North Cornwall

Chapel Porth surf guide

St Agnes, Cornwall

Chapel Porth is a small National Trust cove beneath the Wheal Coates mining landscape. The beach expands dramatically at low water and nearly disappears at high water.

Photo by Dave Barnwell

Break: Beach break in a narrow cove
Exposure: Exposed north-west coast
Can suit: Experienced surfers when there is size; supervised use on smaller days

How the beach surfs

The cove is exposed to Atlantic swell and can produce fast beach-break waves over mobile sand. Its compact size concentrates water movement, surfers and rocks more than the broad beaches nearby.

Access and orientation

The valley road ends at a small car park close to the beach. Space is limited, mobile reception can be poor, and the cliffs leave few alternatives when the tide covers the sand.

Check before entering

The beach disappearing at high water
Strong rips in a confined cove
Cliffs, caves and exposed rocks

Nearest wave buoys

Offshore and inshore measurements near this beach. Distance is straight-line, not a prediction of breaking wave height.

View all wave buoys

Nearest webcams

Camera links open the provider's site in a new tab. Some services require paid access.

View all webcams

Five-day surf report

A calibrated report for this beach is planned. For now, use the measured buoy readings and cameras above, then inspect the beach on arrival.

Sources and review

Guide reviewed 23 August 2026. Official information can change at short notice.

National Trust Chapel Porth visitor information, opens in a new tab