Hidden UK beach with bright blue water where seals splash in the waves
- UK Hidden Gems
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
On the far edge of West Cornwall sits a stretch of coastline that feels almost frozen in time.
It’s the sort of place that seems right there in front of you, yet most people miss it unless they know exactly where to look.
The walk to get there is part of what makes it special: a path that winds through leafy woodland, where sunlight breaks through the branches before you finally spot the bright blue water below.
This hidden corner is Porthchapel Beach, a quiet little cove found between Porthcurno and Porthgwarra, close to the famous Minack Theatre.
With soft golden sand, tall granite cliffs and shimmering turquoise water, it offers a calm escape from Cornwall’s busier beaches.
Its peaceful feel does come with a challenge though. The path down is steep and narrow in places, so it isn’t ideal for anyone who struggles with walking. But for many people, the tricky climb is part of the adventure.
One reviewer on TripAdvisor called it a “beautiful, peaceful and sheltered beach, well worth the effort of getting there.”
There are no facilities, lifeguards or cafés here, so visitors need to bring everything with them, from drinks and snacks to towels and sun cream. The beach is natural and untouched, which is all part of its charm.
For those who come prepared, the reward is a beach that often feels like your own private hideaway, especially outside the busy summer season.
The clear, calm water is perfect for swimming, and the rocks and small caves around the edges are ideal for exploring.
Another visitor said it felt “like stepping back in time to the Cornwall of old – quiet, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful.”
Porthchapel is a favourite stop for walkers on the South West Coast Path too. The trail runs just above the beach, giving amazing views across to Logan Rock and out over the open sea.
In spring and early summer, the cliffs burst into colour as wildflowers bloom, covering the headland in bright pinks and purples that make the views even more magical.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
Download the official APP!
Gain access to over 1,600 hidden gems and their co-ordinates all over the UK when you download our app. Add gems to your bucket-list and tick them off as you go along, as well as earn rewards/badges when you visit a certain amount.
Users will also have acess to over 9,000 parking spots across the UK as well as over 1,600 staycations in the UK.
