Peaceful little village with a nice beach
St. Austell Bay Parish Council
A village south of Duporth and contiguous with Lower Porthpean, two miles south of St. Austell. It has a small church, dedicated to St. Levan that is a Grade II building, and that seats 48 people. The church is a Chapel of ease to St Austell Parish Church.
In ancient times it was a thriving fishing port, with fish cellars and a malthouse although now it is best known for its east facing safe bathing beach, with a cafe and toilets (both seasonal). It has an old village square, a sailing club, a golf club and a croquet club. Porthpean Outdoor Centre is widely used by Cornish Schools.
Porthpean beach is well-suited for various water-based activities with its calm, clear waters and easy access. Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, windsurfing and snorkelling are all popular here. The beach is also home to Porthpean Sailing Club and a slipway allows easy access to the water. Jet skiing, however, is not allowed on the beach.
The cliffs to the east are used by nesting birds, and there are lots of rock pools to the west. The coastal footpath runs right past Porthpean and it is an easy walk to the Georgian port of Charlestown, just to the east.
Porthpean House in the village has been in the Petherick family for five generations, has a relaxed old fashioned charm, acres of tranquil gardens just above the beach. The location for the Richard Curtis Film 'About Time'.
The nearby house of Penrice was the home of the Sawle Family after they moved from Towan in 1596. The estate was passed down through the generations of the Sawle Family for nearly 500 years.
Also nearby is Castle Gotha is a Small Iron Age oval shaped settlement, originally with a bank and ditch around it.
St. Austell Charlestown The Coastal Footpath Penrice Pentewan