Porthmellon Beach, Cornwall — Beach Guide & Water Quality

Nearest town / village: Isles of Scilly
Parking: Limited / none on site — check locally
Coordinates: 49.91650, -6.32000

About Porthmellon Beach

Porthmellon Beach is a sand beach on the Cornish coast, close to Isles of Scilly.

This is one of Cornwall's quieter, more natural spots with few or no facilities on site — bring what you need for the day, and take your litter home with you.

Dogs are welcome here all year round. Cornish beaches can have strong tides and fast-changing conditions, so check the tide times and any local safety signage before you head down, and take particular care if you plan to swim.

Porthmellon sits just north of Hugh Town harbour on St Mary's, a gently shelving sandy bay that catches the afternoon sun. It is the island's watersports beach — sailing dinghies and paddleboards launch from the sand, and the gig sheds nearby hint at Scilly's great sporting obsession. Being close to town, it pairs a swim with an easy stroll to cafés and the quay.

Getting there

Porthmellon Beach is reached from the coast near Isles of Scilly. Head for the village and follow the signs or the coast path down to the shore — many Cornish coves involve a short walk from the nearest parking.