Porthleven

Porthleven (Cornish: Porthleven) is near Helston on the south coast of West Cornwall at the top of the Lizard Peninsula. The South West Coast Path from Somerset to Dorset passes through the town. It is one of Britain's best-known surfing spots, described as "Cornwall's best reef break".

Understand
Porthleven is a small, vibrant harbour town on the south coast of Cornwall.

Get in
There are hourly buses (two-hourly on Sundays and holidays) from Helston and Penzance (Bus U4).

Get around
Everything in Porthleven is reachable on foot.

Do
Enjoy

Go for a walk around the picturesque fishing harbour sampling the excellent restaurants and pubs.

Take the short walk to, a natural sand bar (composed of shingle) that blocks the mouth of the River Cober, and through the Penrose Estate (open dawn to dusk daily, free entry) to , the largest natural fresh-water lake in Cornwall (no swimming or boating allowed in the lake).

Continue on round Loe Pool to take the scenic route through the Penrose Estate to Helston (an hour's brisk walk), stopping off at Café for refreshment (in the grounds, open Sa Su 10AM-4PM in winter, daily in summer).

Alternatively, take the South West Coast Path past Loe Bar to (with its medieval church and seasonal lifeguarded beach), (good for swimming and surfing), and (a small fishing cove). The full walk to The Lizard Point is, with spectacular cliff-top vistas.

You can also take the Coastal Path westwards from Porthleven along the cliff tops towards, for excellent sea views.

Events

 * Flora Day, on or around 8th May, in the nearby town of Helston.

Buy
There are lots of souvenir and arts and craft shops along and around Harbour Road.



Eat
Porthleven is a particularly good place to savour fresh sea food, including crab, mussels, lobster, fish pie, etc., and both restaurants and pubs will often have seafood on the menu.

Sleep
There are many holiday cottages available for rent in Porthleven, especially along Loe Bar Road. Advance booking is essential.

Go next

 * Helston
 * Lizard Point