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Port Quin
A peaceful sheltered inlet on an outstanding stretch of unspoilt coast
North Cornwall coast, near Polzeath, Cornwall
Opening times for 21 November 2024
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Small car park which can get very busy at peak times. Open dawn until dusk. No overnight camping or parking.
Kiosk
Posh Potato (not National Trust) is offering hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and snacks from a quirky horsebox at the car park. Finished for the winter. Please check back for 2025.
Dogs allowed
Dogs welcome all year but under control, particularly around livestock and cliff edges
Uneven surfaces and footpaths steep in places. No toilets and poor phone signal.
Steps/uneven terrain
Coastal paths which may be uneven in places and with kissing gates
By road
Leave A30 at Bodmin and join A389 to Wadebridge. At Wadebridge take B3314 signed Polzeath, then follow local signage to your destination.
Parking: Limited parking. Alternative National Trust car parks at Pentire (PL27 6QY) and Lundy Bay (PL27 6QZ).
Sat Nav: Use PL29 3SU
On foot
The South West Coast Path runs through the small fishing hamlet and cliffs either side.
By train
Bodmin Parkway, 18 miles from Polzeath
Highlights
Doyden Point
Clifftops overlook the bay and are joined with Pentire headland by the South West Coast Path.
Doyden Castle
Folly built around 1827 by a wealthy local man and is now a National Trust holiday cottage.
Port Gaverne
A tiny hamlet just along the coast from Port Quin.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do at Port Quin
Find out the things do on a visit to Port Quin, including exploring the natural landscapes, discovering its history and spotting wildlife such as guillemots and razorbills.
Top trails
There are lots of suggested walks in the area. Some start from nearby Lundy Bay or Pentire.
Trail
Lundy Bay and Port Quin circular walk near Pentire
Discover this circular walk along the clifftops of the South West Coast Path, taking in Lundy Bay, Port Quin and views of Doyden Castle and the Rumps headlands.
Trail
Lundy Bay walk
Just a mile or so before you reach New Polzeath, there's a sheltered valley where light woodland and scrub lead to a gem of a rocky bay, with sandy coves at low tide.
Trail
Pentire headland walk
Enjoy a walk that takes in the spectacular Pentire Point and the Rumps. The circular route starts at the main car park at Pentireglaze where there are toilets and a café (check for opening).
Trail
Lundy Bay and Pentire walk
A circular walk at Pentire headland with an abundance of wild flowers and birds to spot, as well as clifftop views of the Rumps. There are toilets and a café at Pentireglaze, part way along the route.
Trail
Pentire and Baby Bay circular walk
Walk through farmland and along the South West Coast Path for clifftop views across Padstow Bay and opportunities to swim, rockpool and spot wildlife. There is a café and toilets by the main car park.
Places to stay
Quin Cottage
A fisherman's cottage with a secret garden, by the beach in Port Quin. Take the coast path in either direction to Port Isaac or Polzeath.
Guy's Cottage
A fisherman’s cottage with its own rustic terrace, by Port Quin's shingly beach and rocky cove.
Lacombe Cottage
A former fisherman’s cottage with bags of Cornish charm and just a few paces to Port Quin’s beach.
Carolina Cellar
A historic stone pilchard cellar with sea views over the beach and inlet.
Port Gaverne Beach House
Doc Martin fans will recognise this pretty coastal cottage set in a former fisherman's home on the hill in Port Gaverne with gorgeous sea views.
The Old Farmhouse
Surround yourself with farmland and countryside views in this rural cottage, just a 10-minute stroll to the sandy beach of Pentireglaze Haven.
The Birdcage
A quirky three-storey cottage in one of Cornwall’s most iconic villages, Port Isaac.
Doyden Castle
A little fortress at the edge of the cliffs on the Port Quin headland, with sea views all around.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Port Quin
Port Quin and nearby Port Gaverne were once bustling fishing ports on the rugged north Cornwall coast. Today, Port Quin is a peaceful, sheltered inlet. Surrounded by spectacular coastline, Port Quin Bay sweeps westwards towards the distinctive headland of the Rumps.
Heading west you’ll find Epphaven Cove and alongside Lundy Bay, sitting in a secluded valley thriving with rich flora and fauna. This tranquil spot is perfect for bird watching and is a haven for butterflies and wild flowers.
If you head towards Polzeath you’ll discover Pentire Point and The Rumps, views of which inspired First World War poet Lawrence Binyon. Once mined for lead the long deserted mine shafts are now home to the greater horseshoe bat.
Our work
Article
Our work at Port Quin
Discover how the rangers look after Port Quin for wildlife and visitors.
Project
Project
Cornish coastal meadows project
We are working to create 250 hectares of new species rich grassland at National Trust sites across Cornwall. The project, due to be completed by 2026, will help us rise to the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.
Article
Our work at Pentire
See how the way we work with the farm at Pentire is designed to benefit all kinds of wildlife, so there’s more for you to enjoy when you visit.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Port Quin.