Porthchapel Beach
Porthchapel Beach
| |
|---|---|
 Porthchapel from Pedn-men-an-Mere | |
Interactive map of Porthchapel Beach | |
| Coordinates: 50°02′22″N 5°39′30″W / 50.03940°N 5.65829°W | |
| Location | Cornwall |
Porthchapel Beach (Cornish: Porth Selevan, meaning Selevan's cove)[1] is a secluded beach located on the south coast of the Penwith Peninsula in Cornwall, England. Situated near the village of St Levan, it is renowned for its white shell-sand, turquoise waters, and rugged granite cliffs with the The Independent naming it as the sixth most beautiful beach in Cornwall in 2025.[2]
Geography
The beach is tucked between the more famous Porthcurno to the east and Porthgwarra to the west.[3] Part of the Penwith Heritage Coast, the beach is surrounded by granite cliffs and is much quiter than the surrounding beaches due to its limited accessibility.[4]
The beach's fauna includes grey seals, dolphins, and various seabirds such as fulmars and shags.[5]
History
St Levan’s Holy Well is located above the beach and is still used for baptisms in the parish church. A site which is believed to be the site of a small medieval chapel. The excavation of granite stone steps in 1931 by Reverend H T Valentine and Dr Vernon Favell have dated it back to at least the eight century which wouild make it the oldest Christian chapel in Cornwall.[6][7] It is also the chapel that the beach is named after.[8]
Annual pilgrimages are made to the beach.[5] The beach is also popular for surfers, however there is no lifeguard cover.[9]
Folklore
A large rock nearby, known as the St Levan Stone, is said to be split in two; legend dictates that when a pack horse can pass through the crack, the world will end.[6][10]
References
- ↑ "Porth Chapel". Map. 27 August 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2026.
- ↑ Wilson, Natalie (6 February 2025). "19 of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall to visit this summer". The Independent. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- ↑ Gomes, Maria Leticia (21 August 2025). "'Perfect' beach 'like stepping back into old Cornwall' as dolphins play in the waves". Cornwall Live. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- ↑ "Porthchapel Beach". Cornwall One. 10 October 2022. Archived from the original on 19 May 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- 1 2 Garrett, Lee; Gomes, Maria Leticia (21 August 2025). "The hidden gem secret UK beach with azure water and seals". Leicestershire Live. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- 1 2 "About St.Levan Church". www.stlevanchurch.org.uk. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ "Porthchapel Beach". www.visitcornwall.com. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- ↑ Taylor, Christine (15 September 2016). "Discover Porth Chapel Beach in West Cornwall". Ednovean Farm. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ "Porthchapel - surfing". UK Beach Guide. Retrieved 7 April 2026.
- ↑ "St Levan's Stone". iwalkcornwall.co.uk. Retrieved 6 April 2026.
External links
