Skip to content

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.

Tide times and lifeguard service

The lifeguard service is seasonal. Please swim between the flags and follow all instructions from the guards.

Remember also to check the tide times as some areas of the beach can get cut off by high tides.

People scramble on the rocks down on Chapel Porth beach, Cornwall

Discover more at Chapel Porth

Find out how to get to Chapel Porth, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

Visitors on a walk at Baggy Point, Devon

Coast and beaches 

Discover the 780 miles of beautiful coastline in our care. Plan your next coastal adventure, whether you want to explore soft, sandy beaches or rugged, windswept cliffs.

A visitor with his dog on the beach at Penrose, Cornwall

Coast and beaches in Cornwall 

There are miles of natural beautiful coastline and beaches in Cornwall to explore with all the family. There's plenty of space to blow away the cobwebs along the coast.

Skimming stones on the beach at Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire
Article
Article

‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities to do at the beach 

Try out the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’ activities children can enjoy by the sea, from paddling or swimming, to catching crabs and skimming stones.

Visitors kayaking on the sea past the Old Harry Rocks, Purbeck Countryside, Dorset
Article
Article

Staying safe while canoeing 

While canoeing and kayaking are great ways to experience nature and keep fit, they can be dangerous if you don't follow the guidelines. Learn how to stay safe with our advice and guidance.

An aerial view of the beach and cliffs at Wheal Coates and Chapel Porth, Cornwall
Article
Article

Chapel Porth remembered 

A National Trust employee and visiting poet express their love for Chapel Porth in a short interview and a heartfelt poem. Find out what really draws people here

Giant Bolster Chapel Porth St Agnes
Article
Article

The St Agnes Bolster Festival and legend of the Giant Bolster 

Every May Day weekend the villagers of St Agnes re-enact the story of Giant Bolster through the village & over the clifftops of Chapel Porth.