Perranporth Beach (Perran Sands)

Perranporth Beach is one of Cornwall’s best known and most popular beaches. Boasting an enormous expanse of golden sand, great surf and all the offerings you would expect from a seaside resort - including a pub literally on the beach - the Watering Hole.

The beach backs right onto the village and there is a large car park about as close to the sand as you can get. This makes it pretty convenient for just parking up the car and spilling out onto the beach which is one of many reasons for Perranporth’s popularity.

At low tide the beach here is massive! It extends from Droskyn Point to Penhale Point, just over 2 miles. The stretch towards Penhale is backed by a dune system that includes St Piran’s Cross and the ruins of an ancient church. These dunes are also home to an array of wildlife from, lizards to butterflies.

At the southern end of the beach are some interesting rock formations with a couple of large arches and several stacks. There is also Chapel Rock in the middle of the beach with its small tidal bathing pool.

Whilst Perranporth can feel somewhat overrun in the middle of summer it usually isn’t difficult to find a patch of sand to yourself.