Porthoustock, a picturesque cove in Cornwall, boasts a stunning shingle beach surrounded by rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters. The beach consistently receives an Excellent water quality rating from the Environment Agency, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors. During the summer months, the water temperature at Porthoustock is typically around 17°C, perfect for swimming and water activities.
Hand-picked holiday cottages & coastal retreats near Porthoustock (Cornwall) & surrounds
Rural Retreats
From £396
With the best of both worlds, Skylark nestles within the Camel Valley, surrounded by woodland, rolling countryside, starry nights and magical wildlife; yet the idyllic beaches o...
Cornwall Hideaways
From £970
Escape to Heatherbank, a contemporary eco holiday home in the heart of St Agnes, where spectacular countryside and distant sea views provide the perfect backdrop for an unforget...
Cornwall Hideaways
From £600
Tucked away in a rural setting between Porthleven and Marazion, Deugh an Chy is a much-loved Cornish cottage that can comfortably accommodate seven guests. Embraced by open coun...
Cornwall Hideaways
From £397
Rosebud is a lovely, single-story holiday home located in the wonderful seaside village of Portreath which is next to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Cornwall Hideaways
From £425
Rosie's Cottage is just a brief walk from the renowned harbourside of Mousehole and its charming atmosphere. This delightful home offers both comfort and style, making it an ide...
Cornwall Hideaways
From £432
Perfectly located just a ten-minute stroll from the beautiful seaside village of Portreath, The Cube is a stylish and contemporary holiday home ideal for coastal getaways in Cor...
Cornwall Hideaways
From £539
Ideally located just a short walk from the popular seaside village of Portreath, you will find Rosevilla Farmhouse, the perfect holiday home for a family holiday or a getaway wi...
Rural Retreats
From £459
This romantic bolt-hole for two sits in the picturesque Cornish fishing village of Mousehole, 3 miles west of Penzance A short scenic bus ride that runs every 20 minutes to and ...
The shoreline consists primarily of shingle. Sediment type dictates underfoot comfort, wave energy absorption, and the water's clarity when currents stir up the seabed.
Water quality is classified as excellent, meeting the highest cleanliness standards. Bacterial counts (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) are consistently low, posing negligible health risks.
This bathing water is generally resilient and has a low risk of quality degradation after heavy summer storm events.
Tested weekly by the Environment Agency England for bacteria levels (E. coli & Intestinal Enterococci) between May and September.
Monitored as a coastal beach. Coastal beaches are subject to tidal flows and marine dilution, whereas inland lakes/rivers suffer from low water circulation, meaning bacteria can linger longer.
South West Water Limited is the regional utility responsible for waste water treatment, sewage infrastructure, and storm overflow management in this catchment area.
Officially designated as a protected bathing water site in 1988. This designation mandates regular public health monitoring.
Governed under local district sanitation and environmental safety regulations in the Cornwall area.