Nestled in an untouched corner of the north Cornish coast, St Agnes is a gem that sits comfortably within both a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site.
This coastal village thrives on its vibrant local community, which supports a plethora of independent shops and businesses. With stunning, dog-friendly beaches, top-notch pubs and restaurants, and access to some of Cornwall’s most breathtaking coastal paths and walks, it’s no wonder it’s hailed as a traveller’s paradise.
St Agnes, a charming seaside village situated on the north coast of Cornwall, England, offers up several picturesque beaches for travellers to visit including Trevaunance Cove, Chapel Porth, and Porthtowan, all supremely popular spots for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
The area is steeped in nearly a century of Cornish industrial history, encapsulated in sites like the disused 19th-century tin mine Wheal Coates. The beauty and rich history of St Agnes have caught the attention of the United Nations, earning it UNESCO World Heritage Site status and wowing thousands of visitors.
Despite being one of the largest coastal villages in Cornwall, St Agnes maintains a compact charm. One of its most notable landmarks is St Agnes Beacon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and historically serving as a lookout point.
St Agnes — a charming seaside village frequently dubbed as underrated by travellers — boasts breathtaking coastal views featuring dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque countryside vistas. It’s also home to what has previously been awarded the title of the UK’s best pub by VisitEngland Awards for Excellence — The Peterville Inn.
The village has a rich history rooted in tin and copper mining, a major industry in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, remnants of this mining heritage, such as engine houses and mine shafts, still punctuate the landscape.
This delightful seaside town, with its winding lanes and charming shops, is a paradise for holidaymakers. Its narrow streets brimming with Cornish charm make St Agnes a favourite among tourists.
Chapel Porth Beach is a must-visit attraction, and the Chapel Porth Beach Café, renowned for its hedgehog ice creams made from cones, clotted cream and hazelnuts, comes highly recommended by visitors.
Other attractions in and around St Agnes include the St Agnes Museum, Perranporth Airfield, the Chapel Porth to St Agnes Circular Walk, and the St Agnes to Trevellas Porth Circular Walk.
St Agnes is also known for its vibrant community of local artisans, shops, and eateries that offer a taste of Cornwall’s unique culture and culinary delights.
The television connect
St Agnes Head, a picturesque spot on the Cornwall coastline, boasts a beach nestled within a cove which is accessible via a coastal path.
Fans of Ross Poldark will be thrilled to know that Winston Graham, the author of the Poldark series, lived just down the road and used the entire Parish as his muse for his books, coining it ‘Poldark Country’.
This Cornish National Trust site has gained international fame due to its association with the popular British television series and has been hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful locations.
The site is easily recognisable, with its chapel peeking out from swathes of heather and gorse, serving as the backdrop for the BBC’s hit TV series Poldark.