Gryffindor is an ideal base for touring Cornwall.   Here are some of  the activities our guests have enjoyed:

Cliff top walks: much of the land surrounding Porthtowan is owned by the National Trust.  The South West Way Coastal Path passes through the village, and good walks are to Porthreath in the south and Chapel Porth and St Agnes to the north. Discover dramatic secret coves such as Sally’s Bottom too.

Emily said “We had a fabulous 2 mile walk along the cliff path with its spectacular coastal scenery to Chapel Porth, and at the excellent National Trust cafe in the cove we rewarded ourselves with delicious Hedgehog ice creams before returning to Gryffindor by the beach. Perfect!” (The famous ‘Hedgehog Ice cream’  is Cornish ice-cream with a dollop of clotted cream lazily rolled in hazelnuts.) 

Surfing – there are two surf schools in the village where you can rent wetsuits and various surf boards. Lessons are available at reasonable prices for all ages.  Boogie Boarding is also very popular.

Horse riding – there are several riding schools within easy reach of Porthtowan

Children’s play area – located between the property and the beach there is a lovely  play area with swings, slides and a climbing frame. Great for kids of all ages.

Swimming – this blue flag beach has lifeguards present throughout the season (1st May until the 30th September). The beach also boasts a tidal pool which featured in the television programme ‘Robson Green’s Wild Swimming Adventure’ and Kate Rew’s book ‘The Wild Swim#.

Cycle hire is available, and there are BMX facilities with jumps, trails and park obstacles nearby in Portreath .

Sam said “The 11 mile Coast-to-Coast trail runs along the old railway lines  from Porthreath to Devoranand through the World Heritage site of the Mineral Tramways and Carn Brea Castle. Its a spectacular, quiet and easy route, with spectacular views, good pubs en route and is recommended”.

Rock pooling – there are lots of rock pools accessible at low-tide for kids to explore.
Golf – there are several golf courses within a short drive of Porthtowan, including Perranporth, Killiow Golf, and Truro Golf Club. The Perranporth Golf Course has been featured in ‘UK top 100 course’ lists, and is situated on the cliff tops over-looking Perranporth beach.

Historic mines – The iconic Wheal Coates tin mine buildings are located on the coastal path to the north of the village within easy walking distance. Poldark Mine is a fun day out for the children.

St. Agnes is 3 miles away, and has many restaurants, shops and art galleries. There are many places to visit nearby including Padstow, the Eden Project,  the cathedral city of Truro, and St. Ives.

To BOOK, or for more information, please contact  William and Catherine Carr at info@cornishescapes.com telephone: 01491 642211