Things to do at Chapel Porth beach

Two people run around in the shallow water on the sandy beach at Chapel Porth, Cornwall — Paddling in the sea at Chapel Porth | © National Trust Images / John Millar

With a single narrow road in and out, Chapel Porth’s beach is cosy and rich in heritage and legend. It can be busy in the summer but is quiet in the winter. Once you are parked up everything you need is within easy reach: the sand, the café and the toilets. Find out more about what to enjoy here and what to keep in mind.

Discover the caves and birdlife

There's a huge expanse of sand at Chapel Porth beach and access to several little caves and rock pools at low tide, but the beach completely disappears at high tide.

You'll soon meet the friendly local rock pipit birds, as they try their luck for flapjack crumbs at the café window hatch.

People scramble on the rocks down on Chapel Porth beach, Cornwall — Exploring the rocks on Chapel Porth beach, Cornwall | © National Trust Images / John Millar

Bellyboarding

Chapel Porth has championed this pastime for many years and played host to the World Bellyboard Championships from its inception in 2003 until 2015.

There has always been a dedicated cohort who visit Chapel Porth throughout the year to ride their boards. It's a hobby that crosses the generations and encourages many people back into the water.

The RNLI has taken up the challenge of hosting the championships nowadays.

A dog leaps in the air to catch a ball on the beach — Dog chasing a ball on the beach | © National Trust Images / Hilary Daniel

Dogs at Chapel Porth

There's a seasonal dog policy, so dogs are not allowed on the beach from Easter to September.

They're still welcome on the paths so make the most of the walks in the area, up to the tin mine ruins or out of the wind up in the valley. Please pick up after your dog and remember to take all your litter with you.