Guide to Portscatho

While some may not consider it to be one of the top 10 attractions in Cornwall, this quaint fishing village on the south-westerly corner of Gerrans Bay on the Roseland Peninsula is an eye-catching place to visit.

You won’t see the crowds of tourists you might find in the nearby hot spots of Falmouth and Mevagissey, but you’ll still have the areas of natural beauty that you come to expect when staying in the South Coast Central section of the Cornwall National Landscape.

Continue reading our guide to find out more about the village of Portscatho, including what you can do in the area and where you can find top-notch cuisine. Alternatively, click the button below and find a cute cottage to stay in so you can find out first-hand.

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• History of Portscatho
• The beaches of Portscatho
• Things to do in Portscatho
• Food and drink in Portscatho
• Shopping in Portscatho

History of Portscatho

Thank goodness for pilchards! If not for this oily little fish, Portscatho (and many other Cornish fishing villages besides) would not be what they are today and wouldn’t have such a colourful maritime history. This fishing boom provided work for numerous professions within the village including fishermen, ropemakers, carpenters and masons, and during its heyday, Portscatho was one of the busiest pilchard ports on Cornwall’s south coast.

This wasn’t the only source of income though...

Portscatho literally means ‘cove of rowing boats’ and it was most likely on these rowing boats that the vast majority of smuggling was carried out. With fishing levels unpredictable and likely to fluctuate from one year to the next, residents of the sleepy village had to rely on more cunning forms of revenue. In fact, it was one of the last smuggling locations along this part of the Cornish coastline.

Today, the village still has all the hallmark characteristics you’d expect from a traditional Cornish fishing settlement. There’s a harbour wall protecting a charming cove full of vessels, and stone houses rising away from the port but also in grandeur. Wander the streets and visit the numerous art galleries which are full of local talent or take a seat at any one of the welcoming cafes and bars where you might be able to sample a pilchard supper. And if you still have the energy after all this, climb the moderately ascending hill to Gerrans, another small village sitting shoulder to shoulder with Portscatho, yet with its own identity.

The beaches of Portscatho

When it comes to beaches in Cornwall (and there are hundreds to choose from), each has its own quirks and individualities that distinguish it from the next. It’s these traits that see holidaymakers and locals choosing one over the other. You, too, have a choice of beach when you visit Portscatho…

Portscatho Beach

Overlooking the southern end of Gerrans Bay, Portscatho Beach is the most easily accessible beach from the village. A largely rocky beach that becomes more sandy as the tide goes out, this spot even connects to Porthcurnick to the north on occasions when the water level is low enough.

Many Cornish beaches face west but as this village cove faces east, it is protected from the customary winds coming in from the west. Due to this natural defence, the waters are sheltered and generally considered safe for swimming. Do note though, that there is no lifeguard patrol. This is a dog-friendly beach, although there is a seasonal restriction through the months of July and August between the hours of 10am and 6pm.

Towan Beach

Meaning ‘sand dunes’ in Cornish, Towan is understandably a popular name for beaches in Cornwall. However, skip Towans Beach near St Ives and give Towan Beach near Newquay a miss – Towan Beach on the Roseland Peninsula is the flavour of the day. Towards the southern end of the peninsula, this National Trust spot is another east-facing beach only a couple of miles from St Anthony Head.

This beach isn’t really en route to anywhere so the only people you’re likely to bump into are other like-minded souls who are after a serene slice of Cornwall to soothe the soul. It’s somewhat of a hidden gem, especially in the winter months, and you’ll be happy to hear you can play with your four-legged friend on this beach all year. In the summer, it will naturally get busier and you can even purchase drinks and ice creams on the beach, but there is no lifeguard cover.

Porthcurnick Beach

When you visit dog-friendly Cornwall, it’s imperative that you immediately locate your nearest dog-friendly beach. Luckily, when visiting Portscatho, you needn’t look far. Like Towan Beach before, Porthcurnick Beach is National Trust owned and is dog friendly all year round (although there are no dog poo bins).

