Free Things to Do While Staying at Porth Sands (Well… Nearly Free)
- Steve Osborne
- Jul 1
- 6 min read
If you’re staying at Porth Sands, you’re already halfway to an unforgettable holiday. Nestled in Cornwall, one of the UK’s most beautiful regions, it offers a stunning backdrop of beaches, coastal walks, and history waiting to be explored. But, let’s be honest, we all know the side-eye stare from our bank account after a trip to the pasty shop, ice cream stand, and the gift shop full of locally made soaps. With the rising costs of just about everything (pay-as-you-go loos, really?!), who wouldn’t want to sprinkle in some free (or nearly free) activities whilst on holiday? Now, when we say “free,” we mean “free-ish.” There might be a sneaky car-parking charge here or there, and yes, the siren call of an ice cream cone may sabotage your mission for no-spend fun. But we’ve got you covered with a list of activities that won’t require selling your soul, or your favourite coat on Vinted. Here’s your ultimate guide to the free-ish things to do while staying at Porth Sands.
1. Bodyboarding at Porth Beach
Congratulations, you’re staying in a flat with one of Cornwall’s most delightful beaches literally on your doorstep. And here’s even better news: we’ve made it very easy for you to enjoy it. Pop open the surf cupboard (a treasure trove of beachy delights) and grab yourself a bodyboard. Bodyboarding is the less intimidating alternative to its cooler cousin, “big boy” surfing. You won’t need lessons, a wetsuit the price of a small car, sun bleached hair, a bronze tan or nerves of steel. It’s all the thrill of riding waves with none of the constant dunking and ego-bruising wipeouts. The best part? It’s completely free, in every sense of the word, and worth every squeal of joy (or terror) as you catch your first wave.
2. Wildlife and Celebrity Spotting on the Mawgan Porth Walk
Park your car at St Mawgan (potentially free, depending on your parking luck) and lace up your walking boots. This scenic stroll down to Mawgan Porth Beach is a walk that keeps on giving: lush greenery, wildlife galore, and, brace yourself, celebrity houses. That’s right, the quiet lanes around Mawgan Porth are a hotspot for the rich and famous. Whether you’re an amateur ornithologist or just really good at peeking through hedgerows, this walk has something for everyone. Pro tip: count the number of “gated mansions,” and you’ll soon understand why the area is Cornwall’s Beverly Hills.
3. Explore Trenance Gardens and the Boating Lake
Fancy a slower, more relaxing day? Wander over to Trenance Gardens and its picture-perfect Boating Lake. The gardens are beautifully maintained by Newquay Town Council (gold stars for them), and they offer a tranquil escape from the bustling seafront. In the middle of the Boating Lake, you’ll find a statue of birds in flight, real-life cormorants love sunning themselves there, which adds a whimsical touch. From here, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Gannel Estuary (more on that below).
4. Wander Along the Gannel Estuary
When the tide is out, the Gannel Estuary is a walker’s paradise. Meander along its sandy banks and admire the scenic beauty of this tranquil spot as you make your way to Crantock Beach. It’s a slice of Cornish heaven. Keep your eyes peeled for oystercatchers and other wading birds, and keep your feet dry by avoiding high tide. There’s a life lesson in there somewhere: timing is everything. A classic “free but only if you plan correctly” activity. If you do get it a bit wrong, there is always the ferry across the river at the bottom of the steps by Fern Pit Café, but this only runs in the summer, so best plan well, just in case.
5. Discover the Camel Trail
For a delightful day out, head to Wadebridge and explore the Camel Trail, one of Cornwall’s most popular cycling and walking routes. This former railway line runs along the River Camel and leads to two dreamy destinations: Padstow (5.5 miles) and Wenfordbridge (12 miles). If you’re lucky, you might spot the elusive curlew, a bird with a wonderfully distinct downturned bill, as it pokes around the estuary’s mudflats. If you’re feeling ambitious (or just have energy to burn), pack a picnic and make it all the way to Padstow. Trust us, views like these are worth the trek.
6. Explore Towan Beach and Killacourt
Welcome to Towan Beach, where Newquay’s quirkiest architecture awaits. Perched atop a rocky island sits a bungalow. Yes, a bungalow with its own suspension bridge. It’s a baffling but brilliant Cornish sight you won’t forget in a hurry. Nearby, Killacourt offers a wonderful grassy space where free events and live music often take place. On sunny days, there’s nothing better than sprawling on the grass with a good book or an ice cream (or both). Keep an eye on the local event calendar for those surprise gems.
7. Lose Yourself at Golitha Falls
Golitha Falls offers one of the most enchanting woodland walks in Cornwall. Hug a tree (go on, no one’s watching), admire ancient mill ruins, and let the sound of babbling streams clear your city-stressed head. The vibrant moss-covered stones and dappled light filtering through the canopy make this a picture-perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers alike. Plus, there’s no entry fee, did someone say “bargain”?
8. St Agnes Head to Chapel Porth Beach
Cornwall’s South West Coast Path is always a winner, and the stretch from St Agnes Head to Chapel Porth is a showstopper. Dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and a sense of total peace make this walk unforgettable. What’s more, once you’ve reached Chapel Porth Beach, you’ll find one of Cornwall’s most serene hidden gems. Pro tip: an ice cream may slightly ruin the “free” vibe, but after walking all that way, you’ll have definitely earned it.
9. Carn Brea Castle
Now, this one’s for fans of the weird and wonderful. Carn Brea Castle is one of Cornwall’s most eccentric landmarks: a 14th-century chapel-turned-18th-century-hunting-lodge-turned-Turkish-restaurant. Yes, you read that right. You don’t need to eat there to enjoy an afternoon out, exploring the granite tor and clambering up to the nearby cross will reward you with panoramic sea-to-sea views. Whether you’re looking north or south, there’s ocean as far as the eye can see. Slightly dizzying, but utterly spectacular.
10. Sunset Watching from Porth Island
They say no two Cornish sunsets are ever the same, and we believe them. While the sunset views from the flat are perfectly lovely, heading up to Trevelgue Head on Porth Island offers something incomparable. From this high vantage point, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted golden skies and a dazzling afterglow that lights everything with a soft, warm hue. Pack a flask of tea (or a cheeky cider), sit back, and soak it all in, you won’t regret it.
11. Wander Lusty Glaze to Newquay Harbour
For beach lovers, this long sandy walk is pure bliss. Starting at Lusty Glaze, you can make your way along a string of beaches before arriving at Newquay Harbour. Take your shoes off, let the waves tickle your feet, and prepare for pure seaside joy. Just heed this health warning: check the tide times. Being stranded at the bottom of a cliff is not the kind of adrenaline rush we’re going for here. Plan wisely, and you’ll have a walk to remember.
12. Find Joy in the Details
The beauty of Cornwall, and Porth Sands in particular, is that free things aren’t hard to come by. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments aren’t on an itinerary: an early-morning stroll to watch the sun rise, collecting perfect seashells on the sand, or simply sitting on a bench with the endless Atlantic stretched out before you. These are the moments that don’t cost a penny but stay with you forever.
A Few Final Thoughts
So there you have it, our favourite free (or nearly free) activities to enjoy whilst staying at Porth Sands. Whether you’re looking for woodland adventures, scenic coastal walks, or tranquil beach days, there’s plenty on offer without ever having to open your wallet. Cornwall has a way of slowing life down, helping you to breathe a little deeper, laugh a little louder, and create memories that don’t come with an expensive price tag. Spend wisely (park sensibly), enjoy heartily, and, of course, don’t forget to treat yourself to the occasional pasty or cream tea. After all, it is a holiday. Happy exploring!
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