Porthgwarra

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Porthgwarra lies at the end of a long lane, a rocky beach and valley which is a popular resting place for rare and migrant birds and a favourite spot for bird watching.

Bird watchers flock here during autumn migrations as Puffins and Hoopoes are just some of the bird visitors to this beautiful cove and valley. Spring visitors return early too often blown off course from their migration routes.

Porthgwarra was one of the filming locations used for the BBC's latest adaptation of Poldark.
The bathing scene with Ross Poldark (Episode 2) and bringing in the catch of pilchards (Episode 4) were both filmed here. This and other locations for Poldark in Cornwall

Local folklore tells that Porthgwarra was once known as Sweethearts Cove. The story goes that two young lovers, Nancy and William, who were forbidden to meet arranged an assignation here before William went to sea. Months passed and he did not return home and Nancy was beside herself with worry. One evening she went to the beach and stood in the sea on an incoming tide. As the sea washed around her a sailor was seen to appear and put his arms around her whereupon both Nancy and the sailor disappeared. News soon arrived in Porthgwarra that William's ship had been wrecked with the loss of all its crew. The couple had found each other finally in death.

Around Porthgwarra

There are excellent walks along the south Cornish coastline including to Gwennap Head with its National Coastwatch Institution look-out. The granite cliffs here are magnificent. Climbers will find the Chair Ladder here, an excellent crag very popular as a climb. Access is via Zawn Rinney at low tide only which can be accessed by a footpath or it is possible to abseil to the base of the climb.

Location:
Located in St Levan Parish in West Cornwall on the South coast between Penzance and Land's End.
IntoCornwall Area Map Land's End Peninsula Map

Road directions to Porthgwarra

Books online:
Click here to buy books online about Porthgwarra

  Topical phrases of the month October: 'Festival Phrases'

  Place Name of the Month October: Karrekreun – Cargreen