Porthleven is a historic fishing port to the west of the Lizard Peninsula.
Porthleven has a vibrant local community as well as catering for visitors far and wide. There is an abundance of high quality cafes, restaurants and pubs which surround the harbour, making it a popular place for food tourism. Porthleven hosts the annual Porthleven Food Festival which attracts large crowds each year.
The harbour is the focal point of the town where most shops, cafes and restaurants are positioned. The pier stretching out into the sea is an iconic feature of Porthleven with the clock tower behind.
Porthleven is renowned for its world class surf, attracting surfers from all over the UK. Its reef to the north west of the harbour brings large swells in the winter. Due to the size and power of these waves combined with the shallow reef, this is for experienced surfers only.
As the town faces South West, during stormy conditions huge waves roll in from the Atlantic and the seafront and harbour take the full force of this, making it a great place for storm watching and one of the most photographed places in Cornwall for this.
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- Carpark (Charges apply)
- Public Toilets
- Cafés (Open all year)
- Shops
- Restaurants
- Hazard: Deep Water
- Lifeguards not available
- Dogs allowed (All year)
History of Porthleven
Porthleven is a picturesque fishing village located on the south coast of Cornwall. The village’s history dates back to the early 19th century when it was established as a harbour to support the local fishing industry.
In the mid-19th century, Porthleven became an important location for the export of local minerals, particularly copper and tin, which were shipped to destinations around the world. The village’s harbour was also used by local shipbuilders, who constructed vessels for the local fishing industry and for trade.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Porthleven’s fishing industry thrived, and the village became one of the most important fishing ports in Cornwall. The village’s fleet of fishing boats brought in catches of pilchards, herring, and other fish, which were sold at markets across the county.
Today, Porthleven is a popular holiday destination, with a range of attractions including its picturesque harbour, sandy beach, and clifftop walks. The village also boasts a lively food scene, with a variety of restaurants and cafes serving up locally caught seafood and other Cornish delicacies. The annual Porthleven Food Festival, held in the spring, attracts food lovers from across the country.
Travel / Parking information for Porthleven
Directions to Porthleven
To visit Porthleven, drive via the A394 from Helston, following signs directly into the village. For public transport users, buses run frequently from Helston and other nearby towns.
Parking for Porthleven
Parking in Porthleven is available at several public car parks near the harbour and village center, including the Kittos Field car park and the Harbour car park. These pay-and-display car parks often fill up quickly during the summer months so it's wise to arrive early to secure a parking space.
Watch an aerial video of Porthleven, Cornwall
The aerial video of Porthleven beautifully captures the essence of this Cornish fishing village, highlighting its historic harbour, sweeping coastal views, and the dramatic meeting of land and sea.