Porthoustock

Porthoustock beach on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula is rarely frequented by people due to the lack of golden sand. Don’t let the characteristic grey pebbles put you off because it offers up many other unique and interesting features. The beach drops away steeply into the water and can swimmers can quickly find themselves out of their depth so caution should be taken. It is also a popular with divers due to the scattering of shipwrecks around The Manacles, a particularly treacherous group of rocks that extend about one nautical mile out to see. Many ships have fallen foul of the semi-submerged rocks over the years including HMS Primrose (1809), SS Mohegan (1898) and Spyridon Vagliano (1890). The beach is dominated by the large concrete stone mill, used to crush stone that was extracted from the nearby quarries since the late nineteenth century. Several small fishing boats still operate from this beach, mainly working with lobster and crab pots.

No lifeguards on duty.

Dog friendly.

Directions: Drive to St. Keverne and then follow directions to St. Keverne. Park next to the quay and walk down onto the beach.

Secret beach location: 50.055933,-5.064096