Events and Activities around Portreath, Cornwall
Portreath is an excellent base for spending time surrounded by everything Cornwall has to offer. Situated just north of St Ives town just off the A30 near the Godrevy - Portreath Heritage Coast with excellent views. Being close to the A30 means Portreath is excellently situated to access all of the local attractions from Hiking the beautiful Heritage Coast, enjoying family days out at theme parks or taking part in a watercolour workshop, there's something for everyone.
Portreath itself is a small former fishing village nestled in a stream valley between Perranporth and Hayle on the north coast of Cornwall. Portreath is located between the towns of Redruth and Camborne, and is approximately 5 kilometres north of Redruth and lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dolphins often come into the bay, as well as grey seals. You may even be lucky enough to see a peregrine falcon on the cliffs.
The village of Portreath extends along both sides of a stream valley which centres around Portreath harbour and beach. In the past Portreath prospered from its harbour, exporting tin ore and importing coal for the mining industry. The fishing community was also very active and does continue into the present day by providing shelter for fishing boats. The original loading ramp can still be seen in the village. Some of the old tram-roads, used for transporting ore from the mines, have been made into cycle paths and you can cycle from Portreath on the North coast to Devoran on the South coast.
The holiday industry is now the main income in Portreath as it is a beautiful retreat that retains the narrow harbour. West of the harbour entrance and breakwater are two fine sandy beaches which are popular with surfers and holidaymakers alike, body boarders turn up in force at high tide on big swells to surf the harbour wall, or vortex, as it is known, watched over by the local Surf and Life Saving Club, which is situated right on the beach.
The beach at Portreath is well looked after as is common on most Cornwall beaches, dogs are not permitted on the beach from Easter day to 1st October each year.
Portreath is an ideal base as it has the balance of the sea and countryside with beautiful views, spectacular cliffs and walking trails. Portreath is great for walkers, with spectacular views to enjoy from the cliffs. Try the walk to Bassets Cove, it is approximately 5 miles there and back. The walk is strenuous in parts, but there are lovely views, lots of wild flowers and various sea birds. For a longer walk then is northwards to Porthtowan, it is about 8 miles there and back. The cliffs in the area are made of slate and sandstone and therefore subject to erosion – therefore great care should be taken when walking the coast paths. The coast path is just minutes from both properties.
There are several shops, cafes and pubs in Portreath. The village has a very friendly atmosphere and caters for most needs of the tourists, whilst not being spoiled by being over commercialised.
There are various sports and leisure facilities within a short drive of Portreath. There are six golf courses locally, the closest within a mile of Portreath, which is The Tehidy Golf Club, or try The West Cornwall Golf Club at Lelant, this is a links course and hugs the coast overlooking St Ives Bay. There are several centres for horse riding, two with indoor facilities.
St Ives is approximately 12 miles away. The artists painting in St Ives town is a must see as is a trip on the boat out of St Ives harbour. There are numerous restaurants in St Ives, but it is always nice to come back to Portreath for a nice relaxing drink and leave all the crowds behind you.
