Whipsiderry Beach

Cornwall Information & Accommodation Guide

Whipsiderry Beach is a large, sandy beach hidden away between Porth and Watergate Bay.

The beach is sheltered, surrounded by cliffs and has numerous rock pools and caves to explore. A large island known as Black Humphrey Rock or Flory Island stands in the middle of the beach. It has its own small cave, probably the result of it being mined for its ore in the past. It is believed to be named after the notorious smuggler, who is thought to have lived here in the old mine workings until his death in the early 19th century.

Cathedral Cavern (The Banqueting Hall) can be found at the southern end of the beach and Fern Cavern is towards the north.

At low tide the beach is a half mile long (600 metres). At high water there is little in the way of sand and the beach more or less disappears.

It is close to Newquay but usually quiet because of the difficult access via a steep flight of around one steps.

The unusual name Whipsiderry comes from the tiny hamlet just inland which is named from 'whips' and 'derrick' which means a 'digger', 'miner' or 'sexton'.

At low tide (or on a falling tide) if you are prepared to wade through rock pools, you can also access the beach through the cleft in the rocks from Porth Beach, passing Norwegian Rock, or around the headland from Watergate Bay, passing Zacry's Islands. Please do not use these access points at any other state of the tide and always take care that you do not get cut off and that you have time to access the exit steps. You can also walk along the coast path if the tide is too high.

You can get an excellent view of Whipsiderry Beach from Trevelgue Head at Porth.

No facilities. The nearest toilets and shops are at Porth.

Whipsiderry Beach is dog friendly with dogs allowed all year round.

No lifeguard service. There is safety equipment on the steps.

Swimming is possible on an incoming tide in calm conditions.

There is limited parking above the beach. There is more parking just down the hill at Porth.


Whipsiderry Beach Surf Report

Surfing conditions at Whipsiderry Beach including wave height, swell direction, wind direction and speed, tides times, sea temperature and weather conditions.

View detailed surf forecast for Whipsiderry. Visit surf-forecast.com for more details, long range forecasts, surf reports, swell and weather maps.

Location:
SW 8316 6314

Sat Nav TR7 3LX

Road directions to Whipsiderry Beach

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