Porthgwarra
Cornwall
TR19 6JR
Porthgwarra
Suitable for smugglers
A great place to see in Cornwall; treacherous rocks and unpredictable seas give this part of the coastline a dangerous air. Could this be the haunt of smugglers? Wrecking is one of the storylines in the new BBC drama series Poldark, based on the books of Winston Graham who lived in Cornwall. Some of the filming took place at Porthgwarra, a tiny sandy beach close to Porthcurno and about three miles from Land’s End.
The name translates as “very wooded cove” and parts of this area are very wild indeed with heathland and granite cliffs. Long ago tin miners cut a passage through the rocks at Porthgwarra, wide enough for a horse and cart to get through. The romantic notion is that it was for smugglers to remove their spoils from the shore. The more practical answer is that it was to allow farmers to collect seaweed to use as fertiliser… we'll let you choose. Either way, a beautiful beach in Cornwall not to be missed.
We love...
The atmosphere which evokes the 18th century setting of Poldark. Once a thriving fishing community, it is quieter now but popular with walkers on the South West Coast Path. There’s a car park, café and toilets.
Don't miss...
Walk up towards the lookout at Gwennap Head for spectacular views. But this heathland is also great for birdwatchers who might spot merlins, short-eared owls and hen harriers.