Within the UK, Cornwall is undoubtedly one of the top destinations for staycations or a quick getaway. The picture perfect Cornish coast boasts beautifully quaint seaside villages and scenic terrains that have the ability to make one stop dead in their tracks and gasp at the beauty of it all.
While Cornish residents are extremely lucky to have an abundance of stunning seaside towns peppered across the area’s vast coast – there’s one town that’s being hailed as the best in Cornwall by locals and it’s not St Ives, Newquay or Padstow.
A Reddit user took to the social media platform and asked the all pertinent question: “Best areas to live in Cornwall? (Coastal)” and one seaside town has Cornish locals raving.
Gushing about the hidden gem coastal town, Redditor Chloe_On_The_Water revealed: “There’s a beautiful little harbor town called Porthleven right down on the southern tip. It’s a little touristy in the summer, but quiet in the winter. Might be worth checking out.”
While another Redditor chimed in: “I agree with Porthleven! It’s only a short 5-minute drive from Helston, which has all the essentials—supermarkets, excellent nurseries, great primary schools, and a secondary school. Porthleven itself is home to some fantastic food spots and is an absolutely charming village to live in. Plus, the beach there is perfect for a swim! Definitely a win-win all around!”
With a humble population of 3,114 as per the 2021 census, Porthleven is a town, fishing port, and civil parish in Cornwall. Comfortable nestled on the Cornish coast, its the most southerly port in Great Britain and used to serve as a harbour of refuge for wrecked ships in the days of sail, as the south coast of the county was infamous for them.
Sitting happily atop the famous Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, Porthleven sees the South West Coast Path from Somerset to Dorset pass through its quaint walls. Porthleven – much like almost a third of Cornwall – lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This makes it an ideal destination for rambling, seaside relaxation and photography, with magnificent scenery at every turn throughout Porthleven.
The charming Cornish seaside settlement in England is renowned for its stunning natural splendour boasting an expansive sandy shoreline that extends for miles, towering cliffs providing spectacular vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, and verdant countryside surroundings.
This quintessentially Cornish town features stone-built cottages, meandering lanes and a traditional working harbour peppered with vibrant fishing vessels, creating a scene reminiscent of a picture-perfect postcard.
The little seaside town has also made the best of its coastal location and powerful swells and has become one of the UK’s most famous surfing spots – frequently described as “Cornwall’s best reef break”.
Visitors to Porthleven should begin with the magnificent golden shore that stretches for miles and is celebrated for its powerful swells, establishing it as a favoured surfing hotspot.
Those seeking a more tranquil experience can simply bask in the sunshine or enjoy al fresco dining whilst taking in the remarkable panoramas of the Cornish coast, where seals frequently appear and the area is famed for its breathtaking sunsets.
Ensure you don’t overlook the harbour which has been dubbed the most picturesque section of the town thanks to its grand harbour hall where visitors can witness waves crashing, whilst nearby stands the Old Lifeboat House which frequently hosts exhibitions by local artists.
For those who fancy a stroll, the Loe Bar merits exploration, and despite its moniker it’s not a drinking establishment but rather Cornwall’s most substantial natural lake which starts at the Penrose Estate, a stunning woodland park under National Trust ownership.
Porthleven boasts a remarkable array of shops, galleries and eateries ensuring visitors remain entertained regardless of their preferences.