Portwrinkle Cottages

Self-catering holidays in Portwrinkle

Gloriously quiet and still very much unspoilt, Portwrinkle on Cornwall’s ‘forgotten’ south-east corner is a place to escape – a tranquil spot for a self-catering beach holiday.

It’s time to slow down a gear and shut off for a while. Portwrinkle on the western end of Whitsand Bay feels like stepping back in time – in a good way. The old 17th-century walls of the pilchard cellars and harbour can still be seen today, although now it enjoys a slower pace of life.

With two sand and shingle beaches on your doorstep – Finnygook and Hoodny Cove – how you choose to do nothing is up to you. For families with children, it’s all about sand-between-the-toes fun. Come armed with buckets and spades to build sandcastles, before waiting for the tide to drop for rock pooling in clear waters.

So clear in fact, the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Beach Guide awarded Portwrinkle excellent water quality in 2015, making swimming and snorkelling a must. Experienced surfers can get involved too when the surf’s up, taking advantage of the rock-bottomed break. If you like things even quieter, try the western beach adjacent to the quay and harbour, Hoodny Cove.

For days out, watch fishermen reel in their catch in the quintessential Cornish seaside towns of Polperro and Looe, or enjoy a round at the nearby 18-hole golf course overlooking the sea. The contrasting Mount Edgecumbe Estate and the 10-minute Cremyll Ferry to cosmopolitan Royal William Yard in Plymouth mean you can choose to step back into the ‘real’ world if you wish.

The details

Food and drink

The Bay Restaurant at Whitsand Bay Hotel has a wide menu for lunch, dinner and Sunday roast. Finnygook Inn is also well worth a visit, serving good pub food. The modern, vibrant (and much reviewed) family restaurant The View, overlooking Whitsand Bay, is a must for fresh seafood.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are welcome on Britain Cove and Finnygook all year round, while there are seasonal daytime restrictions during the peak summer months at Hoodny Cove.

Accessibility

There is a pay-and-display car park in Portwrinkle, with public WCs nearby. It’s about half a mile from the car park to East Portwrinkle Beach, with beautiful views across the bay. However, steep paths provide difficult access for wheelchairs.

Interested in alternative locations in Cornwall? Explore the serene beauty of the Rame Peninsula with our self-catering holiday cottages, perfect for a peaceful escape in South Cornwall.