Porthleven is
large enough to keep all visitors catered for but still retains the
character of an unspoilt fishing village, with its granite built harbour
and pier and the famous clock tower. There have been settlements in the
area for over 1000 years but the village you see today started with the
commencement of construction of the harbour in 1811. With additional
developments throughout the 1800’s.
All interest is not solely with the harbour. To the east of the pier is a golden
shingle/sand beach stretching for about 2 miles. Half way along is the Loe
Bar. A sand bar, which divided the sea from the “Loe” (Cornish meaning
pool), Cornwall’s largest natural fresh water lake. Under the care of the
National Trust the area surrounding the pool is open free to the public,
and provides an excellent walk.
To the west of the harbour entrance at
low-tide, one can find excellent rock pools and the “Moonstone” or "Giants Quoit", a 50 ton erratic, not from anywhere in UK, brought to Porthleven
possibly on an iceberg and latest theories are it floated down from
northern Europe. In the near distance on the cliff edge one can see the
abandoned engine houses of the Trewavas copper mine at Rinsey. The
workings from these extended underground and out to sea. From the
village Tregonning Hill is also visible, an extinct volcano and where
china clay was first discovered in this country and shipped out via the
harbour.
The South West Coastal
Path also runs through the village and is easily accessed from either side
of the harbour. There are a number of local walks and it is quite easy to
leave the car parked for a week and do a different walk each day.
What Facilities Are There?
Porthleven is not over commercialised or just open for the summer and even in winter life goes on in the
village and so we are well served with a small supermarket, newsagents and
post office, fish and chip shops, bakeries, cafes and restaurants varying
in prices and menus often serving local produce, three pubs, galleries,
craft-workshops and even a few small shops selling "object tat" and other
fancy goods.
Around the harbour is great for a stroll throughout the year and perhaps
fishing off the pier or crabbing from the quay. For the more active
fishing trips run out from the harbour.
The beach is fine for swimming and paddling or walking the dog
(some seasonal bans). It a sand/shingle mix. In the summer it has a daily
lifeguard patrol. For surfing and bodyboarding our beach is no good
unfortunately and the local reef is unforgiving and for the experience
only. Just six miles either side are the sandy beaches of Poldhu and Praa
Sands. These are ideal for beginners and experienced alike.
There are also many local events in the village through the summer season
that may coincide with your visit. Major events are the RNLI Regatta Day,
Porthleven Gig Day and the Torchlight Procession. In recent years The Porthleven
Food
and Music Festival in April is an event not to miss. From Easter to
October on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday is the Porthleven harbour Market.
On the harbour head many of the smaller stalls set up their pitch mostly
for local charaties. Look at "the gate" on The Square for the latest
information.
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What about other Places?
Towns: We are ideally positioned as a base to explore this area of
Cornwall. It is easy access to the main roads and Helston our nearest town is
only 2 miles for larger supermarkets and shops. It does have a small cinema
and interesting museum. Annually on May 8th all stop for the Helston Flora
Day. Further away is Truro (18miles) our county town with cathedral, Penzance
(10miles) gateway to the Lands End peninsula and Falmouth (10miles) a
port/dock town and yachting haven. Castle Drive is not to be missed on a trip.
Visitor Attractions: We
are within 10 miles of some of the county’s top visitor attractions, which
include: Gweek Seal Sanctuary, Flambards Theme Park, Birds of Paradise and St.
Michaels Mount. The Lizard Point and village are well worth a look over their
more flamboyant twin
Lands End.
Gardens: The local gardens and estates are good throughout the year and
peaking in May and June. These include Godolphin (NT), Trebah, Glendurgan
(NT), Trengwainton (NT), Trelissick (NT). All within 30minutes
drive. About 1hr away is the Eden Project and Heligan Gardens.
Beaches: There is also a
selection of beaches close by and served by amenities. To the east Church
Cove, Poldhu Cove and Kynance Cove. To the west Praa Sands and Perranuthnoe.
Further away on the north coast- Sennen Cove, Gwithian, Portreath and
Perranporth.
If you are an National Trust Member many local car parks and gardens are under
their control and it is possible to recoup a large amount of membership on one holiday.
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