Pictures of Portreath

About Portreath

The blossoming of Portreath began when Francis Basset, a member of one of Cornwall's wealthiest families, built a pier in 1786 to serve the local tin and copper mines. This turned what was previously a small hamlet into a thriving community with a busy harbour. Ships laden with ore sailed to the Welsh coast returning with coal to fuel the engine-houses of the mines whose pumps fought a constant battle against flooding. Historically, coasters visited the harbour from this time until the trade ceased in the 1960's. At this point the village reverted once again, it now makes a delightful tourist destination for holidaymakers.

Portreath lies on Cornwall's magnificent North-western coast, it occupies a picture-postcard valley setting of woods, streams and fine rural meadow-land, with its crowning glory being the beach lying beneath rugged cliffs topped with springy turf and heathers.

The hill rising above the cliffs shows an interesting mix of old stone properties lining the zig-zag paths. Some of these belonged to former mine workers and some to fisher-folk. There are a few newer buildings, but as nearly all are attractively colour-washed there is a strong sense of unity, despite differing architectural styles.

The resort offers visitors a multiple of choice of things to do; there are lovely coastal walks taking in the breathtaking panorama of the bay, a sandy beach for sunbathing, and for the more energetic there is good surfing and other sea-sports including wind-surfing and fishing.

For visitors wishing to discover the rich industrial heritage of the region there are plenty of old mine relics to be discovered in the area as well as mining museums in restored mines.

Portreath has a lovely pastoral hinterland where you can wander at will amongst woods or down leafy lanes to find an abundance of rare plants, fragile wild flowers, and a healthy range of wildlife habitats.

The resort offers excellent shops, inns, restaurants, cafe's, guest houses and hotel's, friendly bed and breakfast establishments, caravan and camping facilities, and picturesque holiday cottages. All in all, in this gorgeous little coastal resort you can enjoy a romantic weekend sailing, surfing or just lazing, but why not choose to visit for a family holiday so that you can enjoy to the full all this lovely place has to offer.