Perranporth stands as the gateway to one of the most spectacular and popular beaches in Cornwall. Here, you can find miles of golden sand, sand dunes, and huge surfs along with an assortment of wildlife. All of this is jam-packed into a relatively small space and makes for a very impressive location. Interestingly, the surrounding countryside was the inspiration for many of the Poldark novels written by Winston Graham.
If you love activity, the buggy and kite schools on the beach could be great options for you. For those who love the sound of a lazy stroll amidst lush countryside, walking along the coastal village footpath will keep you occupied on most afternoons.
The beach in Perranporth stretches out three miles when the tide goes out, from Droskyn Point down to the Penhale Sands where rock pools serve as home to little creatures. Chapel Rock also has a tidal pool. Dogs can be taken on to the beach between 10 am to 5 pm provided they are being led on a leash.
Polly Joke Beach is another place where dogs are allowed and is essentially a combination of two beaches, one of them coming down from Crantock and the other running up from Perranporth. Though it is a little out of the usual tourist circuit and does not boast as many facilities, those looking for beaches that are nice but less crowded should have Polly Joke Beach at the top of their list. Holywell Bay finds a snug fit for itself between Polly Joke and Perranporth with Newquay being six miles to the west. The beach stretches for three miles, is friendly to dogs, and also has facilities for the disabled who can access it with ease.
Cornwall is home to numerous amazing coastal walks that stretch over various areas and for different lengths. The South West Coast Path travels around almost the whole of the county and can be entered from Perranporth for travelling all the way up to St Agnes along 3.5 miles (5.63 kilometres) of a scenic walk. Apart from the natural beauty offered by the coastline there is the added bonus where you get to enjoy the mining heritage, wild flowers, and birdlife of Cornwall. Perran Sands to Perranporth makes for an easier walk for it runs over an easier terrain though the distance is pretty much the same.
This place is excellent not only for catching a sunset but also for checking out some man-made beauty that this place has to offer. The clock is located next to a few seats that are designed in the style of an amphitheatre which makes them ideal for admiring the sunset over the Atlantic with some fish and chips, and beer for accompaniment to make it all the more special.
You can find a number of family eateries in the busy village that serve traditional food while the numerous bars and cafés cater to the demands of the beach-goers.
Even Mother Nature has not succeeded in dethroning The Watering Hole from its place as the only bar in the UK that sits on a beach. Essentially a bar and restaurant, it has menus to cater to the seasoned customer while in summer, the place becomes a hub for BBQs along with some rocking live music.
A licensed family-run bistro café, Willow Bistro is just seconds away from the Perranporth beach and serves breakfast, lunch, as well as meals for the evening. They maintain a competitive pricing with the menu designed to serve quality meals ranging from fish to light snacks, vegetarian and meat dishes. Produce from local suppliers are obtained as far as possible. Prior bookings are welcome for the evening.
Summer months always bring boiling hot temperatures and the need for some ice cream grows intense during this period. Planet Ice takes care of this need and raises it on to the next level. They have adventurous flavours with fun ingredients that are largely supplied by the local producers.
A Wetherspoon’s pub, The Green Parrot is a very nice place that welcomes dogs and has an excellent outdoor facility. In keeping with the tradition of all Wetherspoon’s pubs this place offers great value for money which can become necessary at times, especially for those on holiday with their family.
The places around Perranporth offer a wealth of activities, making it an ideal location for those with a sporting acumen. For those keen on learning more of the Cornish culture, the Perranporth Surf School is a great place to start. Horse rides and treks across the Perranporth beaches and dunes can be found from Reen Manor while there are also less high-octane activities for those interested at Perranporth Golf Club and Perran Tennis Club. These are among the finest addresses in the area for some relaxing, rejuvenating experience.
Plan a trip to Perranporth and enjoy the very best that the beautiful Cornish countryside in the UK has to offer.