A picturesque village met by a beautiful sweep of golden sand, Trevone Bay (also known as Porthmissen) in North Cornwall is one of the county’s finest oceanside idylls. Home to one of the area’s famed seven bays and a divine destination for seaside sojourns, it resides close to the harbour town of Padstow and is beloved for its award-winning shores.
With plenty to see and do on and offshore, those seeking both leisurely escapism and adventure-filled pursuits can find sanctuary at Trevone Bay. Within the village, a collection of white-washed cottages nestles into the cliffs, accompanied by a café, shop and amenities. The South West Coast splinters off from either side of the bay, and atop the cliffs a world of natural wonders can be admired, from the bay’s famous ‘Round Hole’ above the beach to sightings of dolphins out to sea. Admire sweeping panoramas across to Harlyn Bay in one direction and Hawker’s Cove and the Camel Estuary in the other, before heading back down to the shoreline and relaxing on the beach to a lullaby of lapping waves.
To savour the most dream-worthy visit, uncover our curated guide to Trevone Bay.
Trevone Beach
The heavenly Trevone Bay is home to one of the most stunning beaches in Cornwall. Bestowed with Blue Flag Award status and the Seaside Award, it enjoys beautiful conditions that make it a pleasure for year-round retreats. A particularly picturesque feature, the beach is blanketed by a gently shelving shoreline covered in honey-hued sand that gradually runs down to meet the sea. Often sheltered from the elements by the encompassing cliffs and with a steady beach gradient, the bay lends itself perfectly to sea bathing, swimming and paddleboarding on calm days.
At low tide, bathers can make the most of the beach’s semi-manmade tidal pool, known locally as “Tinker Bunny’s Bathing Pool”, etched into the rocks that pepper the beach. Meanwhile, when the wind picks up, Trevone Beach is also a sought-after destination amongst barrel chasers. Pick up your board and head to the water’s edge or find a spot to recline on the beach with a flask in hand, looking out for the surfers cutting white-water trails along the face of glassy breakers.
Facilities
For easy access to Trevone, there are two separate car parks just above the beach, as well as a handful of additional car parking spaces. A sublime spot to wander, this quiet village is home to a beach café, farm shop and surf shop, and also has comfort facilities.
Lifeguards
Throughout the summer months and into the shoulder seasons, Trevone Beach’s sheltered aspect and gently sloping shore often make it inviting for swimming and surfing. That said, it’s always important to be aware of the tide times and conditions before you get into the water. Adding an extra layer of safety in summer, seasonal lifeguards are on duty from mid-May to the end of September each year, between the hours of 10am and 6pm. Look out for their red and yellow flags on the beach to show safe swimming spots and keep up to date with RNLI updates for Trevone here.
Dogs
A luxury retreat with your canine companion promises spellbinding moments for all. If you are seeking coastal escapism with your dog, Trevone Bay operates a seasonal dog ban between mid-May and the end of September. However, this only prevents beach access during the warmest periods of the day, and dogs are welcome to enjoy playtime on the shore before 10am and after 6pm each day.
The Round Hole
The Round Hole is one of the most intriguing features of the North Cornish coastline and one of the reasons Trevone Bay SSSI has been recognised for its great geological significance. A giant, collapsed sea cave, it features a large, round hole in the top of the cliffs overlooking Trevone Beach which descends into an impressive eighty-foot drop. Especially dramatic in winter, the hole connects to the sea at the bottom and, when the sea picks up a heavy swell, transforms into an enormous blow hole that sends saltwater cascading into the sky.
South West Coast Path
Trevone Bay is perfectly placed for walking adventures. Tucked between the cliffs of the county’s north coast, it beckons for leisurely ambles and day hikes alike along its myriad trails. Particularly enticing, the South West Coast Path runs either side of Trevone Bay, heading south to Harlyn Bay and north to Harbour Cove and Padstow. For an easy-going route, trace the mile to Harlyn Bay on foot, or for something more challenging, walk the seven miles to Padstow in the other direction. Along the way to Padstow, admire the views from Stepper Point, before stopping for replenishments at the outdoor Rest a While Tea Garden above Hawker’s Cove.
Trevone Beach Café
Fuelling agenda-free days by the sea, the family-run Trevone Beach Café resides within the village and has been welcoming visitors for over thirty years. Open every day, it serves filling repasts from breakfast until dinner, as well as takeaway bites and refreshments. Adjoining the café are also a shop and surf hire facilities, ideal for topping up on beach essentials. Take a seat inside the café or outside on the palm and agapanthus-framed deck, or gather a beach blanket and some treats-to-go and savour alfresco moments by ocean tides. The menu comprises delicious local produce wherever possible, from sweet ice creams to street food-style wraps to wood-fired seafood pizzas. Making it even more magical, evenings here are often served alongside live music performances against the backdrop of the dusky-skied Atlantic.
Padstow
The stunning waterside town of Padstow is adored for its glittering harbour, world-class eateries and array of independent shops and boutiques. Located on the banks of the River Camel and overlooking its neighbouring town of Rock, it takes pride of place in one of the most exquisite settings in Cornwall. One of the best places to visit for a day trip from Trevone, Padstow promises a huge variety of things to see and do. For lovers of fine cuisine, it is especially tempting for its collection of fine-dining restaurants, beginning with the opening of Rick Stein’s first seafood restaurant in 1975 and cemented by Paul Ainsworth at No.6 which was awarded its first Michelin Star in 2013. Wander around the harbour, peruse the artisan shops, and reward yourself with a culinary sensation in one of its many prestigious establishments.
Feeling inspired for Boutique beach days? Take a look at our luxury cottages near Trevone Bay.
