Best Surf Beaches in Perranporth & St Agnes, Cornwall
Perranporth is one of Cornwall's most popular surf beaches, a vast stretch of golden sand backed by the Penhale Sands dune system on the north coast between Newquay and St Agnes. Its beach break produces consistent, long rides that suit a wide range of abilities, and its sheer size means it rarely feels as crowded as some of Cornwall's smaller, more famous surf spots.
South of Perranporth, the coast around St Agnes changes character completely. Steep valleys cut through old mining country to a run of smaller, punchier surf beaches – Trevaunance Cove below St Agnes village, Chapel Porth beneath the ruined Wheal Coates engine house, Blue Flag Porthtowan and the old industrial harbour at Portreath, home to the reef break known as the Vortex.
With surf schools at Perranporth and St Agnes, board hire on the beaches, RNLI lifeguards through the season and plenty of holiday accommodation in Perranporth, St Agnes and Porthtowan, this stretch of coast is a great base for a Cornish surfing holiday.
Whether you're learning to surf on the long, open sands of Perranporth or looking for a hollow wave at Porthtowan or Portreath, the Perranporth and St Agnes coast delivers surf for every ability throughout the year.
Interactive Map of Perranporth Surf Beaches
Locate Perranporth and St Agnes's surf beaches using our interactive surf map.
Click markers for beach information.
Surfing in Perranporth, St Agnes & Portreath
The beaches from Perran Sands to Portreath face the open Atlantic between west and north, so between them they pick up almost any swell. North-facing Trevaunance Cove and Portreath can hold a wave when the more exposed beaches are messy, while the long open sands at Perranporth give plenty of room to spread out.
Many of the beaches here sit at the foot of narrow valleys and some, such as Chapel Porth, almost disappear at high tide – so checking the tide times is just as important as checking the swell.
Perran Sands & Penhale Corner – West-facing and just north of Perranporth, Perran Sands produces a good wave, and the walk through the dunes keeps the crowds down. Penhale Corner at the far northern end can offer shelter in the right winds. Note the MoD firing range on the cliffs above.
Perranporth Beach – Busy in summer and a solid learning beach, with a beach break that produces consistent, long rides for complete beginners through to experienced surfers. Rip currents can develop around Chapel Rock and the rockier margins at either end of the bay, so heed the RNLI lifeguards, especially on bigger swells. Local surf schools and hire shops are on hand.
Trevaunance Cove – St Agnes's surf beach, a compact north-facing sand-and-shingle cove that works on most states of the tide and is sheltered from westerly and south-westerly winds. It can hold a decent swell when more exposed beaches are blown out, with mostly rights breaking off the rocks mid-cove – and it is always crowded when it is good.
Chapel Porth – A tiny west-facing beach at high tide that gives good lefts and rights over sand from low to mid tide, before the sand narrows sharply. Enclosed by high cliffs, it funnels the swell in, and rips develop close to the rocks in surf over 3ft.
Porthtowan – A Blue Flag beach at the end of a long valley, west to north-west facing, where sandbanks build up across the bay. When the bars line up it can produce excellent tubing waves at all stages of the tide – forgiving enough for improvers on smaller days, with enough power to hold the interest of experienced surfers.
Portreath – North-facing and sheltered from south-westerlies, Portreath needs a big swell but can hold a good wave to 6ft near high tide. The open beach throws up punchy beach-break waves, while the Vortex – a hollow right-hand reef break wrapping around the harbour wall on big swells – is for experienced surfers and bodyboarders only.
From beginner lessons on Perranporth's vast sands to the Vortex at Portreath, the coast between Perranporth and Portreath offers some of Cornwall's most varied surfing, with Holywell Bay and the Newquay beaches just a short drive north.
Perranporth Surf Beach Guides
Perranporth Beach Surf Guide
An excellent all-round surf beach with consistent, long rides for every ability. Its size means it rarely feels crowded, and several surf schools and hire outlets operate from the beach and village.
Popular Activities: Surf lessons, bodyboarding, the tidal pool, Chapel Rock and dune walks to St Piran's Oratory.
Several pay & display car parks (Droskyn, Wheal Leisure, seasonal Chyanhale)
Toilets
The Watering Hole beach bar, cafes and beach shop
Surf schools and surf hire
RNLI lifeguards daily, 3 April to 1 November, 10am–6pm
Dogs on a short lead 10am–5pm in July and August
A vast stretch of golden sand backed by the Penhale Sands dunes, with Chapel Rock and its tidal pool at the southern end. The promenade and main approach give reasonably level access onto firm, flat sand, and a beach wheelchair can be booked locally. Car parks can fill quickly on busy summer days.
Sat Nav Co-ordinates: N50º 20' 56.04" - W5º 09' 15.95"
St Agnes's popular, sometimes crowded beach break. It works across most states of the tide and can hold a decent swell when more exposed beaches are blown out.
Popular Activities: Surfing, sea kayaking, rock pooling and seal spotting.