Sitting slightly further north in Gerrans Bay, this south-east-facing beach is sheltered by the headland that houses the Porthscatho Lookout Station – gather here if you’re on sentry duty looking for basking sharks and cetaceans (whales, porpoises and dolphins). Being sheltered as it is, this sandy beach attracts sea swimmers and other water sports enthusiasts – just be sure to watch for the strong rip currents that frequent these waters and be aware that there is no lifeguard cover.

Carne Beach and Pendower Beach

Two of the most beautiful beaches on the Roseland Peninsula, Carne Beach and Pendower Beach wrap up our beach section in style. These two sandy and rocky beaches, which are connected via a glorious Cornish coastal walk, offer plenty in the way of remote seaside fun on the sand but also an abundance of interesting things to see and do away from the beach.

Walk a little inland and discover that it’s a butterfly and bird watcher’s paradise, a real haven for wildlife. Head east from Carne Beach and you’ll find an Iron Age hillfort known as ‘Ringarounds’ and also Carne Beacon, where Gerent, the King of Cornwall, is buried, according to ancient lore. From here, walk to Nare Head and look out to Gull Rock before heading back towards the beaches via Mallet’s Cottage, a derelict fisherman's cottage from the 17^th century.

Things to do in Portscatho

There are a number of interesting things to do in Portscatho and the surrounding area. All of the places below can be reached on foot by anyone with good general fitness, following the coastal path or heading inland. The furthest is 5 miles away so leave the car at home and enjoy a good hike, one of the best things to do in Cornwall.

Trelissick Garden

Sitting on the adjacent peninsula but only 5 miles away, Trelissick Garden is a National Trust estate with wonderful woodland walks and views of the Fal Estuary. To get there, you’ll need to take the King Harry Ferry over the River Fal, which is exciting in itself, but once you’re there, you can explore the formal gardens offering herbaceous borders and exotic plants, or wander the orchard to your heart’s content.

The woodland garden proposes something a little different and when you’re done, visit the house, the gift shop or the second-hand bookshop. There are woodland walks across open parkland if you’re bringing your pup and you can finish off the day in either the house tearoom or Crofters Cafe, where you can pick up hot and cold refreshments, as well as packed lunches for children.

St Anthony Head

Down at the bottom of the Roseland Peninsula, St Anthony Head sits looking out at the Atlantic. Scrutinising the Fal Estuary and the entrance to Carrick Roads (which happens to be the third largest natural harbour in the world), this National Trust-owned property is known for its military history. As you walk the level path from the car park, you’ll find big guns and fortifications, including the St Anthony Battery. Built in the late 1800s, this battery was used to defend the mouth of the River Fal and was called into action during both world wars.

Keep walking and you’ll reach a bird hide overlooking a hidden cove. And beneath the battery is the unmanned, yet still beautiful St Anthony Lighthouse which was used in the 1980s cult phenomenon Fraggle Rock!

St Just in Roseland

Sitting directly west of Portscatho, St Just in Roseland is a humble village that occupies an extraordinary space. It’s well known for its picturesque church that sits perched above a pretty tidal creek amid semitropical shrubs and trees. It’s been a place of worship since the 6^th century, so you’ll likely find people wandering the grounds looking for a quiet spot to contemplate.

The grounds are gorgeous and there are a number of footpaths that lead from the churchyard to the coastal path, where you can continue around the headland should you so wish. Back within the grounds, there’s a Holy Well to find along with geocaches if you have the app. Birdsong will be the soundtrack to your walk as you look out over St Just Creek and count the boats. When it’s time to rest weary legs, take a seat at Renwick’s Cafe overlooking the gardens and treat yourself to some home-cooked food.

St Mawes

Probably the main village on the Roseland Peninsula, St Mawes sits on the southern headland where Carrick Roads splits to become the River Fal and the River Percuil. Offering distant views over towards Pendennis Castle, St Mawes is a wonderful place to visit and provides you with the opportunity to step aboard the foot passenger ferry to Falmouth. The St Mawes Ferry takes only 20 minutes to reach Falmouth, which is a fantastic place to explore whether you’re staying in one of our Falmouth holiday cottages or not.

