan Bay
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
