Perranporth

Perranporth (Cornish: Porthpyran) is a village on the north coast of Cornwall, England, in the United Kingdom, 6 miles (9.7 km) south-west of the surfing resort of Newquay and 6 miles north-east of that at Porthtowan. The village has a fine links golf course and a civil airfield suitable for visitors arriving by private plane. Perranporth has a population of 3,066.

The village, and its large sandy beach, face the Atlantic, with hundreds of miles of uninterrupted fetch producing large waves, making it one of the most popular surfing destinations, along with neighbouring breaks at Newquay, Chapel Porth and Porthtowan. At low tide the sands extend up to Ligger Point, 2 miles (3 km) to the north.

History and toponymy

The village's name is Cornish for "Saint Piran's cove". Saint Piran is the patron saint of Cornwall and his white-on-black cross features on the county's flag.

It is believed that Saint Piran founded the church near to Perranporth (the "Lost Church") in the seventh century. Buried under sand for many centuries, it was unearthed early in the twentieth century, but again left to the mercy of the sands in the 1970s. Plans are now afoot to make it accessible once more.

During the 1999 solar eclipse, Perranporth was the one of the places in the country that was known to have a clear view of totality.

Tourism and culture

Perranporth hosts an inter-Celtic festival each October, Lowender Peran, drawing people in from all six of the Celtic nations.

Perranporth is a family holiday destination. There is a lifeguard service on the beach from May to September. The beach is generally safe for bathing but there are dangerous rip currents around Chapel Rock on a falling tide. The sand dunes (Penhale Sands) adjacent to the northern part of the beach are used for orienteering championships. There is also an army training camp and golf course here. The southern end of the beach is backed by dramatic cliffs, with natural arches and stacks, and tin-mining adits. This headland is called Droskyn Point, and on top of it is a youth hostel with views of the coast and a large sundial, situated beside the South West Coast Path.

Notable people

The well-known motor engineer and designer Donald Healey was born and died in Perranporth. The author Winston Graham lived in Perranporth for many years and his famous Poldark novels, which were televised, starring Robin Ellis and Angharad Rees as Ross and Demelza, are based on the history of the area and its local families. "Hendrawna Sands" in the novels is Perranporth beach.

Bob's Holiday Rating 9/10
Bob's Daytripper Rating 3/10 (too far for a day trip)