Mawgan Porth Things to See and Do
If you love energising coastal walks, days on the beach and the opportunity for lots of aquatic adventures, Mawgan Porth is the perfect place for your Cornish getaway. It also makes a good base for exploring the north coast of Cornwall, set between lively Newquay and bustling Padstow. Inland, there are charming little villages, visitor attractions and a lot of welcoming gastropubs.
Mawgan Porth beach
The beach here is simply breathtaking. Its golden sands are backed by verdant cliffs, creating a large sheltered area that is just as lovely for a wintry dog walk as it is for a summer swim. There is good surf here, although it is definitely a spot for the experts: rookie surfers can head for the schools at nearby Newquay or Watergate Bay.
The excellent facilities make Mawgan Porth a popular spot among families. There is parking, loos and lifeguard cover in the summer, as well as level access to the beach. If you get peckish, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat.
Walks around Mawgan Porth
The north coast of Cornwall is perfect walking country. This stretch of the famous South West Coast Path gives you sweeping views over the Celtic Sea, and takes you through lots of lovely coves and beaches. One of our favourite coastal walks is between Mawgan Porth and Watergate Bay: simply head south for about four miles. Alternatively, strike out northwards to dramatic Bedruthan Steps. There are good bus services in the area, so you can usually get a lift back after your hike.
Inland, it’s less than two miles to the village of St Mawgan with its charming old church and Japanese Garden. The countryside around here is lush and verdant, with woodlands and pretty pathways.
Nearby towns and villages
Mawgan Porth and St Mawgan are perfectly situated for a holiday exploring North Cornwall. Padstow is less than ten miles away from Mawgan Porth: come here for Prideaux Place, the National Lobster Hatchery and of course, exceptional seafood restaurants. You can also catch the boat across to Rock, where you’ll find more lovely places to eat.
Newquay is a short drive in the other direction, and is a great place for a day out with the family. There is Newquay Zoo and Blue Reef Aquarium, along with a choice of family-friendly beaches and watersports. Surfers simply have to make a pilgrimage to Fistral Bay, the spiritual home of British surfing.
Keep heading south from Newquay to explore Perranporth and St Agnes or try the coast on the other side of Padstow, which includes famous destinations like Port Isaac, Tintagel and Boscastle. The north coast really does have a rich variety of places to visit.
Visitor attractions in the area
From crazy golf to castles, there’s a lot to do in the Mawgan Porth area. Locally, the Japanese Garden in St Mawgan is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing afternoon, or for something more high-octane, take the family to the go-karts at St Eval.
Book onto a sea safari from Padstow, looking out for dolphins, seals and sea birds or learn to surf and SUP at Watergate Bay. If you’ve a good head for heights, walk across the bridge to Tintagel Castle on its windswept headland.