Two small car parks (fill early in summer)
Toilets a short walk away
Pubs, cafe and beach shop by the sand
Surf lessons and board hire in the village
RNLI lifeguards, late May to end of September
Dogs allowed all year (on a lead in the busiest months)
A compact, sheltered sand-and-shingle cove below the village's Stippy Stappy cottages, with the remains of St Agnes's old harbour in the cliffs. At high tide, particularly on big spring tides, the sand narrows sharply. The walk down is steep in places, so access is not straightforward for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Sat Nav Co-ordinates: N50º 19' 15.52" - W5º 12' 06.97"
A dramatic National Trust cove with a beach break that surfers rate among the more reliable on this coast when conditions align – best from low to mid tide, before the sand disappears.
Popular Activities: Surfing, rock pooling, the walk to Wheal Coates and the famous "hedgehog" ice cream.
National Trust pay & display car park (free for members)
Toilets
National Trust beach cafe
RNLI lifeguards, late May to September
Dogs not allowed 10am–6pm, 1 July to 31 August
Set beneath the ruined Wheal Coates tin mine, Chapel Porth vanishes at high tide – on the biggest tides there is no dry beach left at all. The car park is level with accessible toilets and Blue Badge bays, but the route to the sand crosses cobbles, rocks and pebbles and is very difficult for wheelchairs.
Sat Nav Co-ordinates: N50º 18' 04.89" - W5º 14' 15.66"
A Blue Flag surf and family beach where sandbanks across the bay throw up well-shaped, curling waves in a wide range of conditions – suiting confident beginners through to experienced surfers.
Popular Activities: Surfing, bodyboarding, rock pooling and sunset drinks at the Blue Bar.
Beach Road car park, around 137 spaces, four Blue Badge bays
Toilets including accessible toilet
Blue Bar, beach shop and children's play park
Surf hire and lessons on the beach
RNLI lifeguards, May to September plus Easter and October half-term
Dogs not allowed 10am–6pm, 15 May to 30 September
Backed by dunes and slate cliffs, Porthtowan opens onto a broad expanse of firm sand at low tide, with the car park almost directly behind the beach – a rarity on this coast. Access from the car park is mostly level via ramps and paths. Pay & display applies from April to October.
Sat Nav Co-ordinates: N50º 17' 19.94" - W5º 14' 45.98"
A former mining port turned surf beach, with punchy beach-break waves on the open beach and the Vortex – a powerful reef break wrapping around the harbour wall – drawing surfers and bodyboarders from across West Cornwall.
Popular Activities: Surfing, bodyboarding, harbour walks and the coast path.
Pay & display car park behind the beach with disabled bays
Toilets, first aid post and lost child point
Cafes, bakery, pubs and shops in the village
RNLI lifeguards, mid-May to late September
Portreath Surf Life Saving Club
Dogs not allowed 10am–6pm, 1 July to 31 August
Holder of a 2026 Seaside Award, Portreath is a solid family beach at low water and a well-regarded surf spot at most states of tide. A ramp at the harbour end of the car park gives level access to the sand, and sand chairs can be borrowed from the Surf Life Saving Club. The beach narrows quickly as the tide rises against the promenade.
Sat Nav Co-ordinates: N50º 15' 41.56" - W5º 17' 38.84"
Surf Schools and Surfboard Hire Near Perranporth & St Agnes
Surf Schools
Perranporth Surf School – Perranporth Beach
The Watering Hole Surf School – Perranporth Beach
Breakers Surf School – Trevaunance Cove, St Agnes
Surf lessons on Porthtowan Beach when conditions allow
Surfboard Hire
Perranporth beach and village surf hire
St Agnes village board and wetsuit hire
Porthtowan beach surf hire
Perranporth and St Agnes surf shops
Business details believed correct at time of writing – please confirm lesson times, prices and availability directly with each provider before travelling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Surfing in Perranporth
Is Perranporth good for beginner surfers?
Yes. Perranporth is a solid learning beach with consistent, long rides, surf schools and hire on the beach, and RNLI lifeguards daily from early April to the start of November. Rips can develop around Chapel Rock and at either end of the bay, so stay between the flags.
Where is the best surf beach near St Agnes?
Trevaunance Cove is St Agnes's own surf beach and works on most states of the tide, while Chapel Porth and Blue Flag Porthtowan are a short drive south. Porthtowan is often the best all-round choice when the sandbanks are good.
What is the Vortex at Portreath?
The Vortex is a punchy, hollow right-hand reef break that wraps around Portreath harbour wall on big swells. It packs far more power than the open beach break and is only for experienced surfers and bodyboarders.
Are dogs allowed on the Perranporth surf beaches?
Dogs are welcome on Perranporth Beach year-round but must be on a short lead from 10am to 5pm in July and August. Porthtowan has a ban from 10am to 6pm, 15 May to 30 September; Chapel Porth and Portreath have a ban from 10am to 6pm in July and August; Trevaunance Cove allows dogs all year.
Can you surf at Chapel Porth at high tide?
Not usually. Chapel Porth's sand narrows quickly as the tide rises and on the biggest tides the beach disappears completely. It works best from low to mid tide.
Surf conditions, lifeguard patrol dates, parking charges and dog restrictions change from year to year – always check locally and follow RNLI beach safety advice before entering the water.
