Porthpean Beach
St Austell, Cornwall
Once known for pilchard fishing, Porthpean is now popular among families seeking a safe sheltered beach. The cliffs to the east of this fine sandy beach are extensively used by nesting birds, whilst the rock pools to its west provide ample opportunity for kids to looks for starfish, crabs and shrimp.
Beach Type
SandFacilities
Toilets and snack bar on the promenadeNature and Wildlife
The beach is situated on the coastal footpath. providing an easy route to the Georgian port of Charlestown to the east. A more vigorous walk to the west leads to Black Head. Nesting birds occupy the cliffs to the east and rock pools are located at the wesParking
There is a large. privately owned car park.Water Quality
ExcellentLifeguard
NoCleaning and Litter
The beach is cleaned daily during the summer season. Susceptible to high volumes of litter during SE winds.Dogs
Dogs banned Easter - September.Awards and Recommendations
Marine Conservation Society RecommendedLocation
Nearest town: St AustellCounty: Cornwall
Latitude/Longitude: 50.3227, -4.76504
Postcode: PL26 6AX
(postcode is for sat-nav purposes only, and may not represent the actual address of the beach)
Explore more of the area around St Austell, Cornwall at Explore Britain.
Access
From the A390 (St Austell by-pass) follow the signs for Porthpean. Access via a short road. then a steep ramp leading from the car park. or by way of the coastal path.Public Transport
No detailsNearest Railway Stations
St Austell (About a mile and a half away)Par (Approx. 3 miles away)
Luxulyan (Approx. 5 miles away)
Bugle (Approx. 5 miles away)
Roche (Approx. 7 miles away)
Tourist Information
Porthpean Tourist Information Centre Bypass Garage Southbourne Road St Austell Tel: 01726 76333See the Environment Agency report for this beach