10 fun things to do in Perranporth, Cornwall
Perranporth is a great little seaside resort on Cornwall’s north coast. It’s laid back, surfy vibe is shored up by decent, reasonably priced food and drink, plenty of shops for beach-goers and a legendary beach bar. The stunning golden beach stretches for miles and is as much for explorers as it is for surfers, with caves and secret swimming pools to discover.
If you’re after a family beach day that has all the cheerfulness of Newquay but with fewer crowds, head to Perranporth. Here are 10 fun things to do while you’re there.
1. Play on the beach
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Cornwall has countless magnificent beaches – and Perranporth is right up there with the best of them. Stretching for three miles, and perfect for everyone, it really does represent Cornwall’s heart and soul. Whether you’ve come to sunbathe, dog walk, surf, rockpool, build sandcastles or play in the breakers, there’s space to do it all along this huge swathe of golden sand.
Don’t miss the fascinating rock formations at the town end of the beach. The huge Arch Rock is a sight to behold. The cliffs are full of clues to Cornwall’s mining past here, too.
2. Check out the sand dunes
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Walking north will bring you to the spectacular sand dunes of Penhale Sands, home to a huge variety of plants and wildlife. It’s been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), so do keep to the paths to allow the flora and fauna to thrive.
3. Explore the local history
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Before it became the chilled surf destination it’s known for today, Perranporth was actually pretty important to Cornwall’s history. It was here that the patron saint of Cornwall, St Piran, founded his chapel and converted the locals to Christianity in the sixth century. Legend has it that he floated to Cornwall from Ireland on a millstone that had been tied around his neck by a jealous ruler. He also gave Kernow its monochrome flag.
Head to Perranzabuloe Museum and St Piran’s Oratory to discover more about St Piran, his powerful preaching and his penchant for drinking.
St Piran was also the patron saint of tin mining, which was big business in Perranporth. You can see the evidence of 2,000 years of mining today at Wheal Droskyn. There’s a huge space where a 22-foot 19th-century water wheel would have stood in a chamber carved out of the rock.
4. Go horse riding
Just imagine a gorgeous sunset canter on horseback to make your Perranporth holiday cottage retreat even more dreamy! Reen Manor Riding Stables do beautiful beach rides as well as hacks through the countryside. Choose from one or two-hour treks, ideal for beginners who want to take in the spectacular scenery.
For the more adventurous, try the half-day pub ride venturing over the sand dunes and stopping off for some delicious Cornish food and ales.
5. Venture out on a coastal walk
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The South West Coast Path goes straight through Perranporth – and it really is one of the path’s most glorious sections. Try walking along the path to Newquay. It’s a heart-pumping 12-mile hike but you’ll be rewarded with beach after stunning beach, including nice-and-quiet Polly Joke.
For a shorter 4-mile amble, walk from Perranporth to St Agnes. Take in stunning views of the sea and Cornwall’s mining past, before resting up with a drink and some food at the Driftwood Spars.
6. Visit the Watering Hole
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Cornwall’s only bar that’s actually right on the beach, the Watering Hole is a Cornish institution. This great bar caters to everyone – hungry surfers, relaxed locals and holidaying families.
Expect a variety of burgers, pub grub and Sunday roasts as well as beach barbecues, cocktails and live music nights. It’s the perfect place to drink in the sunset and the lively atmosphere with a pint of local ale in hand.
7. Have a swim in Chapel Rock tidal pool
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If you know, you know! Here’s our best thing to do in Perranporth and it’s a real gem. Most people don’t even know it’s there, despite visiting the beach time and again.
Head to the iconic Chapel Rock in the middle of the beach (you can’t miss it – it even has its own flag). Go round to the sea-side of the rock, facing back to land. There, among the rockpools at the rock’s base, you’ll find a sweet little tidal pool, perfect for a dip away from the waves in sun-warmed waters. Make sure you don’t get cut off, however. Watch out for the incoming tide, when the sea surrounds the rock on all sides.
8. Get the festival vibe
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This year, the UK’s biggest festival on a beach held on the white sands of Perranporth has moved to the earlier weekend of 12-14 May.
Headliners for 2023’s Tunes in the Dunes are The Vaccines, Kaiser Chiefs and James Bay. There will also be wellbeing sessions including yoga classes and wild swimming, Australian-style feast nights and family-friendly activities.
9. Go surfing
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Perranporth is known for its reliable small to medium waves and gently sloping beach. It’s a great place to learn to surf or improve your technique because there’s plenty of space to spread out.
Perranporth Surf School is the resort’s longest established, providing lessons for all ages and abilities from age seven up. Experienced surfers can go to Droskyn Head at the southern end of the beach, where waves break under stunning cliffs.
10. Try coasteering
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Explore the north Cornwall coastline near Perranporth by jumping into the sea, swimming, climbing and traversing along the cliffs. BareFeet Coasteer is based in Fistral Beach, just 20 minutes’ drive from Perranporth. Head here for an action-packed three hours.
Your epic experience could include swimming through a 50 metre-long cave in crystal-clear water, climbing into a blow hole chamber, spotting a seal or simply stopping on a ledge to watch the gulls fly by before you leap up to 30 feet into the sea below.
Find your perfect holiday cottage in Perranporth, North Cornwall.