Perranporth

Perranporth is just six miles from Newquay but it has its own identity and a great surfing beach. The sands run for almost two miles to Ligger Point with interesting natural arches and stacks. The town is named after St Piran, the patron saint of Cornwall. It is believed he founded a church near Perranporth in the 7th century and his Oratory was buried beneath the sand dunes for centuries. It was finally excavated in the 20th century, reburied, and continues its ongoing battle against the encroaching sand dunes.

The dunes are known as Penhale Sands and are home to rare plants, butterflies and wildlife. Orienteering competitions take place in the extensive sand dunes which are also home to an army training camp and a golf course.

Those staying in Perranporth holiday rentals will find there are various shops, supermarkets and pubs along St Piran's Road, the main street. For walkers, the South West Coast Path provides challenging clifftop walks. Cligger Head Cliffs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Droskyn Castle is a local landmark, now converted into apartments. Other activities include kite surfing and a triathlon event in the autumn. Perranporth also hosts the Lowender Peran, a Celtic Festival each October.