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Porth Joke

Beach

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Caves, Cliffs

Walking, Swimming, Photography, Wildlife Watching

Spring to Autumn

Photo: Steve Daniels via Geograph.org.uk

Porth Joke, also called Polly Joke, is a small sandy cove on the north coast of Cornwall, tucked between the West Pentire headland and Crantock, west of Newquay. It is National Trust land and almost entirely undeveloped, backed by dunes, with the sand broadening as the tide falls and no buildings or...

10

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

3

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

9 day, 1 overnight

Lewinnick Lodge​, Fern Pit Café​, Sushea​

Blue Room Hostel, Tolcarne Beach Cabins, The Annexe at Tenniside

Nearest Hidden Gem 1

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Porth Joke?
North Cornwall headlands protect this secluded inlet just down the coast from Newquay. Walkers usually discover the spot while exploring the coastal paths around West Pentire.

What type of place is Porth Joke?
Porth Joke is an uncommercialised sandy beach inside a deep cove in North Cornwall.

When is the best time to visit Porth Joke?
Spring through to autumn offers the most reliable weather for a proper beach day. Aiming for low tide ensures you get the widest expanse of sand to explore the caves.

What can you do at Porth Joke?
Splashing around in the shallow river provides great fun for children building dams. People also love swimming in the Atlantic waves and peering into the rock pools to find sea anemones.

How long should I spend at Porth Joke?
Spending half a day allows enough time to walk down the path, sunbathe, and explore the coastal inlets. Serious hikers often stay longer to watch for bobbing seals out in the bay.

Where do I park at Porth Joke?
Motorists can use ten nearby spaces, consisting of nine day spaces and one overnight spot. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Porth Joke?
Lewinnick Lodge, Fern Pit Café, and Sushea offer three dining choices in the surrounding area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Porth Joke?
Blue Room Hostel, Tolcarne Beach Cabins, and The Annexe at Tenniside provide three places to book a stay nearby. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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