The Perfect 48 Hours in Porthtowan: What to Eat, See, and Do

If you're dreaming of a proper Cornish beach break without the crowds, Porthtowan quietly ticks all the boxes.

This small coastal village on Cornwall's north coast has everything you need for a brilliant weekend : golden sand, dramatic cliffs, excellent surf, and some truly lovely places to eat. And the best part? You can wake up right on the beach at one of our beachfront apartments.

Here's exactly how to spend 48 hours in Porthtowan, from where to stay to what to eat, see, and do.

🏖️ Where to Stay: Right on Porthtowan Beach

Before we dive into the itinerary, let's talk about your base.

Staying directly on the beach completely transforms a weekend away. You'll step out of your apartment and onto the sand within seconds : no car parks, no steep hills to navigate, no wondering where the nearest beach access is.

Our three apartments : Whispering Waves, Surf 'n' Sands, and Sunsets : all sit right on Porthtowan Beach with uninterrupted sea views. They're modern, comfortable, and (important to note) completely pet-free, making them ideal if you prefer allergen-free accommodation.

Wake up to the sound of waves, watch surfers from your window, and plan your days around the tide times.

📅 Day 1: Beach, Surf, and Coastal Walks

Morning: Porthtowan Beach

Start your weekend the right way : with a proper beach morning.

Porthtowan Beach is a Blue Flag beach, which means it's consistently awarded for cleanliness and water quality. The wide stretch of golden sand is backed by rugged dunes and dramatic cliffs, with rock pools to explore at low tide. There's even a secret tidal pool you can find when the water recedes : it's a lovely little spot that feels like your own private swim.

If you fancy trying surfing, this is your moment. Head to Tris Surf Shop right on the beach. They offer lessons for complete beginners and all the gear you need if you're already confident on a board. The waves here suit everyone from first-timers to experienced surfers.

Midday: Coffee and Lunch

After a morning on the beach, you'll be ready for food.

Porthtowan Beach Café sits right on the sand and does brilliant breakfasts and lunches. Think proper coffee, fresh pastries, and hearty sandwiches. The setting : looking straight out over the beach : is unbeatable.

Alternatively, The Unicorn on the Beach is a proper Cornish pub with sea views and a menu that changes seasonally. Their fish and chips are excellent, and the outdoor terrace catches the sun beautifully on a clear day.

Afternoon: Coastal Walk to Chapel Porth

One of the best things to do in Porthtowan is to explore the coastal path.

The walk from Porthtowan to Chapel Porth is spectacular : about 4.7 miles of dramatic clifftop scenery, mining heritage, and ocean views that'll make you stop every few minutes to take photos. The path hugs steeply sloping cliffs and passes the remnants of Cornwall's copper mining history, including old engine houses perched on the cliff edge.

You can read more about coastal walks in Cornwall if you fancy exploring further afield during your stay.

Top tip: Check the tide times before you go : some sections are easier to navigate at certain times of day.

Evening: Sunset Drinks and Dinner

As the name suggests, our Sunsets apartment has particularly stunning views for golden hour : but honestly, all three apartments offer brilliant sunset watching.

For dinner, head to the Blue Bar. This beachside spot is relaxed, welcoming, and serves fantastic food with views straight across the sand. Their menu focuses on local ingredients, with plenty of fresh fish and Cornish produce. Book ahead in peak season : it's popular for good reason.

If you fancy something more low-key, grab fish and chips and eat them on the beach as the sun sets. Utterly perfect.

📅 Day 2: Explore Beyond the Beach

Morning: Tehidy Country Park

Spend your second morning somewhere completely different.

Tehidy Country Park is the largest woodland in West Cornwall : over 250 acres of woodland, lakes, and walking trails just a short drive from Porthtowan. It's brilliant for a relaxed morning wander, with fairly flat paths suitable for all abilities and a lovely café for mid-walk refreshments.

The park has more than 9 miles of trails, so you can tailor your walk to how energetic you're feeling. Spot wildlife, breathe in fresh woodland air, and enjoy a change of scenery from the coast.

Midday: Lunch Back in Porthtowan

Head back to the village for lunch at one of the spots you didn't try yesterday.

If you went to the Blue Bar for dinner, try The Unicorn on the Beach for a proper pub lunch. If you grabbed pub food yesterday, treat yourself to the Beach Café's lunch menu : their salads and sharing platters are excellent.

Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure

Your Sunday afternoon depends entirely on what you fancy:

Option 1: More Coastal Walking
The walk towards St Agnes in the other direction offers equally stunning views and takes you past more mining heritage sites. Wheal Coates tin mine is particularly photogenic : it's one of the most photographed spots in Cornwall.

Option 2: Beach Time
Simply spend the afternoon back on Porthtowan Beach. Read a book, build sandcastles, try bodyboarding, or just soak up the atmosphere. Sometimes the best thing to do is absolutely nothing at all.

Option 3: Explore Nearby Villages
St Agnes is worth a wander : it's a characterful village with independent shops, galleries, and cafés. Perranporth is slightly bigger and has a massive beach if you fancy a change of scene.

Evening: Final Sunset

Spend your last evening exactly where you started : on the beach.

Watch the sun dip below the horizon from your apartment balcony or head down to the sand for one last stroll. There's something special about ending a weekend break exactly where it began, bookended by the same beautiful view.

🍽️ Quick Guide to Eating in Porthtowan

The restaurants in Porthtowan might be limited in number, but they're all solid choices:

• Blue Bar : beachside dining, fantastic seafood, book ahead
• The Unicorn on the Beach : traditional pub, sea views, seasonal menu
• Porthtowan Beach Café : casual beach café, great coffee, ideal for breakfast and lunch

There's also a village shop for essentials and picnic supplies.

Why 48 Hours in Porthtowan Works So Well

What makes Porthtowan brilliant for a weekend break is how easy everything is.

You're not rushing between attractions or spending half your time in the car. Everything you need : beach, food, coastal walks, surf : is right there. Staying in beachfront accommodation in Cornwall means you maximise every moment, from sunrise swims to evening beach walks.

It's the kind of place where you can genuinely switch off, slow down, and just be. Whether you're here to surf, walk, eat excellent food, or simply watch the waves, 48 hours gives you enough time to settle into the rhythm of coastal life without feeling rushed.

And honestly? Most people find themselves already planning their return visit before they've even left.

Ready to book your 48 hours in Porthtowan? Browse our beachfront apartments and start planning your perfect coastal weekend.