Porthleven is one of south west Cornwall’s hidden, coastal gems, located near Helston, famous for its annual Flora Dance Festival. Situated between Lizard Point and Land’s End, Porthleven faces directly into the Atlantic Ocean, giving it a more raw and rugged feel than a lot of the more sheltered harbours along the Cornish coast. The iconic clock tower sits on the harbour entrance and the pubs, shops, cafés and restaurants cluster around the historic inner harbour, where there is plenty of boating and marine activity. With a warren of streets lined with classic Cornish, granite cottages, a beach manned with lifeguards, the chance for alfresco dining and crabbing off the harbour, there are plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy in Porthleven, all year round. Out of season, Porthleven has one of the best surf breaks in the country where you can sit down and get lost for hours watching the energetic surfers riding the waves. There are some fabulous hidden coves along this stretch of coastline, including Praa Sands, Poldu Cove, and Rinsey, a magical setting accessed down a steep cliff path. You may have even seen pictures of Porthleven on television, being one of the best spots in the UK for storm watching, with the crashing waves often being used as the backdrop to weather forecasts. Walkers will enjoy the South West Coast Path, adventuring west past Rinsey Head, or south across Loe Bar, and on to Church Cove. Take a trip to the Isles of Scilly by boat or plane, and marvel at the display of sub-tropical gardens at the stunning Tresco Abbey. Porthleven is the ideal base for discovering the delights of west Cornwall and the Lizard Peninsula.
