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Pretty Perranuthnoe sits on the south coast of Cornwall. Just a mile to the east of Marazion, with stunning views of St Michael’s Mount and within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. With its secluded sandy beach and views of the rugged Cornish coast, Perranuthnoe is a rather picturesque village.
By car is probably the easiest option. Take the A30, until you reach Newtown roundabout, Penzance, where you turn onto the first exit, the A394. Follow the signs for Perranuthnoe.
If you’re driving to West Cornwall in a plug-in electric vehicle, see our list of charging locations here.
By rail, take the train to Penzance Station via Exeter, then catch a bus (39A and 39M) from Penzance bus station. The journey only takes 18 minutes and runs quite frequently.
There’s a paid-for small car park not far from the beach, with an overflow field opposite for use during busy times.
You don’t need to leave Perranuthnoe in search of good food either, as there are three fantastic eateries right here and not far from the bay.
Pretty in pink, the Victoria Inn is just 300 metres from the beach and is one of the oldest inns in Cornwall. It also serves award-wining food, and local beverages.
The newly renovated Cabin sits right on top of the beach with stunning sea views and an equally tasty menu.
In the heart of the village is The Peppercorn Cafe serving Cornish roasted coffee and locally sourced dishes – be sure to check out its daily specials board too.
When the sun is shining you won’t want to leave Perranuthnoe beach, but you’re also well placed to explore west Cornwall and all it has to offer.
Kids love the large triangular art deco open-air Jubilee Pool at nearby Penzance. Just a 12-minute drive way, Penzance has largest sea water pool in the UK, boasting a main pool, learner pool and geothermal pool (which is heated from the end of August). Children can swim and paddle safely under the watchful eyes of the pool’s lifeguards.
Marazion is less than two miles away, and home to St Michael’s Mount, which appeals to all ages. There is something special about crossing to such a majestic island, either on foot or by boat. Families can follow in legendary giant’s steps at low tide, while ferries are available at high tide. Be warned, in rough seas, the ferries do not run.
For thrill-seekers, a 20 minute drive will take you to Flambards Theme Park in Helston. There’s an indoor soft play and sky-high rides, depending on children’s ages.
St Michael's Mount, National Trust
Less than a five minute drive, Marazion has plenty of watersports on offer. Ocean High offers lessons and coaching, plus paddleboard and kayak hire for those with higher adrenaline levels. Run by marine biologist, Lawrence Smith, they also run Eco SUP (stand up paddleboard) tours around the superb St Michael’s Mount and Mount’s Bay. They have qualified professional instructors for kitesurfing and paddleboarding. There’s also the Hoxton Special, which offers kite-surfing lessons, power kiting, and kiteboarding. They also offer SUP, Paddleboard and Kayak Hire as well as Yoga sessions.
Or, travel a little further to Gwithian Beach, which is 12 miles from Perranuthnoe. Highly regarded as one of the best places to surf in Cornwall, nestled in the heart of the Towans nature reserve. Global Boarders offers family, private and beginner surfing lessons.
It’s safe to say Perranuthnoe isn’t a shopping destination, however there’s always plenty to see and do. The Lynfield Craft Centre is a creative space which is a must during your trip to the village.
Andrew Giddens is an acclaimed Cornish seascape artist, whose open studio is situated in The Lynfield Craft Centre. His main medium is oils, using a range of techniques including glazing, impasto and direct painting.
The Cowhouse Gallery is also here, which is run by a group of local artists and craftspeople. Visitors will find a mix of sculptures, ceramics and photography alongside jewellery, textiles and leather work.
You’ll also find a mix of typical beach goods at The Cabin Cafe.
Beach lovers are spoilt with Perranuthnoe beach. Easily accessible via a slip way or some steep steps, at low tide it’s a sandy beach with some shingle, while at high tide the beach is mostly claimed by the sea. Clean with great water quality, when the conditions are right you’ll find plenty of surfers here. It’s lifeguarded during the summer months, and dogs are allowed on the beach (with some seasonal restrictions in place).
If you want to soak up the sand elsewhere, Praa Sands is less than four miles away. The beach is a mile long, with white, tropical-style sand is made from sparkly seashells that have been pulverised by waves over millions of years. It has the bonus of being sheltered, for it is backed by sand dunes.
Nearby Marazion has a little museum, situated in the old fire brigade’s headquarters, which will keep you dry during a shower. It has a quirky, eclectic mix of local history items and admission reflects its small size. It was also once the town’s gaol, so you can see an old cell and an exhibition dedicated to a battleship, HMS Warspite.
Half an hour away in Porthcurno is the amazing Museum of Global Communications, perfect on a rainy day to see how Cornwall got connected.
Chygurno Garden is 12 miles away and certainly worth a visit. Perched on the edge of the ocean, having been unoccupied for more than 20 years, the garden was little more than a cliff-edge jungle when its present owners reclaimed it. You’ll get a spectacular sea view from here, plus there’s a striking range of vibrant species which stand out against the rugged backdrop. The garden has been planted into a maze of steep pathways, steps and terraces that have been cleverly carved into the rocks.
You’re on the coast path in Perranuthnoe, so there are some wonderful walks to undertake.
A moderate four mile route will see you arrive at Prussia Cove, with a return route through the fields with views over to the famous St Michael’s Mount. From Perranuthnoe take the coat path past a number of small coves to Cudden Point where there are panoramic views over Mount’s Bay. The route continues along the coves of Prussia Cove before turning inland to return.
Alternatively head west as the walk to Marazion is just over two miles from Perranuthnoe. The circular route is around six miles and will see you utilise the coast path, the beach, through dunes, on pavements, lanes and footpaths. You’ll pass Boat Cove and Trenow Cove and enjoy stunning views across Mount’s Bay.
The beach at Perranuthnoe is known by locals as Perran Sands, which is somewhat confusing as there’s a beach of the same name at Perranporth on the north coast.
Perrauthnoe has a long-standing history, with both the Victoria Inn and Perranuthnoe Church dating back as far as the twelfth century. was first recorded in 1348 when transepts with pointed arches were added, but the earliest part is thought to date back to the twelfth or thirteenth century when it was probably a two-cell building with just a chancel and nave.
At one time there were many mines in the area. One of the most successful was Wheal Neptune, owned by Perranuthnoe’s Gundry family, who became so wealthy that they issued their own bank notes.
The climate is mild, but Cornwall is prone to rain. Like the rest of the county, the warmest months are July and August.
The village car park also houses the public toilets which are open all year.
With its secluded sandy beach, with views of the rugged Cornish coast, Perranuthnoe is a rather picturesque village.
Categories: Things to do, West Cornwall Guide
