Chapel Porth
Chapel Porth is a popular beach all year round but is particularly busy in summer when the car park is often full. With its enormous beach at low tide and hillsides covered in colourful heather, the dog walkers, surfers and beach goers at Chapel Porth are a far cry from the valley’s mining past.
The remains of historic mine buildings up the valley from the beach - part of Wheal Charlotte - are a reminder of what was once a busy, industrial landscape. Today, the walk up the valley from the beach offers a peaceful, natural experience with occasional glimpses of St Agnes’s tin and copper mining past. The path is steep in places, rutted and narrow.
The coast paths from the Chapel Porth are very steep but if you can reach the beach at low tide then the iconic mine buildings of Wheal Coates can be seen on the clifftop.
Chapel Porth facilities, transport and parking:
There is a National Trust car park and during peak season there are National Trust staff members during the day.
The toilets at Chapel Porth are opened and managed by the National Trust when there are staff on site.
There is no public transport to Chapel Porth.
There is a privately run café at Chapel Porth. Opening information is available on Facebook.
There are seats at the cafe at Chapel Porth.
The National Trust has more visitor information about Chapel Porth available on their website (www.nationaltrust.org.uk).
There is an Access Able webpage for Chapel Porth with more access information (www.accessable.co.uk).
Chapel Porth distances:
Distance
Description and access considerations
Wheal Charlotte
Distance
100m
Description and access considerations
Some uneven surfaces and some short sections of steep gradients. Can be muddy after rain. No seating.
Public Toilets & Cafes
Distance
0m
Description and access considerations
Car park is compacted gravel. There is a wheelchair accessible toilet. There is seating at the café.
Beach
Distance
50-200m
Description and access considerations
Very difficult access to the beach across boulders. At times, in the summer this is managed and improved slightly by the National Trust for easier access, but conditions also depend on tides and weather conditions.
