Porthallow

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Porthallow

Porthallow, in Cornish, Porthalow, is a small village on the east coast of the Lizard peninsula.

The name is Cornish and means 'port at the end of the moor'.

Fishing has been the main industry of Porthallow since the 13th century, when it was the base for the fishing fleet of Beaulieu Abbey. During the 14th century Porthallow's pilchard fishing industry was important enough to compete with Fowey.

In the early 20th century Porthallow was leased by the Porthallow Pilchard Curing Company from the Trelowarren estate. In 1937 the village was bought by the Porthallow Institute and Reading Room.

In 1971, village Trustees bought the beach. Today the beach is still privately owned. The Porthallow Village Association maintains the beach with a group of voluntary Trustees. It is open to everyone.

There are still fishing boats that work from this beach.

The area around Porthallow is geologically interesting. North of the village the coast is designated as a Geological Conservation Review site with beds of conglomerates and clay slates, sandstones and grits and to the south is a Site of Special Scientific Interest with serpentine, gabbro and hornblende schist.

Plan your journey in Cornwall

Do you have information of a historic or community interest about Porthallow which you would like featured on this page please email us with your information.

Location:
Lizard Peninsula

Road directions to Porthallow

Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Porthallow

Find all the Dog Friendly beaches in Cornwall