Portreath is a small fishing port and is nestled between imposing high cliffs on the north-west coast of Cornwall. The village itself extends along both sides of a stream lined by houses and is centred on the narrow harbour and beach. In the past it was a busy port, importing coal and exporting copper, today you will find the occasional coloured fishing boat moored here. Dating back to the 18th century the village has retained much of its character and does not get as busy as other villages in Cornwall. Visitors predominantly come for the natural environment providing a delightful mix of countryside and coast.
There are a good selection of pubs, cafés and licensed restaurants to accommodate visitors when hunger strikes. You will find an establishment to cater to all tastes and budgets.
You will also find a good range of shops that should cater to all your needs whilst staying here.
Heartlands is a world heritage site located in a former mine. Set over nineteen acres there is lots to explore and discover including, a mining museum with state-of-the-art exhibits on the areas rich mining history, botanical gardens and art and crafts studios. You will find an outdoor play area for the children with climb on sculptures. There is an indoor soft-play area but there is a charge to use this. There is a nice café located in the old carpenter's workshop. A number of events are hosted here during the year.
Tehidy Park and Gardens is located in a beautiful and tranquil valley and is a gorgeous country park extending to about 250 acres. The majority of the park is woodland with around 9 miles (ca. 14 km) of nature trails, all well maintained and provides a pleasant shady environment. There are signposts for the different coloured walks, most are on the level and easy so suitable for push-chairs, wheelchairs and the elderly. Dogs are welcome on certain walks. There are some attractions for children like the wood carvings and the coloured stones that they have to find, photograph and hide again for the next person.
Tehidy Park was formerly the estate of the Basset family who made their wealth in tin, today it is owned by Cornwall County Council and is open to the public all year round. The park also has bridleways for horse riding as well as tracks for mountain biking. There are a number of ponds and a large lake with swans and several varieties of ducks. The grounds are home to lots of wildlife and some curious squirrels and birds. There are two cafés when it comes to refreshment time, be aware they have restricted opening times in the winter months.
Portreath beach is a lovely sandy beach and is popular with families. It offers good surf so attracts both surfers and body-boarders who favour the big swells at high tide.
Being sheltered it is an ideal location for bathing and water sport enthusiasts, with windsurfing, fishing, sailing and swimming available.
There are plenty of opportunities to get outdoors here, and the area is well known for its breathtaking country walks both along the beautiful cliffs and inland. There are spectacular coastal views from the impressive cliffs. The countryside is lush, there is lots to see with beautiful wildflowers carpeting the grounds creating a visual display and releasing delicious fragrances, overhead sea birds soar and the views are breathtaking.
Bassets Cove has a small lovely beach but is not easy to get to as access is from a coastal path and requires clambering down and over the rocks to the left of the car park. The cove is in accessible at high tide. If you continue walking along the cliffs you will discover stunning rock stacks and hidden coves. Seals are regularly spotted along this stretch of water as their seasonal breeding grounds are around this region.
A number of the old tram-roads that were used for transporting to the mines have been repurposed into cycle paths and run from Portreath to Devoran on the south coast. The Mineral Tramways Trails have details of the trails, these are available in a free leaflet.
Walkers can follow the historic Coast to Coast Trail or there are some smaller walks to choose from. These circular walks commence in the village square and vary in length from 1.5 miles (2.41 kilometres) to 7 miles (11.27 km).
The rugged beauty of the cliffs and scenery is the perfect backdrop for artists who are drawn to this area. Natural light adds to the attraction for artists. Wonderful works by these talented people can be bought in local galleries.
A number of local golf courses are in close proximity for those wanting to get another form of walking in. These include Illogan Woods and Lighthouse Hill, boasting stunning scenery and many challenges.
Another great way to experience this region is on horseback, there are plenty of trekking trails and several equestrian centres close by. They have horses available to suit all sizes and abilities and provide instruction for beginners.
If you want to explore the rugged countryside of West Cornwall Portreath is an ideal base, it is well positioned for getting around this region and discovering all the attractions. It is a pretty seaside retreat and has avoided being spoiled by mass tourism.