How to Plan the Perfect Group Beach Holiday in Porthtowan (For Up to 12 Guests)

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If you're trying to organise a group beach holiday in Cornwall, you'll know the biggest challenge isn't choosing where to go: it's finding accommodation that actually works for everyone.

Porthtowan beach is one of Cornwall's most beautiful coastal spots, and unlike some of the busier tourist destinations, it's got that perfect balance of stunning scenery, brilliant surf, and a proper village feel. But here's the thing: finding beachfront holidays Cornwall that can comfortably sleep a larger group without compromising on location or quality? That's where it gets tricky.

Unless, of course, you know about our three adjoining apartments right on the beach.

🏖️ Three Apartments, One Incredible Location

We offer something pretty special for groups visiting Porthtowan: three beautifully refurbished apartments: Whispering Waves, Surf 'n' Sands, and Sunsets: that sit side by side overlooking Porthtowan beach. Each sleeps four guests, which means when you book them together, you've got Porthtowan accommodation for up to 12 people.

What makes this setup brilliant for groups is that everyone gets their own space, but you're still all together. No one's stuck in the box room or fighting over the one bathroom. Each apartment has two bedrooms, a modern kitchen, a comfortable living area, and: this is the best bit: its own private balcony with those famous sea views.

You can gather for breakfast on one balcony, spend the day on the beach together, then retreat to your own apartment when you need some peace. It's the perfect balance of togetherness and personal space that makes group holidays actually enjoyable rather than exhausting.

🌊 Properly Beachfront (We Mean It)

When we say beachfront, we're not exaggerating or using estate agent terminology.

Step out of your apartment, walk about 30 seconds, and you're on the sand. There's no busy road to cross, no ten-minute trek down a steep hill, no need to drive somewhere to reach the beach. You're literally overlooking it from your balcony.

This location changes everything about a beach holiday. Morning coffee with the sound of waves breaking? Done. Checking the surf conditions before you've even got dressed? Easy. Nipping back for lunch or forgotten suncream without it becoming a major expedition? Absolutely.

Why the location matters for groups:

• You're not trying to coordinate multiple cars or arrange meeting points
• Everyone can come and go as they please throughout the day
• Families with young children can easily head back for naps
• Surfers can maximise their time in the water without lengthy commutes
• Evening beach walks are spontaneous rather than planned events

The beach itself is gorgeous: a proper Cornish surf beach with golden sand, dramatic cliffs on either side, and waves that work for both beginners and experienced surfers. It's patrolled by lifeguards during summer months and has that authentic, slightly wild Cornwall feel without being remote or undeveloped.

🏠 What You Actually Get

Each of our three apartments has been recently refurbished to a high standard, so you're getting modern comfort alongside those incredible views.

Inside each apartment:

• Two comfortable bedrooms (sleeping four guests)
• Fully equipped kitchen with everything you need for self-catering
• Contemporary bathroom
• Spacious living area with sea views
• Private balcony overlooking the beach
• WiFi throughout
• Heating for cooler months

The kitchens are particularly well set up because we know that for longer stays and larger groups, eating out every meal isn't practical or desirable. You've got proper cooking facilities, dishwashers, and enough space to store food for a crowd.

But here's what really matters for group holidays: when you book all three apartments, you've essentially got a mini complex to yourselves. You can leave your doors open, kids can run between apartments, and you can coordinate meals or evenings together without disturbing anyone else.

🏄 Everything You Need Right Here

Porthtowan isn't a sprawling resort: it's a proper Cornish village with a brilliant beach. And that's exactly why people love it.

The village has everything you need without being overly commercialised. There's a well-stocked shop for provisions, a couple of excellent cafes (the Beach Café Porthtowan does brilliant breakfasts), a traditional pub, and a surf shop that hires out boards and wetsuits.

Within walking distance:

• Beach surf hire (no need to transport boards)
• Cafes serving fresh coffee and Cornish pasties
• Village shop for essentials and local produce
• Coastal path access in both directions
• Children's play area
• Porthtowan Surf Life Saving Club

One of the biggest advantages for group holidays is that everything's accessible. You don't need multiple cars or complex logistics. The whole group can walk to the beach, grab lunch at a café, pick up groceries, or head out for an evening meal without anyone playing designated driver.

The surf hire is particularly convenient: imagine sorting out boards and wetsuits for 12 people if you had to drive somewhere first. Here, you literally walk down, get kitted out, and you're in the water.

🚶 Beyond the Beach

While Porthtowan beach itself could keep you entertained for an entire holiday, having a group means you might want to explore a bit further afield.

The South West Coast Path runs right through Porthtowan, offering spectacular walks in both directions. You can walk to Chapel Porth (about 40 minutes) or head towards Portreath: both routes offer dramatic clifftop scenery and that proper Cornish coastal experience.

For rainy days (they happen, even in Cornwall), you're well positioned for day trips. St Ives is about 30 minutes by car, Newquay's zoo is 20 minutes away, and the Eden Project is less than an hour's drive. Truro, with its shops and cathedral, makes a good morning out, and there are countless National Trust properties scattered across Cornwall.

But honestly? Most groups find they spend far more time in Porthtowan than they planned. There's something about waking up to that sea view and having the beach right there that makes you less inclined to jump in the car.

📅 Planning Your Group Holiday

When to book: Porthtowan is popular, and booking three adjoining apartments together requires advance planning. Peak summer months (July and August) get reserved months ahead, so if you're planning a summer group holiday, book as early as possible. Shoulder seasons: May, June, and September: offer brilliant weather with fewer crowds and often better availability.

Getting there: Porthtowan is about 20 minutes from Redruth train station and 45 minutes from Newquay Airport. Most groups drive, and parking is available at the properties. If your group is flying in, car hire from Newquay is straightforward.

What to bring: While the apartments are fully equipped for self-catering, bring your own beach towels (we provide bath towels). If you're keen surfers, consider bringing your own boards if you've got roof racks: hire is available but can add up for a large group over a week.

Group coordination: We recommend assigning one person as the main contact for booking, but we're flexible about splitting payments between group members. Check our group bookings page for details.

🌅 Why Groups Love This Setup

After hosting countless group holidays over the years, we've learned what actually makes the difference between a good trip and a brilliant one.

It's not just about having enough beds or being near the beach (though those obviously matter). It's about finding that sweet spot where everyone can have their own space without feeling isolated, where logistics are simple rather than stressful, and where the location itself becomes part of the experience rather than just a place to sleep.

Our three apartments in Porthtowan quietly tick all those boxes. You're together but separate, beachfront but not isolated, self-contained but with everything you need within walking distance.

And at the end of the day, when you're all gathered on those balconies with a glass of wine, watching the sun set over Porthtowan beach, the planning and coordination will have been absolutely worth it.

Ready to start planning your group beach holiday? Get in touch and we'll help you work out the details.

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