It feels almost impossible to narrow down our favourite beach in Cornwall so we are going to feature two of our most recent discoveries for now! The linked beaches of Porthtowan and Chapel Porth on the North Coast are twenty minutes drive from Malmo in Cornwall. Drive through Poldark worthy scenery on the way with the crumbling ruins of old mines dotting the landscape.
Porthtowan is the liveliest of the two, banked by steep cliffs either side it is a popular spot with surfers. Head down mid – late afternoon and soak up all of its relaxed happy atmosphere. Close to the beach is the famous Blue Bar with table outside enjoying amazing sunset views, serving up cold drinks and portions of their legendary dirty chips. A little further back to keep the kids happy are both a Mermaid of Zennor Icecream shop and the fabulous Porthtowan Beach Shop which is a treasure trove of finds a cut above the average beach tat shop! There is a surf shop if that is your thing and there are often beach fit and yoga classes run on the beach itself
Set slightly further back is the Unicorn Pub which serves up great grub and which possesses the greatest gift of all to parents – outdoor tables that directly overlook a brilliant playground. Wednesday to Saturday book ahead and click and collect fish and chips from Seasmiths – one of the best chippies for miles around.
As the sun sets head up the coastal path to the rightside of the beach and find benches set into the hillside with jaw dropping views. Carry on up around the coastal path and you will drop down onto quieter Chapel Porth beach (you can also walk across to it on the beach at low tide). It has non of the facilities of Porthtowan but a kiosk dispensing legendary Hedgehog icecreams and tonnes of caves and rockpools for the kids to explore