- Surf on Perranporth beach.
- Learn about Cornish Culture at the Perranzabuloe Folk Museum.
- Walk your dog at anytime of the year on the beach.
Nestled on the exposed North Cornwall Coast, Perranporth is a fantastic choice for a seaside holiday. Three miles of golden sands, flanked by spectacular sand dunes, allure beach goers looking to bath, build sand castles or simply bask in the sun, whilst the churning surf attracts body boarders and surfers looking to catch that perfect wave. With summer lifeguard patrols and a watering hole marooned on the beach, it’s easy to see why Perranporth is such a favourite with beachgoers. Dogs are also welcome on the beach all year round, making it a perfect choice for a pet friendly holiday.
The town is home to a selection of independent shops where gifts and essentials can be bought, and a choice of eateries offering a varied selection of menus to suit all palettes.
The neighbouring town of Newquay is within a short drive up the coast and offers a large range of shops, some of the best beaches in the area and fine dining at Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen restaurant.
Food & Drink
Perranporth is home to a selection of cafes and traditional pubs offering everything from hearty basket meals to locally caught fish and chips.
Perranporth also boasts a fine selection of eateries sure to tempt even the most sophisticated of foodies, from fresh Italian food at the Del Mar Italian Restaurant to Authentic Indian dishes at the Jaipur Indian Cuisine. And for that extra special occasion why not take a short drive up the dramatic North Cornwall Coast to Watergate Bay and Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Cornwall restaurant.
Family Attractions
The miles of golden sand and rolling surf attract surfers, body boarders and families alike but this dramatic area of North Cornall is close to a fantastic selection of family attractions.
The neighbouring town of Newquay is home to Newquay Zoo, a collection of lush sub-tropical gardens. With over 130 different species of animals, a stunning rainforest exhibit, children’s play area and Tarzan Trail, the whole family will be entertained.
The Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre can be found in Newquay and is home to a range of extreme activities, from abseiling to coasteering, ideal for those who wish to challenge themselves.
Why you’re in the South West why not visit the nearby Eden Project, a collection of bi-omes housing a fine selection of exotic plants from around the world making for an unforgettable experience.
Shopping
Being a fairly small seaside town, Perranporth is home to a selection of independent stores offering surf wares and interesting gifts. There is also a Co-operative supermarket where basic food supplies and essentials can be bought. For a larger shop with a more extensive selection of produce, Morrisons supermarket is located in the neighbouring town of Newquay. Newquay is also home to a good selection of gift shops, high street names and a fantastic range of surf shops offering clothing, boards and equipment hire.
History & Heritage
St. Piran, Cornwalls patron saint, founded a church near to Perranporth in the Seventh Century. Due to the immense power of the Atlantic Ocean, the church was buried under sand for centuries and became known as the lost church. It was uncovered again in the early twentieth Century, but became hidden once more in the 1970s.
Legend says that St Piran made a fire on the beach at Perranpoth and Tin bubbled up from under the sand onto the ashes and formed the shape of a cross. This is depicted on the Cornish Flag, a white cross on a contrasting black background.
One of Perranporths more recent famous sons is Winston Graham, the author of the Poldark novels, whose work was inspired by the local people, history and area.
The fascinating history of the area can be explored at the Perranzabuloe Folk Museum which offers an insight into the social and industrial past of Perranporth and surrounding villages.
Beaches
Perranporth’s position on the North Cornwall Coast offers easy access to Penhale Sands, Perran Sands and Perranporth Beach, which combine to form a three mile stretch of golden sands. This vast exspanse of sand is flanked by vast sand dunes offering an ideal spot for sunbathing away from the crowds on the beach. The beach itself benefits from excellent conditions for surfing and bodyboarding, attracting extreme watersports enthusiasts from afar.
During the summer months the beach is patrol by lifeguards, and the Watering Hole, Perrranporths unique beach bar, is open for buisiness offering an enticing combination of cold refreshments, good food and live entertainment.
Dogs are welcome on the beach all year and with facilities such as toilets and car parking, it’s easy to understand why this beach is such a favourite with families and surfers alike.
A short drive up the coast reveals some of the best beaches in the area including Watergate Bay, Crantock Beach and the legiondary Fistral Beach famed for it’s fantastic surfing conditions.
Events and Entertainment
Perranporth and the surrounding area are home to a fantastic selection of events and unique festivals. Events start in early March with St. Pirans Day, a celebration of Cornish identity named after the patron saint of Cornwall.
In May, the festival of ‘Obby Oss’ is held in annually at Padstow, a scenic 20 mile drive up the Atlantic Coast. The exact origins of the festival are uncertain, with contrasting theories suggesting it was everything from an ancient fertility festival to a celebration of the arrival of spring. The highlight of the festival is a procession of dancing through the town to the sounds of a hypnotic folk song.
In October the Lowender Peran Festival takes place, a celebration of Cornwall's distinctive heritage. Events include traditional music, dance, songs and story telling.
The neighbouring town of Newquay also plays host to a whole range of events throughout the year. Newquay’s annual Volkswagen festival, ‘Run to the Sun’, is held in May and attracts Bug and Bus enthusiasts from all over the country. Newquay also host several high profile surfing events climaxing in August with the Boardmasters competition, one of Europe’s biggest surf, skate and music festivals.
Activities
As well as being a fantastic location for surfing and general beach fun, Perranporth and the surrounding area play host to a wide selection of activities to enthral the whole family.
Perranporth’s coastal position affords easy access to the Coastal Path where the spectacular Atlantic Coast provides an awesome backdrop to an evening stroll. For the keen angler, the coastal path is littered with inspirational secluded coves ideal for a spot of rod fishing.
Golfers are well catered for at Perranporth Golf Club. Offering some of the finest links golf in the South West of England, the well-maintained course offers challenging holes with breathtaking views over the exposed Atlantic Coast.
The Trenance Leisure Park, in neighbouring Newquay, is home to a wide range of activities sure to entertain everyone. Facilities include an indoor water park, swimming pool, tennis courts and crazy golf.
Travel
If travelling by car follow the M5 to Exeter and then join the A30 dual carriageway. Perranporth is within 5 miles of the A30 exit and is well signposted.
If travelling by rail, the nearest train station is in Newquay and from the train station, Perranporth is within a 9 mile taxi ride.
Cornwall Airport is situated in Newquay and serves most parts of the UK, including London, the Midlands, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Perranporth is within 12 miles of the airport and there is a fleet of eco-friendly taxis that serve the surrounding area.
