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Perranporth Beach In Cornwall – A Complete Guide

Perranporth Beach in Cornwall is probably most well known for its ‘bar on the beach’ called The Watering Hole. Here’s a guide to what else it has to offer.

How To Get To Perranporth Beach Cornwall

Perranporth Beach is located around 8 miles south west of Newquay Town in Cornwall.

It’s roughly a 15 minute drive from Newquay. However, you may want to spend a night in this pretty little seaside town.

Newquay town itself is easily walkable. However, we recommend renting a car for your entire Newquay trip. That way you can explore the whole region at ease.

There’s plenty of street parking around Perranporth starting at £2.50 for two hours.

Perranporth Beach Entrance Fee

It is free to visit this beach.

Perranporth Beach Opening Times

This beach is open every day, all year round.

Best Time To Visit Perranporth Beach + Tips

As with any beach, if wanting to enjoy the normal beach activities then the warmer summer months are the best time to visit.

However, this beach can get quite busy during peak season so, if you want to avoid the crowds, you need to be there well before 10am or later in the day.

Although, saying that, this is a large stretch of beach so you should find some space even at busy times.

Please be aware that the lifeguard cover on the beach runs from Easter to the end of October.

Therefore, if you would like this service available when you visit the beach, make sure you go between these times.

This beautiful beach also has a really nice vibe in the evening with the restaurant/bar and live music all available to enjoy.

The views are stunning, especially at sunset so don’t forget your camera.

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. However, during the months of July and August they have to be on a lead between the hours of 10am and 5pm.

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Tripod

Day Bag

Power Bank

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Quick Dry Towel

GoPro

Lifeproof Phone Case

Dry Bag

What To Expect At Perranporth Beach

With a 2 mile expanse of golden sand, huge surf, sand dunes, a bar (literally on the beach) and much more there is plenty to enjoy for everyone.

Perranporth Beach is one of Newquay’s most popular beaches. This is probably due to the fact that it is easily accessible, there’s plenty of space, it’s good for surfing, snorkelling, sailing and offers all the great beach activities that children enjoy.

It also has the famous ‘bar on the beach’ called The Watering Hole. Branding itself as ‘a beach bar/restaurant with a simple menu of burgers, pies and snacks,’ it’s the perfect spot to grab lunch with the family.

We enjoyed sitting at one of the beach tables with the sand between their toes whilst tucking into some good food.

This venue also hosts regular live music and, with its stunning location, can also be hired for private events like weddings, parties etc.

Perranporth Beach Cornwall Beaches
Welcome to Perranporth Beach Cornwall
The Watering Hole Perranporth Beach Cornwall
The Watering Hole – the UK’s only bar on the beach!
The Watering Hole Perranporth Beach Cornwall
The king of the Estrella throne outside The Watering Hole
Perranporth Beach Cornwall Beaches
Off exploring Perranporth Beach

The Beach Itself

Down to the beach, and it actually backs right onto the town of Perranporth. This makes it pretty convenient for families with children who can literally step out of the car and straight onto the sand.

Another major plus factor of Perranporth Beach is the sheer size of it! With over 2 miles of sand available you certainly won’t be fighting to find space to put your towel down.

At low tide the beach really shows its full capacity, extending from Droskyn Point to Penhale Point. Also, at the Southern end (just out from The Watering Hole), you will find natural wonder – Chapel Rock.

An iconic feature of Perranporth Beach, Chapel Rock currently stands 50ft high, although it is gradually decreasing in size due to erosion from the Atlantic Ocean.

The hidden beauty of Chapel Rock is a small swimming pool that was made by building a wall onto an existing rock pool. Thus the pool captures sea water and is naturally refreshed twice a day when the tide comes in and floods over it.

Flying proudly from the flag pole at the top of the rock you will usually see the black and white St Piran’s flag of Cornwall. However, this is sometimes changed for to other flags for various reasons.

Legend has it that St Piran, regarded as the patron saint of Cornwall, washed up on Perranporth Beach after being thrown into the sea in his native home of Ireland.

The area of the beach closest to town is usually the liveliest with lots of quirky shops, coffee bars and pubs, that get pretty busy during the summer, located along there.

However, this is a large beach and you are sure to find a quiet spot further along the beach if that is what you prefer.

Perranporth Beach Cornwall Beaches
Lauren dragging Charlie over to Chapel Rock
Perranporth Beach Cornwall Beaches
The beach is so large, there’s space for everyone
Chapel Rock Perranporth Beach Cornwall
Climbing Chapel Rock at Perranporth Beach
Saint Piran's Flag Chapel Rock Perranporth Beach Cornwall
Standing proudly with the Saint Piran’s Flag on top of Chapel Rock
Chapel Rock Pools Perranporth Beach Cornwall
The view overlooking Chapel Rock tidal pool

Where To Stay In Newquay

Luxury – The Headland Hotel and Spa

Overlooking Fistral Beach, this stylish Victorian hotel features a spa, surf school, golf course and a sea-view terrace.

The spacious 4-star bedrooms have free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. All rooms feature a cosy seating area, work desk and a modern bathroom. 

The leisure facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools. While the spa includes a steam room, sauna, and hot tub.

Guests can also work out in the fully equipped gym. There are two restaurants on site, where guests can choose between a candlelit restaurant or a beach view terrace.

Afternoon teas are available, and the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Newquay centre. 

Mid-Budget – Carnmarth Hotel

The Carnmarth Hotel boasts sea views overlooking Fistral Beach.

The hotel is within a 10-minute walk from Newquay town centre. 

Some bedrooms offer views of the sea, and each room has an en-suite shower and a flat-screen TV. 

The C-view bar and terrace serves coffees and cocktails, where guests are able to watch sunset over the Atlantic sea.

Newquay coach station is just 0.6 miles from Carnmarth Hotel, while Newquay railway station is 1 miles away.

Budget – Legacy Hotel Victoria

Boasting a majestic location on the cliffs of Newquay looking out over the bay, this hotel has both English and Mexican restaurants and an indoor pool with sea views

The shops of Newquay’s centre are less than 5 minutes’ walk from the hotel.

All rooms feature satellite TV, and guests can enjoy free tea and coffee in the room. There’s a private bathroom, and many rooms boast lovely sea views. 

There’s a sauna, heated pool and a spa bath for guests to relax in. Guests can also exercise in the small gym.

For more place to stay in Newquay, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.

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Perranporth Beach In Cornwall Guide