Porthleven

Porthleven is a fishing port near helston. It is the most southerly port in Great Britain. The population in 2011 was 3000 approx.

Porthleven most recognised building is the Bickford Smith institute near the harbour, its clock tower is 70 ft (20 m) high- it is currently used as a snooker club and town council offices – it has featured in the TV detective series – Wycliffe

Porthleven is great for surfing as it has powerful swells and is described as “Cornwall’s best reef Break “

The beach is separated from the harbour by a granite pier. The beach has over 3 miles of golden sands.

The harbour was completed in 1825.The town has historic buildings over 200 years old and it is an ideal base for a family Cornwall holiday.

Portleven is large enough to cater for visitors whilst retaining character with picturesque harbour with interesting old buildings

West of the harbour is giants quoit – a 50-ton rock of unknown type.

Portleven is a popular spot for surfers but not for novices.

The harbour started construction in 1811, it is the heart of the town it is a safe haven for ships in rough weather

Loe Bar

This is a large sand and shingle bar in the central section of porthleven sands that blocks the mouth of “Cober Valley” creating Cornwall’s largest freshwater lake.

The town is situated in the Cornish area of outstanding natural beauty.

Porthleven was developed as a refuge harbour with lots of shipwrecks and smuggling. The harbour was built by French prisoners from the Napoleonic wars

Don’t forget the annual 3-day porthleven food festival – the festival brings around 40,000 people together in and around the harbour for food music and international chefs – held every April

It has a reputation as one of the most storm battered destinations in the UK.

Porthleven is a food lovers paradise with classy establishments to lovely little cafes on the harbour side.

Don’t forget other events

RNLI Gala day

Harbour market