Porthleven
Visiting this thriving West Cornish community at any time of year is a joy.
One of the UK’s most southerly working ports, it is not hard to see why. First, there are the amazing sea views looking across Mounts Bay. The village is within easy reach of the most stunning beaches. Kynance Cove, Kennack Sands, Marazion, St Ives, Gwithian, to name but a few. Also, many National Trust properties and sub tropical gardens.
The village is justly proud of its fishing, mining, farming, boat building and smuggling heritage .Catering for the needs of its visitors is an essential part of its tradition.
The village is a favourite spot for artists. During the dramatic winter storms photographers capture the sight of the enormous Atlantic breakers pounding the shores and crashing over the tall clock tower. The soft, gentle, deep blue waves of summer make a startling contrast.
Clustered around the harbour is an array of gift shops, arts and crafts galleries, fine dining restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes and budgets. Freshly landed fish and crab is sold in most of the restaurants. Be sure you have your daily ration of West Cornish pasties... not to mention a regular intake of cream teas and delicious locally made ice cream. The local ales and ciders are well worth sampling, too.
Visit ancient Penrose Woods and Loe Pool, an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty , where King Arthur was reputedly taken on his death bed, to cast his sword, Excalibur before being taken out to sea by a mysterious barge The village has three pubs, The Ship Inn, built in the early 1800’s is said to be haunted by two ghosts and is believed to be built over a smugglers‘ tunnel.
A working harbour, there is always something of interest to see. Life is never dull in Porthleven!
