Pictures of Porthleven

About Porthleven

Porthleven lies cradled within Mounts Bay on Cornwall's south-west coast. It is Cornwall's most southerly working port, renowned for its spectacular setting and for the panoramic views of the wide sweep of Mounts Bay. The distant hinterland view is of a gently rising hillside covered in pretty buildings backed by a landscape of rolling countryside dotted with a few scattered farms.

Porthleven has two picturesque harbours - the inner harbour is lined with dazzling white cottages, with the walls of the outer harbour giving shelter from the often tumultuous seas. Summertime sees a constant flow of fishing and sailing vessel's vying for position at the harbour-side.

The resort is full of attractive features, it has been the haunt of artist's for many decades, some arrive and are so enchanted with the place that they decide to stay on - thus visitors are able to buy their "new" work in local galleries and craft shops.

This is a very friendly village which holds fast to traditional Cornish customs, the Ship Inn is the place to go to join the locals and listen to old Cornish yarns and tales of smuggling. There are a few good shops, plenty of leisure facilities including tennis, football and cricket, sea fishing trips can be arranged and of course there are splendid golden beaches to relax on. The Cornish Coastal Path runs right through Porthleven giving plenty of opportunity to sample lovely walks with fine sea and coastal views.

There are lots of places to visit in the region including old tin and copper mines, the Poldark mine can be found just a short distance from Helston. There is a nature reserve, Penrose Park with its large fresh water lake, and you will find several beautiful gardens to explore situated around the mouth of the Helford River.

Visitors will find tea-rooms, cafe's and restaurants, nearly all serve locally caught fish and seafood, and for those who wish spend time in the area there is an abundance of friendly accommodation ranging from hotels to bed and breakfast, and holiday cottages.

Porthleven hosts annual events, the most popular of these is Lifeboat Day which usually takes place at the end of July.