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Discover Mawgan Porth holiday cottages

Discover Mawgan Porth

Lowena Merritt 30 April 2025

We’re at Mawgan Porth, a north coast gem where surfers dot the horizon, riding Atlantic swells that shine in the late afternoon sun. Families spread across pristine golden sands, children explore rockpools, while sun-worshippers simply sit back and watch the tides ebb and flow.

Surfers walking across the sand at Mawgan Porth Beach.

Nestled just along the coast from its bustling neighbour Watergate Bay, Mawgan Porth strikes a perfect balance between wild coastal energy and a laid-back ambience – perhaps due to its dramatic cliffs, which seem to wrap the beach in an embrace and provides shelter from the often higher north coast winds.


Come with us as we explore…


Beyond the waves

Mawgan Porth’s sands are so irresistible that you could easily spend a week combing the tidelines, sunbathing by the dunes and splashing about in the water. However, if you do want to explore further and head slightly off the beaten track, Mawgan Porth has plenty of hidden gems waiting just inland.

Just a few minutes away, discover The Wildwood outdoor spa offers an immersive hot and cold therapy experience in a woodland setting, thoughtfully designed in harmony with nature.

Woman in an outdoor bath overlooking countryside.

Inspired by the sauna traditions of Finland and Lithuania, this peaceful escape invites you to relax and rejuvenate in a huge Roundhouse sauna, hot tubs and cold plunge tubs.

Two wood-fired hot tubs with trees behind.

Take a stroll inland towards the village of St Mawgan. The woodland path leads you through a peaceful valley, past rolling marshlands home to Shetland ponies and soundtracked by birdsong. Come spring, wild garlic grows here in abundance, making a wonderful spot for foraging.

Woman walking along a country trail towards the sea.

Pause for refreshments at the aptly named Off the Path Café, tucked into the valley with friendly faces serving homemade cakes and hot drinks to be enjoyed overlooking the gorgeous valley views.

Off the Path cafe with a person sitting outside at a picnic table.

Once you reach the tiny village of St Mawgan, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into something out of a fairy tale. Visit The Japanese Garden, bursting with Japanese maples, mature azaleas and rhododendrons, grasses and a bamboo grove.

A bridge over a stream with lots of Japanese garden-style planting all around.

Enjoy a tranquil moment alongside the blossoms with the sound of trickling water calming the senses. Browse the gift shop on the way out – the Bonsai lovers dream.

A stone buddha statue on decking with trees behind.

Afterwards, stop by the picture-perfect St Mawgan Tea Room for a traditional cream tea in the flower-filled courtyard or pick up some local goodies in the shop.

A photo of the front of St Mawgan Stores Tea Room.

If pub lunches are more your style, head to the Wisteria-clad Falcon Inn where a sheltered, grassy beer garden provides an idyllic setting for cold tipples and a hearty Cornish meal.

A photo of the front of Falcon Inn covered in wisteria.

Staying with kids in tow? If they’ve had their fix of the waves, keep them occupied at Mawgan Porth Crazy Golf and Pitch & Putt, a playful challenge for all ages.

People putting at Mawgan Porth Crazy Golf.


Food and drink

Mawgan Porth is small but has everything you need to satisfy all post-sea cravings. Catch Seafood Restaurant is a true standout, serving up fresh local catches with flair. 

The front of the restaurant in Mawgan Porth called The Catch.

Sip cocktails and tuck into fresh seafood on the sunny terrace shaded by palm trees and parasols - on a hot it’s a little slice of Spain right here in Cornwall. Try their Sri Lankan curry made with the daily catch.

A blue table surrounded by bench seating and hanging lights.

The Beach Box offers relaxed bites perfect for beach days, from toasties and nourishing smoothies to salads and more. Enjoy your meal perched on their rooftop terrace or head straight back to your spot on the sand.

The Merrymoor Inn is home to a spacious beer garden overlooking the beach. Sip a crisp pint or tuck into classic pub food, best enjoyed after a day hiking the coast path.

Orange sunset over the waves and sand at Mawgan Porth Beach.

Whether you’re drawn by surf, sand, delicious food, woodland walks or the wild spa, Mawgan Porth captures the essence of coastal Cornwall in a fresh and exciting way.

Stay at Mawgan Porth and choose from our range of self-catering retreats all seconds from the saltwater spray, in all different shapes and sizes…


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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

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Beach Retreats is a trading name of The Travel Chapter Limited | The Travel Chapter Limited is registered in England and Wales. | Registered office Travel Chapter House, Gammaton Road, Bideford, EX39 4DF. Company No. 02431506 | VAT reg: 143053210.