Question 1

Is there a harbour?

Accepted Answer

No. Porthtowan sits on an open Atlantic beach. There is no harbour.

Question 2

Are there lifeguards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Porthtowan Beach is an RNLI lifeguarded beach, with seasonal patrols. Visit Cornwall says it is patrolled from around the beginning of May to the last weekend of September between 10am and 6pm, plus Easter school holidays, October half-term, and some weekends — check the RNLI for specific dates. The RNLI names 2026 dates: Easter 3–19 April; weekends only 25–26 April; daily 2 May–27 September; weekends only 3–18 October; October half term 24 October–1 November; patrol times 10am–6pm. No flags means no lifeguards. Dates can change at short notice. RNLI, Porthtowan Beach

Question 3

When are dogs allowed?

Accepted Answer

Cornwall Council prohibits dogs on Porthtowan Beach from 15 May to 30 September, 10am to 6pm. On Chapel Porth Beach, St Agnes, the ban is 1 July to 31 August, 10am to 6pm.

Question 4

What is the bathing-water class?

Accepted Answer

Porthtowan (reference 31600) and Chapel Porth (reference 31650) are both designated bathing waters, classified Excellent for 2025.

Question 5

Is Chapel Porth part of Porthtowan?

Accepted Answer

Chapel Porth is a National Trust beach in St Agnes parish. It is not Porthtowan Beach, even though the sands can join at low tide. Wheal Coates and Towanroath stand on the cliffs above.

Question 6

Where do I park for the beach?

Accepted Answer

Cornwall Council’s Beach Road car park (TR4 8AA) is the long-stay seafront park: 137 spaces, tarmac, open 24 hours. Charges 1 April–31 October (9am–6pm plus an evening session 6pm–midnight); no charge 1 November–31 March. The council last updated that page on 27 May 2026. Summer tariffs on that page: up to 1 hour £2.50; 1 to 2 hours £5.10; 2 to 4 hours £7.50; 24 hours £11.50; weekly £29.00; evening 6pm–midnight £2.30. Pay and display (coins 10p to £2, chip and pin, contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay). Pay by mobile phone is not available at this car park. Full rates, height/weight notes and Blue Badge rules: Porthtowan car parks. Source: Cornwall Council, Beach Road, Porthtowan, TR4 8AA.

Beaches