St Mawes is a haven for water sports and maritime enthusiasts with the St Mawes Boat Show showcasing many local marine businesses, and the chances of getting out on the water on a kayak are very high. You can hire kayaks and other vessels at numerous spots or you can charter a small motorboat to explore the Percuil River and partake in a spot of fishing. Speaking of seafood, there are some lovely eateries in the village serving up the daily catch.

Food and drink in Portscatho

From fine dining to traditional Portscatho pubs, and from plush converted barns to outdoor beach kitchens, the superb range of Portscatho restaurants will leave your mouth watering and your belly rumbling. Delicious Cornwall at its best…

Image credits: The Vine

The Vine by Knightor

Join the fun at The Vine, a restaurant and wine bar linked to Knightor Winery near St Austell. This exquisite establishment is open Wednesday–Saturday and offers guests not only sumptuous food and drink but also sea views over Gerrans Bay.

A dog-friendly venue, The Vine also has acres of space with lawn games for kids and kids-at-heart. There are plenty of lovely walks to enjoy before or after a delicious meal, and this year, the owners have introduced a Bottomless BBQ for just £40 per person.

Book in to avoid disappointment and if you don’t have a huge appetite, why not try wine tasting or just sample some local beers courtesy of Verdant, a brewery in Penryn? And if the weather isn't playing ball, there’s a beautiful barn to dine in.

The Standard Inn

This dog-friendly pub in Cornwall sits above Portscatho in the small village of Gerrans and there are complimentary dog treats and water bowls by the bar. Now that the pooch is sorted, let’s talk about what you’re going to love about the Standard Inn!

Established in 1793, this is a self-proclaimed ‘proper pub’. You can immediately see why. With flagstone floors and rugs dotted throughout, a roaring fire and a vibrant beer garden, this freehouse has everything you could want from a traditional inn, no matter the season.

Cosy up by the fire with a real ale in the winter or treat yourself to a frozen cocktail and something from the wood-fired BBQ in the summer. Booking is advisable (you can book up to 60 days in advance) or you can use the garden if you’re a walk-in.

Plume of Feathers

Another local pub established in the mid-18th century, the Plume of Feathers is now one of the three oldest buildings in the village and proudly sits at its centre. This tavern’s history is intertwined with that of the village itself, with the last great pilchard catch in Gerrans Bay being credited to the landlord of the Plume in 1908. Today, the pub still serves the fresh daily catch on its wonderful menu.

It's a real gem of a pub on the Roseland Peninsula: warm, welcoming and full of character. If you’re on the beach or the South West Coast Path, you’ll only be a stone's throw from the pub, should you find yourself in need of a thirst-quenching pint or a plate of nourishing food.

The menu is excellent and there is a specials board of ever-changing delicacies to suit different tastes. Dogs are welcome and there’s a warming open fire to snuggle up by in colder months.

The Boathouse Restaurant

The Boathouse is just across the road from the Plume of Feathers so once you’ve visited one, it’d be rude not to visit the other. Located centrally in the square, the hill down to the sea gives beautiful views of the Cornish waters, making this another great spot to visit if you’ve spent a day on any of the great beaches in the area.

The proprietors of the Boathouse like to put an emphasis on food and within that emphasis, they highlight the importance of using local suppliers throughout their menu. From their fish, meat and eggs all the way down to their bread, ice cream and tea bags, they source their produce locally, without ever sacrificing quality or flavour.

Muddy or sandy paws are also welcome at this dog-friendly restaurant and there’s inside and outside space for you to choose from, just in case the weather is being a bit … well … British.

Driftwood

Led by an award-winning chef, Driftwood has a right to argue that they are one of the best restaurants in Cornwall. With a menu loaded with locally sourced produce – contributing to dishes that change to reflect the seasons – and a well-stocked and curated wine cellar, if you dine here, you can experience some of the best food and drink in Cornwall.

Understandably, booking is required at such a sought-after restaurant but once you’ve got your table, you’ll be in for a real treat. Will you indulge your devilish side and share an afternoon tea with a loved one? Or simply choose a beautifully crafted main course paired exquisitely with a fine wine?

