Holiday rentals in Portreath

Ten minutes west of Redruth on the North Cornish coast lies Portreath, a charming seaside village lined by green hills and rows of cottages. The name comes from the Cornish word for “sandy cove,” a perfect description of the town with its turquoise waters and sandy beaches, which are popular with surfers. Portreath was once Cornwall’s most important port, exporting copper ore from local mines to Swansea and importing Welsh coal. Now, the waterfront is home to only a couple of fishing boats. Portreath remains a traditional, residential Cornish village, welcoming to visitors, with cafes, shops, pubs, and plenty of holiday cottages for rent.

From Portreath, it’s easy to see the main sights of Southern Cornwall, with popular towns St. Ives, Falmouth, and Truro all within less than 20 miles. The Land’s End Landmark Attraction, Britain’s most south-westerly point, is less than 30 miles away via the A30.

As with the rest of Cornwall, Portreath enjoys some of the warmest, sunniest weather in the United Kingdom during summer. Visit in June for the lowest chance of rainfall and to enjoy the town before the peak summer holiday season gets into full swing. In autumn, temperatures drop a bit, but it never gets too cold in this region. However, you will see more rain during this time of year, so be sure to bring plenty of waterproof clothing and an umbrella. A visit in early March will see celebrations across the region for Saint Piran’s Day, which is dedicated to one of Cornwall’s most popular saints. Residences and businesses will be flying black and white flags, and you’ll come across processions and open-air events.

North Cliffs

The hike to Bassets Cove and back is around five miles total. Parts of the cliff-top coastal path are fairly challenging, but the wildflower-lined journey promises stunning views across bays and coves. Pack a Cornish pasty and a local cider to fuel your amble.

The Vortex Surfing

Newbie to intermediate surfers and bodyboarders can practice on the beach waves, which are known to pack a decent punch when a northwesterly swell picks up. Advanced surfers visit Portreath to try out The Vortex, a challenging surf break created by the harbour wall that can build waves up to 2.5 metres. The couple of surf shops in town stock all the essentials, and you’ll find a surf school on the seafront.

Cornwall Gold and Tolgus Mill

Just a five-minute drive from Portreath village is Cornwall Gold and Tolgus Mill, a centre for family fun, creativity, and historical discovery. Kids can play a round of krazy golf or go panning for gold. Bring your old jewellery for the team to repair or upcycle, and see them getting creative in the workshop. Meanwhile, Tolgus Mill is a working Victorian tin mill, with an exhibition telling the story of the lives of the local community members who worked there.