Porthleven Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Porthleven with our detailed travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and stay, and much more.


Introduction to Porthleven

Porthleven is a beautiful coastal town located on the southern coast of Cornwall, in the UK. The town is known for its picturesque harbour, stunning beaches, and outstanding seafood restaurants. Porthleven is the perfect place to spend a relaxing vacation, with plenty of activities and attractions to suit all interests.

List of Places to Visit in Porthleven

Here is a list of places to visit in Porthleven:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Porthleven Museum - Located in the heart of the town, the museum provides a fascinating insight into the history of Porthleven.
  • Loe Bar - This pebble bank separates the largest freshwater lake in Cornwall, Loe Pool, from the sea.

Natural Attractions of Porthleven: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • South West Coast Path - A stunning 630-mile-long trail that runs along the Cornish coastline. The Porthleven section of the path offers stunning views of the harbour.
  • Porthleven Beach - A long sandy beach backed by cliffs that is perfect for swimming, surfing and relaxing.
  • The Lizard - This is the most southern point on the British mainland and offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Porthleven

Porthleven is a great place for hiking and biking activities, with plenty of trails to explore.

Loe Bar Circular Walk

This gentle circular walk starts and finishes at the National Trust car park at Penrose. The walk takes in the stunning views of Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake, Loe Pool, before climbing to the top of Loe Bar where you can enjoy panoramic views across the bay.

Best Things to Do in Porthleven: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Porthleven:

  • Seafood Restaurant Crawl – Porthleven boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in the UK. Take a stroll around the harbour and discover restaurants such as Kota, The Square, and Amelie’s.
  • Fishing Trips – Take a fishing trip from the harbour and catch your own dinner!
  • Surfing and Beach Activities – Surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are all popular activities at Porthleven beach.

Week-Long Itinerary for Porthleven

Here’s a week-long itinerary for Porthleven:

Day 1 Afternoon Check-in to your accommodations and explore the harbour.
Day 2 Morning Visit the Porthleven Museum and enjoy lunch at Kota restaurant.
  Afternoon Take a stroll along the South West Coast Path, finishing with a drink at The Ship Inn.
Day 3 Morning Take a fishing trip from the harbour.
  Afternoon Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Amelie’s and then relax on Porthleven beach.
Day 4 Morning Explore Loe Bar on foot or by bike.
  Afternoon Visit the Lizard area and enjoy views of the rugged coastline.
Day 5 Morning Take a surf or paddleboard lesson on the beach.
  Afternoon Enjoy a sunset walk along the beach and finish with dinner at The Square.
Day 6 Morning Take a day trip to the Eden Project.
  Afternoon Return to Porthleven for dinner at Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant.
Day 7 Morning Explore the local art galleries and enjoy lunch at The SeaDrift Kitchen.
  Afternoon Depart Porthleven.

Food and Drink Scene of Porthleven

Here is a list of must-try dishes and local beverages in Porthleven:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips - Served up fresh at various restaurants in Porthleven, you can’t leave without trying this classic British dish.
  • Crab Sandwiches - Porthleven is famous for its crab sandwiches, made from locally caught crab.

Local Beverages

  • Cornish Ales - Try local ales such as Doom Bar, Tribute, and Betty Stogs.
  • Cornish Cider - You can’t leave Cornwall without trying some locally produced cider.

Where to Stay in Porthleven: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Here are a few accommodation options in Porthleven:

  • The Harbour Inn - A historic inn located in the heart of the harbour.
  • Bay View Bed & Breakfast - A family-run B&B just a short stroll from the beach.
  • The Harbour Hotel - A luxury hotel with stunning views of the harbour.

What to Buy in Porthleven: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are a few souvenirs and local products to buy in Porthleven:

  • Artwork - Porthleven is home to several art galleries showcasing local artists.
  • Cornish Pasty - A traditional Cornish pasty is a must-try.
  • Cornish Fudge - Many fudge shops sell locally produced fudge made with Cornish cream.

Local Culture and Customs of Porthleven

Porthleven has a rich maritime history, which is celebrated at its museum. The harbour is the focal point of the town, and the fisherman’s catch is still sold on the quayside. Porthleven also hosts several events throughout the year, including a music and arts festival.

Best Time to Visit Porthleven

The best time to visit Porthleven is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, Porthleven is a great destination all year round, with plenty to see and do whatever the weather.

Do’s and Don’ts of Porthleven

Do:

  • Do try the fresh seafood.
  • Do bring comfortable walking shoes.
  • Do plan ahead for reservations at popular restaurants.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter on the beach or in the harbour.
  • Don’t forget to bring warm clothing for cooler days.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask locals for recommendations.

Safety and Health

Safety in Porthleven

Porthleven is generally a safe destination. However, visitors should take care when walking along the cliffs or on the beach.

Health in Porthleven

There is a doctor’s surgery in Porthleven, as well as a pharmacy. In the case of an emergency, visitors should dial 999.

Getting to Porthleven: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to get to Porthleven:

Airports Near Porthleven

  • Newquay International Airport - 28 miles away
  • Land’s End Airport - 17 miles away

Bus Stations Near Porthleven

  • Helston Bus Station - 3 miles away

Other Options

  • Train - The nearest train station is in Penzance, 14 miles away.

How to Get Around in Porthleven

Porthleven is a small town and can easily be explored on foot. However, there are also several car rental companies in Porthleven.

Where to Go Next from Porthleven: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations that are worth a visit:

  • St. Ives - A popular seaside town located approximately 20 miles away from Porthleven.
  • Falmouth - A historic port town with plenty of shops and restaurants.

Conclusion

Porthleven is a beautiful coastal town with plenty to offer visitors, from stunning beaches to delicious seafood. With this comprehensive guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable trip to one of Cornwall’s hidden gems.

Porthleven harbour Porthleven harbour