Things to do in Perranporth

Perranporth is a lively seaside town, set amidst the beautiful scenery of the North Cornwall coast. It’s got a laid-back surfer vibe, thanks to its huge swathe of golden sand, fabulous beach bar – The Watering Hole – and numerous other local shops, pubs and restaurants.

Things to do in Perranporth mainly revolve around the beach, but when you’re not sunning yourself on the sand, or availing yourself of the water sports on offer, there are many other Perranporth attractions worth a spot on your itinerary.

We’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Perranporth, with indoor attractions for rainy days and wonderful outdoor experiences for when the sun shines. You’ll find you’ll need more than one day in this lovely town, so why not have a browse of our Perranporth holiday cottages to inspire your next getaway?

Perranporth cottages

Perranporth Beach

The magnet for so many visitors to the area is glorious Perranporth Beach, which has more than enough room for everyone. Whether you want to frolic in the surf (see below), go for long, romantic sunset walks, or play with your energetic pup, there’s no end of space to enjoy on this golden sandy stretch.

When the tide’s right out, and if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk (or run!) the whole 2 miles to Ligger Point, north of Perranporth. The entire beach is dog friendly all year round, making it a top spot for a holiday with your four-legged friend. Between 10am and 5pm in July and August they must be kept on a lead on the main part of the beach, but beyond that, they can run free, chasing their tails, running after balls, and making friends with other playful pups.

A real asset to the beach is The Watering Hole – a bar and restaurant lauded for its live music and relaxed beach vibes. Many an event takes place here throughout the year, with some well-known performers gracing the stage.

Learn to surf in Perranporth

Perranporth town, with its bars, eateries and cool shops, is well set up for surfers, making it an ideal location to learn if you’re a newbie. There are a number of surf schools to choose from (see the information box below), and with expert help, you’ll soon be standing up and feeling the rush of wind on your face as you catch your first wave.

More experienced surfers can enjoy the waves here, too. Perranporth Beach picks up a good swell, and its size means it rarely feels crowed.

Chapel Rock tidal pool

While the sea offers more than enough of a playground for wild swimming aficionados, a delicious dip in Chapel Rock sea pool to the south end of the beach is unmissable in the summer. It’s lovely to splash around with the kids or visit early to enjoy a serene swim at dawn.

“Where is Chapel Rock Pool in Perranporth?”, we hear you ask. Well, the good news is that while it’s relatively hidden, it’s also easy to locate; it’s found at the side of the big rock in the middle of the beach.

Keep an eye on the tide, though, as the pool gets cut off from the beach, and is only accessible for swimming for a few hours either side of low tide.

Perranporth shops

There are a surprising number of interesting shops in Perranporth to peruse on a morning or afternoon amble to or from the beach! Pick up gifts and trinkets in Higgins or The Sea Chest, find ethically traded delights in Sama Sama, and discover colourful and alternative clothes, souvenirs and music at Noize.

Stock up on quality clothing from all your favourite brands at Cargoes, where you’ll also be able to browse their own range of clothing, in their bespoke designs, imported from Thailand, Bali and Indonesia.

If it’s sweet treats you’re after, Rebecca’s The Cornish Fudge Shop will furnish you with fudge, The Cornish Pantry with pasties and delicious baked goods, and Parade Stores with ice cream and milkshakes (among many other tempting things – both edible and non-edible!). Supplies to whip up a meal back at your Perranporth holiday cottage can be picked up at the Co-Op or Premier stores.

As you would expect from a Cornish surfing mecca, there are numerous surf shops in Perranporth, including Bathsheba Surf, Piran Surf and Coastal Surf.

Perranporth Golf Club

A round of golf on a crisp sunny morning could be just the ticket on your Perranporth holiday, and luckily you won’t have to travel far to Perranporth Golf Club, which occupies the dunes to the north east of the town.

The stunning natural links, par 72 championship golf course is a challenge for players, but rewards their efforts with fabulous views along the coastline and out over the Atlantic. There are open competitions throughout the year, bringing visitors and members together for some friendly, yet competitive fun.

Perranporth to St Agnes Walk

This fairly level South West Coast Path walk along the cliff tops from Perranporth will help blow the cobwebs away, stretch your legs, and work up an appetite for a pub lunch in St Agnes. What could be more motivating than that?

Starting from Droskyn Point, to the east of Perranporth, you’ll first appreciate the expansive views over the town’s long beach. Further along the coast, another point of interest is Cligga Quarry, a former mine where adits (passageways) are still visible in places.

Skirting past an airfield that was used in the war, you’ll spot old aircraft shelters if you keep an eye out. Next, a steep route down takes you into Trevellas Cove, followed by a steep climb up and onwards towards St Agnes, past the iconic chimneys of former engine houses.

Reen Manor Riding Stables

Horse riding enthusiasts shouldn’t miss an adventure with Reen Manor Riding Stables, who offer beach rides along Perranporth’s spectacular stretch of golden sand, as well as countryside and pub treks to suit all ages/levels of experience.

There are more than 20 horses at the stables, and the expert team will match you to your perfect equine partner, guaranteeing a memorable holiday experience.

Perranzabuloe Museum

Perranzabuloe Museum is the perfect indoor thing to do in Perranporth on a rainy day. Packed with interesting collections, it tells the story of life throughout history in the small villages and hamlets of Bolingey, Goonhavern, Rose, Reen, Callestick, Penwartha, Perrancoombe, Silverwell and Perranporth.

An engaging quiz sheet for younger visitors will have them eager to explore the museum. Learn about many different aspects of industry here, including farming, mining, fishing, the railway and surfing. Delve into the tales of shipwrecks and wartime happenings, and leave feeling a stronger connection to this special coastal place.

Black Flag Brewery

Independent brewery and taproom, Black Flag Brewery makes a range of beers using organic malt. On Friday nights and Saturdays, the taproom is open for beers and wood-fired pizzas, and with the beach less than 1 mile away, it’s the perfect place to end a sun-kissed day on the sand.

There’s seating inside and out, so you can make the most of the sunshine, sunset or stargazing! Other tipples are available if beer doesn’t float your boat; all in all, it’s a lovely spot to while away a few hours with friends.

Bring a little of the energy of Black Flag Brewery home with you, stocking up on mix-and-match cans, or growlers (flagons) of your favourite beer.

Tunes in the Dunes

We end this post with the most eagerly awaited event of Perranporth’s annual calendar: Tunes in the Dunes. A heady 3 days of live music on the sand of Perranporth’s glorious beach, against the backdrop of the waves and dunes, this is one of Cornwall’s most popular yearly festivals.

The 2025 line up includes dazzlingly big names such as Jess Glynne, Busted, Daniel Bedingfield and Vengaboys on the mainstage, with the second stage showcasing tribute bands and more unique acts.

Over the weekend, other bookable experiences add to the fun, such as yoga, meditation, surfing and wild swimming. Or for something more upbeat, book tickets for an afterparty at The Watering Hole!

Stay in a holiday cottage in Perranporth

If you’re looking for a destination where your holiday itinerary can be packed with coastal adventures, countryside romps, visits to fantastic attractions and a little bit of history sprinkled throughout, Perranporth is the place for you. Have a browse of our Perranporth cottages to find cosy family abodes, gorgeous couples’ hideaways, and fabulous group properties.

Perranporth cottages