Porthcothan

A flat, shallow sandy beach on the north coast between Padstow and Newquay, popular with families, with Marine Conservation Society Recommended status.

Beach & safety

Water quality: Excellent

Lifeguard: seasonal (RNLI, summer)

Hazards: check local signage before entering water,shallow but tide comes in quickly across the flat sand

Amenities: toilets · shop nearby · car park (disabled access)

Dogs

Unofficial source: View the supporting source →Not an authority; check current signage.

Family

Flat, shallow sandy beach with a car park, toilets and shop nearby; well suited to young families.

Fishing

Secondary exact-location guidance supports bass fishing from the sandy bay, with turbot and plaice possible over clean ground. The incoming tide is the preferred starting point. Rocky margins may also hold typical reef species, but detailed species claims from nearby Park Head or Bedruthan have not been imported into the beach page.

Species reported: Bass, Turbot, Plaice

Crabbing

possible with close supervision — Several local family sources describe crabbing and rock-pool exploration. Treat this as a supervised low-water activity using hook-free lines or observation; leave before the tide closes side-cove routes and return animals promptly.

Access & parking

Car park opposite the beach entrance. Sat-nav: PL28 8LR. Get directions →