Things to Do in Portreath: Your Guide to the North Cornish Coast
Tucked along Cornwall’s rugged north coast, Portreath is a village that effortlessly blends wild beauty with rich heritage. Once a bustling harbour shipping copper ore to Wales, today it’s a relaxed seaside escape where coastal adventures and peaceful moments sit side by side.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying a little longer at The Basset, here are some of the very best ways to experience Portreath and the surrounding coastline.
Embrace Beach Life at Portreath
With soft sand, dramatic cliffs and a celebrated surf break, Portreath Beach is hugely popular with swimmers, surfers and watersports enthusiasts.
The sheltered tidal pool beside the harbour offers calmer waters for those looking to unwind, while the powerful “Vortex” reef break draws experienced bodyboarders.
The beach even earned a Seaside Award in 2024, recognising its environmental quality, water standards and safety - ideal for families and relaxed seaside days.
Walk the South West Coast Path
For scenery that truly captures Cornwall’s magic, set out along the South West Coast Path. A popular route heads west from Portreath to Hells Mouth - about five miles there and back - rewarding walkers with sweeping views, wildflowers and the chance to spot seals offshore.
Prefer something gentler? The former tram lines that once transported copper ore have been repurposed into trails for walkers and cyclists, forming part of the Coast to Coast Path linking Portreath to Devoran.
Discover Tehidy Country Park
Just a mile and a half from the village lies Tehidy Country Park, a beautiful 250-acre woodland with around nine miles of nature trails.
Expect peaceful lakes, ponds filled with birdlife, and miles of paths perfect for walking, cycling or horse riding.
It’s an easy escape into nature and a wonderful contrast to the drama of the coastline.
Bring Your Dog Along
Portreath is a wonderful destination for guests travelling with four-legged companions, offering coastal paths, woodland trails and plenty of fresh sea air to enjoy together.
Portreath Beach is ideal for scenic walks outside of the peak summer restrictions, while the South West Coast Path and nearby Tehidy woodland provide miles of space for curious noses and wagging tails.
Back at The Basset, dogs are very much part of the welcome. Our bar and restaurant are dog friendly, so there’s no need to leave your companion behind while you relax over lunch or dinner. We also offer one dog friendly guest room, perfect for those who want to turn a coastal day out into a comfortable overnight stay.
Because the best Cornish adventures are the ones shared - paws and all.
Step Into Local History
Portreath’s industrial past helped shape modern Cornwall. The Portreath Tramroad - the county’s first railway - began operating in the early 1800s, carrying minerals from nearby mines to the harbour for export.
Today, traces of the route remain visible and can be explored on foot or by bike, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s mining heritage.
Discover Cornwall Gold and Tolgus Mill
Just a short drive from Portreath, Cornwall Gold offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s mining heritage and makes a memorable outing for visitors of all ages. At its heart sits Tolgus Tin Mill - Cornwall’s last working tin streaming mill, where you can discover how tin ore is recovered, processed and ultimately transformed into unique Cornish jewellery.
Entry is free, and the expansive interactive exhibition brings Cornwall’s rich milling history to life with artefacts, displays and stories of the people who once worked here. You can even see the machinery in action and learn how rock is crushed, separated and smelted to produce pure tin.
If you enjoy exploring on foot, the 2.2-mile Tolgus Trail begins at Portreath Beach and leads you through peaceful countryside directly to Cornwall Gold - ideal for turning a day out into a scenic adventure.
Blending history, craftsmanship and family-friendly experiences, Cornwall Gold is a reminder of the industry that helped shape modern Cornwall and a wonderful addition to any North Coast itinerary.
Venture a Little Further
Portreath is perfectly placed for exploring more of the north coast.
A short drive brings you to Porthtowan, a Blue Flag beach framed by dramatic cliffs and connected to spectacular coastal walks in both directions.
From here, you can even walk to neighbouring Chapel Porth at low tide.
The wider area offers surf schools, golf, bike trails and family-friendly attractions, making Portreath an excellent base for adventure.
Return to Comfort at The Basset
After a day of sea air and exploration, there’s nothing better than returning to the warmth of a proper Cornish inn. The Basset has long been a social hub for the village - a welcoming place to gather for an evening meal and a pint after time spent outdoors.
Whether your days are filled with coastal hikes, beach swims or woodland wanders, Portreath invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and savour the simple pleasures of the Cornish coast.
Join Us at The Basset
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Stay in our cosy coastal inn and enjoy a break by the north Cornwall coast.
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Here, you'll find classic gastro-style pub dining cooked with a modern flair. The Basset Arms celebrates Cornwall with fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and rustic elegance served in a cosy yet elevated experience, on the rugged Cornish coast.
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Throughout the year we offer a selection of dining experiences from themed menu nights to wine tasting experiences and musical entertainment.
