About the location
PORTHLEVEN
Helston 3 miles; Penzance 10 miles; Hayle 11 miles; St. Ives 17 miles; Falmouth 17.5 miles.
Porthleven is one of south west Cornwall’s hidden, coastal gems, located near Helston, famous for its annual Flora Dance Festival.
Situated between Lizard Point and Land’s End, Porthleven retains the feel of a traditional Cornish fishing village, enjoying uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful Cornish coastline.
The iconic clock tower sits on the harbour entrance and the pubs, shops, cafés and restaurants cluster around the historic picturesque inner harbour, where there is plenty of boating and marine activity.
With a warren of streets lined with classic Cornish, granite cottages, an extensive beach manned with lifeguards, the chance for alfresco dining in one of a number of well reviewed restaurants, and crabbing off the harbour, there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy, all year round.
Porthleven is building a reputation for eating out with a popular food festival established in the spring.
Out of season, Porthleven has one of the best surf breaks in the country where you can sit down and get lost for hours watching the energetic surfers riding the waves.
There are some fabulous hidden coves along this stretch of coastline, including Praa Sands, Poldhu Cove, and Rinsey, a magical setting for the more energetic.
You may have even seen pictures of Porthleven on television, being one of the best spots in the UK for storm watching, with the crashing winter waves often being used as the backdrop to weather forecasts.
Walkers will enjoy the South West Coast Path, adventuring west past Rinsey Head with spectacular views, or south across Loe Bar to Penrose Estate with its National Trust cafe, and on to Gunwalloe Church Cove.
Take a trip to the Isles of Scilly by boat or plane and marvel at the display of sub-tropical gardens at the stunning Tresco Abbey.
The Eden Project near St.
Austell offers an interesting day out.
Porthleven is the ideal base for discovering the delights of west Cornwall and the Lizard Peninsula.
Region Information
