Porthgwarra

Porthgwarra is a tiny cove and hamlet about 3 miles south-west of St Buryan, near the western tip of the Penwith peninsula. A tunnel was cut through the headland rock at the side of the cove to allow boats and gear to be hauled up from the beach - it remains one of the most distinctive features of this small working cove. A seasonal cafe operates from a granite building above the beach. The beach is mostly boulders and coarse sand, suitable for snorkelling and rock pooling rather than traditional beach use.

The headland above Porthgwarra is one of the best seabird watching points in the far west of Cornwall, particularly during spring and autumn migration. Rarities turn up regularly at this extreme westerly location. The coast path east leads to the village of St Levan and then Porthcurno (with its telegraph museum and Minack Theatre) in about 2 miles. Land’s End is about 3 miles west via the cliff path.

Accommodation in the immediate area is very limited - a handful of holiday cottages in the hamlet or on the approach lane. The nearest village with a pub is St Buryan (3 miles inland) and Penzance is about 9 miles east. This is one of the quieter corners of far west Cornwall, primarily visited by walkers, divers, and birdwatchers.