As the menu changes with the seasons, so too do your seating options. Head out to the decked terrace and watch over the sparkling waters of Gerrans Bay for pre or post-dinner drinks. Alternatively, move into the lounge area during colder months and set up shop by the crackling open fire. The choice is yours.

Image credits: Hidden Hut and Danny North (left) and Hidden Hut and Sally Mitchell (right)

Hidden Hut

Hidden Hut is a special place, and that’s not just because Rick Stein, Jay Raynor and Ben Fogle all gave glowing reviews of this unique foodie destination; it’s because you are unlikely to find a culinary experience like this in all of Cornwall. It’s hard to know what to compliment first: the stunning scenery or the mouth-watering food.

Positioned high above Porthcurnick Beach not far from Portscatho, the Hidden Hut offers diners an open-air experience where they can eat seasonal snacks and hearty lunches served straight from the outdoor beach kitchen. Choose from warming dahls and chowders in the autumn and salads and grilled seafood in the summer.

The evenings are the domain of the Feast Night, a ticketed event where tables and chairs are set up along the beach and guests await their wood-fired fare. There is no menu, but rather a calendar with one dish cooked per night. Bring your own plate and prepare for an unforgettable eating adventure.

Tide & Thyme

Just down the hill from the Boathouse and the Plume of Feathers, Tide & Thyme overlooks Portscatho Beach and the arching bay. Previously known as Tatams, this former public toilet block was exceptionally renovated to become what it is today: a renowned coffee bar and cafe by day and a classy cocktail bar by night.

Heralded by locals and extremely convenient for holidaymakers, the outdoor sea bar allows you to perch and watch the tide come in as you wait for a speciality hot chocolate or a stonebaked pizza. It’s often commented how lovely the staff are so it won’t feel like you’re waiting long.

There’s a takeaway menu too if you fancy snuggling up at your holiday cottage on chillier evenings but we recommend staying for the rustic and industrial decor, the fantastic views and the tasty cocktails.

Shopping in Portscatho 

As you’re walking the streets of Portscatho, you will notice a handful of elegant art galleries selling pieces created by talented local artists. The New Gallery is the hub of the Portscatho Art Society, which was started in 1985 by Chris Insoll. Browse the showroom and if you’re lucky, you might get to meet an artist as they descend from the studio upstairs.

Wander down to the quay to find Spindrift Gallery, another great pit stop if you want to peruse local art. The curator, Cynthia Greenslade, includes a lot of her own work too, including watercolours, prints, jewellery and pottery. 

If you’re in need of a memento to take home to remind you of your time in Portscatho, look no further than The Sea Garden, a quaint little shop selling unique antiques and hand-crafted keepsakes. Designer-maker Christine Nullmeyers offers all manner of gifts and items suitable for your own home, including vintage textiles, cushions, ceramics, jewellery and handbags.

If all this talent on show starts to get your creative juices flowing, why not show off your flair with a home-cooked meal in your self-catering cottage? Curgurrell Farm Shop has everything you need to craft delicious dishes for your loved ones and friends, including meat, fish, vegetables, breads, cheeses, wines and beers. The farm shop even has four of its own inshore fishing boats so if seafood is what you yearn for, head here.

After this, you might need something to satisfy your sweet tooth. Luckily, Scatho’s has got you covered with delicious ice cream flavours such as white chocolate, pomegranate and pistachio, citrus fruits, cinnamon and Sichuan pepper, alongside more recognisable offerings such as vanilla, rum ‘n’ raisin, and mint choc chip. They even serve St. Pawes doggie gelato for your four-legged friend.

Lastly, if you run out of milk or need some bread for that breakfast sandwich, Portscatho Stores is a convenient local shop where you can pick up those daily essentials.

Self-catering cottages in Portscatho

The best way to discover Cornwall is to visit its charming and picturesque villages. Portscatho certainly falls into that category, with the coastal gem still feeling like it hasn’t been overrun by tourists yet.

Be an early bird and discover Portscatho for yourself by staying in one of our wonderful self-catering cottages in or near the village. Browse the full selection by clicking the button below.

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