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"The sleepy sound of a tea-time tide"

Porthzennor Cove

Cornwall, England


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Porthzennor Cove is a scenic coastal location situated on the South West Coast Path between St Just and St Ives in Cornwall.

Porthzennor Cove is located on the South West Coast Path, between St Just and St Ives, and to the east of Zennor Head. The cove boasts a rugged, rocky coastline with panoramic seascape views, making it an ideal destination for coastal walkers to explore. It is also a short distance from the village of Zennor.

While Porthzennor Cove itself is a lesser-known location, the nearby town of St Ives offers a range of attractions and activities. One of the four main beaches in St Ives, Porthmeor Beach, is a popular holiday destination for families during the summer. The beach features golden expanses of sand, excellent water quality, and a full lifeguard service during the summer months. The beach is also popular with surfers, particularly during the winter months when the waves are larger.

The Porthmeor Beach Café, located on the beach front, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with snacks and drinks available to take away. The nearby Tate St Ives gallery, which opened in 1993, features modern and contemporary art exhibitions. The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is also nearby, and there are plenty of shops, pubs, and trendy cafes within walking distance of the beach.

It is worth noting that Porthmeor Beach has restricted access for dogs during the summer months, but they are allowed between October and April.

Porthzennor Cove is on the Penwith Heritage Coast, and adjacent to the South West Coast Path.

Cove Rock

Weather and tides for Sunday 20 July

Tonight
Chance of rain 17%
Min temp. 12°C
(feels like 13°C)
Wind 4mph
Tomorrow (Monday)
Chance of rain 48%
Max temp. 18°C
(feels like 15°C)
Wind 18mph
Max UV Index

The tide at Porthzennor Cove is currently low. High tide will be at approximately 2:21 AM tomorrow, and the next low tide will be at approximately 8:59 AM tomorrow.

Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low

Approximate sea surface temperature:   16.8°C  

Detailed weather and tides »
  • Popular Activities

    Rockpooling Snorkelling Swimming Walking
  • Parking

    Car park in Zennor, below the Tinners Arms, with a walk to the cove (there are a choice of routes to reach the cove).

  • Lifeguard

    No lifeguard cover at this beach

  • Water Quality

    Water quality not measured here

    Water quality not measured here

Recommended holiday cottages near Porthzennor Cove

Things to do and see in the area

Western Discoveries Day Tours (3.2 miles)
Escape Time - St Ives (3.9 miles)
Kidz R Us (4 miles)
Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden (4.1 miles)
Cornwall Coast Path (4.4 miles)
Geevor Tin Mine (5.6 miles)
Lands End Cycle Hire (5.9 miles)

All distances are approximate

Other beaches nearby

Location: Zennor

Location type: Rural

Nearest village: Nancledra

OS Grid: SW451392

Country: England

Local Authority: Cornwall

Parish: Zennor

Nearest postcode: TR26 3BZ

(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)

Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.

Stuff you might want for the beach!

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Visitor information for Porthzennor Cove, Cornwall, England. Weather, tides, visitor comments, beach facilities, photos, nearest postcode, beach information and nearby accommodation.

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18.97.14.83 Sun, 20 Jul 2025 20:21:06 +0100