Safety & what to expect at Porthcurno

Rock falls

Please be aware that our naturally eroding coastline makes it hazardous to sit near cliff faces. Rocks can occasionally fall and visitors are advised to stay well away from the base of the cliffs.

Lifeguards

For safety in the sea at Porthcurno, always follow the advice given by the lifeguards when on duty and note any signs.

If there are no RNLI flags on Porthcurno beach, there is no lifeguard service. Dates of lifeguard cover at Porthcurno can be found here: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches/porthcurno-beach

Beach & water safety

Be aware of tide times. The sea comes in and out twice a day and it is possible to get cut off by the incoming tide or forced up against the cliff.

The water is clear and inviting but please take care. It is a deep shelving beach with strong currents and large surf or high breaking waves on occasion.

Care for the coast and countryside

Issues such as littering, wildfires and fly-camping can all cause significant harm to landscapes and wildlife. With your help, these problems can be avoided so that these places can be protected for generations to come.

When you visit the coast and countryside, we ask that you please follow the Countryside Code

Pedn Vounder

This beach sits in a cove just along the coast from the main beach at Porthcurno. It is extremely difficult to access with a challenging route down, sudden and unguarded steep drops and a near vertical climb down a rock face onto the beach itself.

On the beach there is risk of rockfall from the cliffs above, the possibility of getting cut off at high tide and does not have any lifeguard cover. We strongly discourage access to this beach due to these dangers and suggest visitors use the main beach in its beautiful setting at Porthcurno. 

Most years there are incidents which arise from visitors trying to access this beach.