- Rock pooling, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, fishing and walking all close by.
- Stunning cliff top walks with interesting wildlife and flowers.
- Discover the areas mining history.
Nestled peacefully between the sea and majestic cliffs, Portreath favours a secluded spot with a small harbour and beautiful sandy beach, just perfect for family days out and watersports fanatics. If taking to the water isn’t your thing then there is plenty to excite you back on dry land. Horse riding, fishing, golf, painting and walking are just a few of the activities on offer as well as many National Trust days out to stimulate your imagination.
Just a few miles further up the coast and situated very slightly inland you’ll find the ancient mining town of St Agnes. A friendly and peaceful village with a road leading down to a quiet cove about ½ mile away. A short walk out of the town takes you to the St Agnes Beacon, an impressive landmark 628ft high that, should you climb to the top, will reward you with some truly spectacular panoramic views across the Cornish countryside.
Food and Drink
Cornwall has a well-established foodie culture and along with spotting the odd celebrity chef you’ll find some excellent local chefs, farmers markets and locally grown produce and you’ll be in for a treat should you decide to sample one of the local restaurants.
Your choice of cuisine is varied allowing your taste buds to revel in fresh caught seafood, traditional Cornish fayre, Italian, Indian and Chinese. There are also many independent specialist grocers and delicatessens that stock homemade and local produce. Of course a trip to Cornwall isn’t complete without tasting one of the famous Cornish pasties and an indulgent cream tea.
Family Attractions
The area between Portreath and St Agnes has a strong industrial heritage, as does a large portion of Cornwall, and as such mine tours offer a remarkable insight into how life used to be.
For a fun-filled family day out why not visit the St Agnes Leisure Park or Holywell Bay Fun Park? Both offer a selection of rides and entertainment to keep even the biggest kids amused.
Slightly further inland is the Lappa Valley steam railway where steam locomotives run through the beautiful Cornish countryside to a small leisure park at East Wheal Rose. It is an excellent family day out with activities for all, including: a boating lake, a maze, crazy golf, nature trails, children’s play areas, 9 hole golf course and of course the four steam locomotives.
Other attractions you may want to visit include: Roseland House and Gardens, Newquay Zoo, The Blue Reef Aquarium, Trerice House, Penrose Water Gardens, Cornish Goldsmiths, The Paradise Park Wildlife Sanctuary and Tehidy Country Park.
Shopping
Locally you will find a Costcutter in St Agnes and Portreath for day-to-day provisions, there is also a selection of craft shops, galleries and cafes. There is a bank and post office in St Agnes however.
Larger supermarkets such as Tesco, Morrisons and Iceland are just off the A30 in Redruth (approx 5 miles from Portreath) where you will also find most banks.
Presingoll Barns is a factory outlet in St Agnes where you will find a collection of independent shops selling traditional Cornish gifts and crafts including: Pottery & souvenirs, jewellery, Cornish food & fudge, household garden gifts & gallery, gizmos & toys and arts & crafts. If you’re feeling creative you can even have a go at throwing your own pot, dipping a candle or painting crockery.
History & Heritage
St Agnes is part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape which is situated within a World Heritage Site. Both Portreath and St Agnes have been hugely influenced by the mining trade having been important ports in the shipment of tin and clay. St Agnes still produces tin today and has the last working mine left in Cornwall, Blue Hills – discover the history for yourself and take a guided tour around the mine. There is a free museum in St Agnes where you can find out more about the areas mining heritage.
Portreath’s history dates back to the 18th century when village was used for shipping copper ore from the area to worldwide destination. Seven tram roads were constructed between the mines and the Portreath to make the transportation of the ore easier. These tram roads can still be seen today and make for an enjoyable walk or bike ride.
Beaches
There are many beaches that are excellent for both families and water sports however there are some that should be avoided due to this limited access or dangerous cliffs. Listed below are the best in the area.
Portreath
A mostly sandy beach bordered by a sea will and some rocks that are good for rock pooling at low tide. The beach is manned by life guards during the summer months and dogs are not permitted Easter to October. Facilities include toilets, shops and a cafe.
Porthtowan
An excellent beach for surfing with many competitions taking place here. Facilities include toilets, shop and cafe. Dogs are not permitted Easter to October.
Chapel Porth
Low tide reveals a large stretch of sands that reaches from St Agnes head to Lushingtons at the far end of Porthtowan Beach. The beach is manned by life guards during the summer months and dogs are not permitted Easter to October. Facilities include a cafe and toilets.
Trevaunance Cove
A shingle beach that evolves into sand as the tide goes out. Lifeguards are present during the summer months. Facilities include a cafe, restaurant and toilets. Please note that access from the road is fairly steep and the cliffs can be crumbly.
Perranporth
A 2 mile expanse of golden sands and dunes perfect for family days out. Lifeguarded during the summer months. Facilities include cafe, pub, shop and toilets.
Events and Entertainment
There is plenty to keep everyone entertained on the North Cornwall coast.
- St Agnes Carnival Week – starting with a fabulous procession the weeks entertainment includes music, dancing, treasure hunts and delicious food.
- St Agnes Victorian Fayre - a range of stalls (with stall holders in Victorian costume) offering a variety of local produce and crafts, refreshments and games plus music, a charity auction and a giant Cornish Pasty Competition
- St Piran's day celebrations, Perranporth - The annual St Piran Play takes place on Perran Sands.
- Rip Curl Boardmasters, Newquay - Europe’s biggest surf, skate and music festival.
Activities
Explore Cornwall’s rich mining heritage from a unique angle and cycle (or walk) the old tram roads once used to transport copper ore from the mines. There are seven trails in total ranging from 1.1miles to 11miles, with one of them stretching from Portreath on the north coast to Devoran on the south coast. For something more leisurely, a cliff top walk can be as invigorating or as relaxing as you like and every which way you turn you will be amazed by the views, wild flowers, wild life and birds.
The north coast is renowned for its surfing and has some of the best waves in the world to entice you into giving it a go. There are plenty of surf schools along the coast that offer tuition, board and wet suit hire to get you started.
There are nearby sports and leisure that offer swimming pools, badminton and squash and any keen golfers will be spoilt for choice as there are six courses within the area that offer excellent facilities and views. There is also a couple of riding schools that offer trekking and hacking through the Cornish countryside for all abilities.
Nearby Tehidy Country Park is a peaceful retreat with 104 hectares of woodland and lakes, ponds & cascades and 9 miles of footpaths to explore.
Travel
For those travelling by car you will join the M5 motorway south (towards Exeter) and head for the A30 towards Bodmin, Redruth and Perranporth. Portreath and St Agnes will be signposted off the A30.
The nearest train station is Redruth which is very well connected to London and the North. From there you will be able to board one of the local busses to both Portreath and St Agnes.
The nearest airports to Portreath & St Agnes are Newquay and Plymouth.