What to do in Porth when you only have three days
Ah, Porth, that little slice of Cornish paradise nestled just a stone's throw from Newquay. If you've got three glorious days to spare in this coastal wonderland, buckle up for an adventure that'll make your mates green with envy and your Instagram followers weak at the knees!
Day 1: Settling In and Seaside Shenanigans
Morning: Arrival and Beach Basics
As you roll into Porth, the first thing you'll notice is the breathtaking coastline that'll make you want to hug the entire county. Your first stop? The beach, obviously! Porth Beach is a sheltered little gem that's perfect for those still mastering their sea legs, so grab the bodyboard and head to the waves.
Afternoon: Coastal Exploration
Take a wander along the South West Coast Path towards Mawgan Porth. This isn't just a walk, it's a cinematic experience that'll have you feeling like you've stepped into a Poldark episode (minus the dramatic shirt-ripping). Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, seabirds, seals, and the occasional bemused-looking hiker are all part of the local scenery.
Evening: Local Flavours
Double back to the nearby Watergate Bay for dinner. The Living Space restaurant in Watergate Bay Hotel is one of our favourites and offers views that'll make your dinner companion look positively plain in comparison. Try their Poke Bowl, so fresh and yummy your mouth and stomach will love you. If that’s too healthy, don't worry. There's enough local fare to keep even the fussiest eater happy, their Cornish cream, jam and warm scone is a particular joy.
Day 2: Adventure and Adrenaline
Morning: Surf's Up!
Time to embrace your inner beach bum. Newquay is the surfing capital of the UK, so it would be criminal not to give it a go. Head to Towan, Fistral or Great Western beachs and if you're feeling brave (or slightly mad), rent a wetsuit and try your hand at surfing with the help of one of the excellent surf schools. Pro tip: looking like a seal-crossed-with-a-potato is entirely acceptable for beginners. You'll spend the morning attempting to look cool while mostly consuming seawater and sand. It's all part of the charm!
Afternoon: Coastal Exploration
Take a stroll to Porth Island (Trevelgue Head). It’s quite the adventure, as you walk across the bridge look out towards Watergate bay and through the gap sliced into the massive rock formation. It’s like nature's own sculpture park, if sculptures were created by giants with a penchant for dramatic landscape design. The views are so stunning, you'll want to develop photography skills on the spot.
Evening: Cornish Pub Experience
Dive into local culture at one of the traditional Cornish pubs. The Two Colmes up the road from Porth is a cracking spot for Sunday Roast and to sample local ale. Always fun to listen to stories that are 90% truth and 10% legendary exaggeration.
Day 3: Culture, Relaxation, and Final Fling
Morning: Explore Padstow
Under 30minutes away is the village of Padstow which is well worth a mooch around. Celebrity Chef Rick Stein’s influence has turned this delightful village into a foodie heaven. So plenty of yummy options for a well deserved special lunch. The town offers a perfect mix of touristy charm and local authenticity, think ice cream shops and centuries old buildings.
Afternoon: Beach Relaxation
Back to Porth Beach for some serious relaxation. Build a sandcastle like you're auditioning for a Blue Peter special. Challenge the local kids to a sandcastle competition, they'll likely show you up, but it's the effort that counts.
Evening: Sunset and Farewell
End your trip with a sunset walk along the beach, and some fish and chips from Francines. The Cornish sunset is nature's way of showing off, all oranges, pinks, and purples that'll make your phone's photo filter look like a cheap imitation.
Practical Tips for Your Porth Adventure
Weather: Pack layers. Cornwall's weather is more unpredictable than a cat on caffeine.
Transport: A car is helpful, but local buses are surprisingly good.
Essentials: Bring waterproofs, decent walking shoes, and a sense of humour
Why Porth is Absolutely Brilliant
Look, Cornwall isn't just a destination, it's an experience. Porth offers that perfect blend of stunning scenery, adventure, and laid-back charm that'll have you planning your return before you've even left. It's the kind of place that gets under your skin, in the best possible way.
Sure, you might return home with more sand in your shoes than you thought possible, a questionable surfing technique, and enough pasty crumbs to feed a small army. But you'll also have memories that'll last a lifetime.
Final Thoughts
Three days in Porth is like a love affair with the Cornish coast, brief, intense, and utterly unforgettable. You'll return home with wind swept hair, a ridiculous tan line, and stories that'll bore, I mean, delight your friends for months to come.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready for a Cornish experience that's more addictive than a cup of proper builders' tea.
Disclaimer: Side effects of visiting Porth may include an obsession with surfing, an inability to stop talking about Cornwall, and an overwhelming desire to move here permanently.
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