Hidden gem UK beach with turquoise water where you can swim with seals
It's a quiet cove with crystal-clear water, and it's often said to feel like stepping back in time - but this serene stretch of coastline isn't easy to reach, and may not be for everyone
On the far reaches of West Cornwall lies a stretch of coastline that appears frozen in time. It's the sort of place that remains concealed in plain sight - familiar to those who venture to discover it, yet missing from the typical tourist trail.
The journey there forms part of the adventure - a trek down through ancient woodland, where beams of sunlight pierce through the canopy before the initial view of azure waters reveals itself beneath.
That hidden gem is Porthchapel Beach, a tiny inlet nestled between Porthcurno and Porthgwarra, close to the renowned Minack Theatre. Boasting golden sands enclosed by towering granite cliffs and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it provides a more tranquil option to Cornwall's crowded coastal resorts.
The feeling of isolation comes with a cost, though - the route is challenging, tight in sections, and unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues. Yet for countless visitors, that challenge simply enhances its appeal.
On TripAdvisor, one reviewer called it a "beautiful, peaceful and sheltered beach, well worth the effort of getting there.", reports the Express.
The shoreline remains unspoilt and wild, offering no amenities or safety personnel. This requires careful preparation - everything from refreshments and drinks to seaside equipment must be transported down.
However, for those who come prepared, the prize is a section of coastline that feels almost exclusive, particularly beyond the busy summer period. Bathers are attracted to the tranquil, pristine waters, whilst rock pools and caverns around the cove's perimeter encourage youngsters to investigate.
One visitor said that it was "like stepping back in time to the Cornwall of old - quiet, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful."
Porthchapel also draws hikers following the South West Coast Path. The route runs directly above the shoreline, providing stunning vistas towards Logan Rock and across the Atlantic Ocean.
Throughout spring and early summer months, wild blooms carpet the clifftops, creating bursts of pink and purple against the landscape.
The inlet is renowned for its abundant wildlife, with regular glimpses of seals, dolphins, and coastal birds. As one reviewer said" "We sat on the sand watching gannets diving and could hardly believe such a place still exists in Cornwall."
Though isolated, Porthchapel maintains a devoted fanbase amongst visitors who make annual pilgrimages. Some celebrate the peaceful atmosphere, whilst others admire the spectacular sunsets that bathe the cliffs in golden and amber hues.
Multiple reviewers describe how the shoreline feels "like a secret escape," although many include a warning - the trek back uphill can prove demanding, especially following an extended day under the sun.