Things to do in Mawgan Porth

Rugged yet beautiful North Cornwall hides a whole host of secret beaches and tranquil coastal getaways – and Mawgan Porth is one of our top picks!

Surrounded by fantastic holiday attractions and must-visit destinations whilst maintaining a tranquil atmosphere, this quiet hamlet set along a private and secluded stretch of coast with lots of things to do in is just the place for a big family getaway or a romantic retreat with your partner.

Visit Newquay, Padstow, Trevose Head and the Bedruthan Steps before heading back to your holiday cottage in Mawgan Porth for relaxed evenings settled on the sofa or chilling out in the garden. 

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About

The beaches

Attractions

Accommodation

Food and drink

Newquay

The walks

About the village:

A few white houses scattered across the cliffs make up much of this seaside hamlet. With a couple of warm and welcoming pubs, a golf course, Japanese gardens and even mini-golf down by the seafront, there’s plenty of things to do in Mawgan Porth within walking distance for anyone staying in the heart of this pretty village.

Surfers and outdoor lovers are drawn here for the beautiful beaches, where wide flat sand meets crashing surf, and for the walking routes that take you along the top of sea-facing cliffs.

The beaches:

There are four exquisite beaches to be uncovered along this coastline: Mawgan Porth, Bedruthan Steps, Beacon Cove, and Watergate Bay.

Mawgan Porth’s main beach is wide, flat and sandy with small caves, a tiny waterfall, and rock pools where children can discover critters that have been washed up from the deep.

There’s a surf school so you and your family could learn a new skill during your break, as well as a car park, toilets and shops. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round ensuring you and your guests can enjoy a truly dog-friendly holiday to Mawgan Porth.

Bedruthan Steps, just next door, is a special place to visit with majestic rock stacks rising out of the sea – it’s also dog friendly and makes a unique spot for a dog walk. There is a wonderful history and legend associated with this visitor attraction, and a shop and tea room where you can stop for a bite to eat after a blustery beach or clifftop walk.

South of Mawgan Porth Beach sits the quiet, sandy, dog-friendly Beacon Cove which is ideal for a peaceful morning down by the sea, while just a few hundred metres further down the coast is the impressive Watergate Bay.

This is the busiest of the four beaches and less than 3 miles from Newquay. Those 2 miles of sandy beach draw families and surfers, and on occasion host special events. Sand chairs are available for hire, there are two beachside car parks and it has lifeguard cover over the summer. Pop into one of the cafes or restaurants nearby and ensure you bring the dog along for another pet-friendly day out at a beach that welcomes canine companions.

The attractions:

There are so many things to do near Mawgan Porth and families will be pleased to know that the Camel Creek Adventure Park is just 7 miles from the village and has plenty of fun activities and rides for children including the Clown Coaster and Creeky’s Water Rush.

If you want your kids to really get to know the countryside, a visit to Dairyland Farm World, 8 miles away, is a must. There’s a petting area, lakes and nature trails, a maize maze, mini tractors, a hayride and an indoor play centre too.

In the nearby popular seaside town of Newquay, you’ll find Newquay Zoo - with everything from fierce lions to playful seals - and Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay where you can watch colourful fish swim past and see dwarf caiman crocodiles and loggerhead turtles.

The accommodation:

Quaint and characterful holiday homes can be found throughout this area, with plenty of cottages in Newquay and set along the Trevose Head Heritage Coast; you’ll soon find the perfect holiday escape near Mawgan Porth.

Beautiful Trevarrian Ocean View is a luxury, five-star cottage you could take a look at, welcoming two dogs and with views of the sea, while Fourteen Mawgan Porth is another top holiday option with access to a tennis court and a swimming pool!

Start browsing through our collection of holiday cottages in Mawgan Porth and find your ideal escape today.

Stay in Mawgan Porth

The food and drink:

The coastal location means you won’t be short of fresh seafood to taste during your time here. Stylish restaurants and eateries offer a wealth of delicious dishes for you to try: Catch Seafood Bar & Grill, The Kitchen by The Beach and Blue Fish Bar are just a few of the great places to eat around Mawgan Porth that offer views of the sea and elegant interiors for a great atmosphere while you dine.

If you are searching for that warm and relaxed feeling that can only be found in a pub, make a visit to The Travellers Rest, a cosy 17th-century pub, for stone walls, original beams, and hearty food.

Newquay:

As this surfer haven is just 5 miles away, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone staying in Mawgan Porth.

Head to Newquay for eclectic cafes, independent shops and, of course, more epic beaches where you can try surfing, swimming or sailing. Discover Newquay’s bustling seaside culture and soak up the atmosphere while you walk the seafront, visit the attractions or sink your feet into the soft sand.

Stay in Newquay

The walks:

Roam the rural trails or strike out along the coast on a Mawgan Porth walk and take in as much of this beautiful North Cornwall landscape as you can during your stay.

Seavista to Bedruthan Steps offers dramatic clifftop views and is a great way to see those epic Bedruthan stacks, while Seavista to Watergate Bay, heading in the opposite direction will lead you past the beautiful, secluded Beacon Cove.

For a quiet roam into countryside, take the Mawgan Porth to St Mawgan circular walk that will lead you past fir trees and through the St Mawgan Valley.

Thinking of a holiday to the wilds of beautiful North Cornwall? Start browsing our cottages in Mawgan Porth and find your ideal holiday retreat for a break to the South West coastline.

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