Port Gaverne, UK Quick Travel Guide


Located along the northern edge of the Cornish Coast,  this hamlet of Port Gaverne may not be well know, but is a lovely stop on your travels. For those looking for coastal amenities without the crowds as well as the peaceful walks, this is a must visit. The town is approximately half a mile or less than 10 minutes walk to the west and is much smaller, though still merits a visit. Keep reading for more information on things to do in the area! 



How to Get Here

Once you are in Cornwall, you can easily drive or bike to many of the attractions. Port Gaverne is a short 7 minute walk from Port Isaac to the West or a 20 minutes drive from Tintagel, know for its  King Arthur lore, to the East. Below are a few ways to get to the small hamlet town from some of the major destinations in the U.K. There is parking near the Port Gaverne Hotel or a large car park up the road in Port Isaac.

Exeter Train Station
Car

Public Transportation
Book Bus Tickets ~€17.90, 2 hr 16 minutes

London Airport
Car


Public Transportation
Book Train Tickets ~£38, 6 hr 15 minutes

Bristol Airport
Car


Public Transportation
Train Tickets to St. Austell ~ £30.40, 6 hr

Things to Do


  • Hiking/Walking - Explore a section of the Cornish Coastal path. The small town leaves ample parking space to begin your journey. Be aware of high tides times to avoid taking a detour back to your car. To explore pre-selected routes visit www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk
Example of a walking route from www.iwalkcornwall.co.uk

  • Rock Pools and Caves 
    • See the coastal beauties without the crowds. While many will stop in the larger towns and often choose Port Isaac over Port Gaverne, there is something to be said about having fewer tourists. This means you will likely have better picture opportunities and more freedom to explore. 

    • Many cave extend under the roadways making the drive look rather precarious and makes for wonderful photo ops. 
  • Cornish Rock Tors - For those craving more adventure than a traditional hike, the Cornish Rock Tors offer a wide variety of sports and activities with something for almost anyone.
    • Coasteering: Enjoy swimming, climbing, hiking, and jumping with this high energy activity. Try ecosteering for a mix of adventure and education as you learn about marine life and the local environment. 
    • Wild Swimming: Choose from short, medium and long distance swim routes with a guide that will fit each swim to your desires.
    • Paddle boarding and kayaking: Join a guided tour or go in alone with an equipment rental. Port Gaverne offers calmer water to learn the ropes as well as getting magnificent views of the rugged coastline. 
    • Explore Tregildrans Quarry, a fresh water lake. Here you can paddle board, kayak, hike and climb. 

  • Sandy Beach - Enjoy the beautiful sandy beach at low tide. Be sure to check tidal tables ahead of time. 


  • Barrett's Zawn Beach - a small cove north along the coastal path. This is most easily visited by boat. For those true thrill seekers, it is said the beach can be reached by crawling through a small gap and a 250ft long tunnel. 
  • Fishing - head out for a day of sightseeing and sea fishing with local fisherman.

Places to Stay

Trip Advisor Port Gaverne Hotels



Port Gaverne Hotel 

  • £100/room, 2 Adults

This quaint 15 room inn will ensure your comfort and peace while offering antique furniture and feel of the 19th century inn.

Green Door Cottages 

  • £295-£1,995/week
  • Cottages vary in size sleeping 2-8 Adults
These self serve cottages are wonderful for those looking to have a peaceful vacation away from the crowds as well as cut dining costs by making use of the fully equipped kitchen. 

Carn Awn and Pops Place
  • £450-£1,000/month
  • Cottages vary in size sleeping 3-6 Adults
Overlook the port with a hilltop stay. Carn-awn is located on the South-West Coast Trail making this a great stay for those looking for a hiking base. 

The Pink Cottage
  • £730-£1,695/week
  • Features 5 bedrooms 
    • 2 double rooms
    • 2 single rooms
Located across the street from the Port Gaverne Hotel, this cottage is a wonderful rental for those looking for longer rentals times and traveling in groups. The Pink Cottage has access to restaurants, the coastal trail and is on the main road.

  • £545-£1,425/week
  • Sleeps up to 6
This cottage is located a mere 100 yards from the beach and the local restaurant. It is also right on the walking paths making is a great base for those looking for daily hikes. 

Combing eBates and Booking.Com will get you the most for your money. In addition, if you use the link provided for Booking.com, you will earn $25 with your first booking.


Restaurants

As you'd expect in such a small town, there are only a few options, or two well known options to be exact. That doesn't mean you'll have to settle on fare with these delighted options.

Pilchards at Port Gaverne

Enjoy the cafe setting near the beach. The menu won't be the same from visit to visit, keeping you far from bored with this cuisine. A wide variety of drinks and snacks are on offer. This cafe also has been featuring in the Doc Martin filming, but is often closed during the winter season.

Port Gaverne Restaurant

Connected to the Port Gaverne Hotel, this restaurant also features a changing menu, but this one will change to match the seasons. They offer a wide variety of wines as well as special event menus for holidays. They also source all ingredients locally which is displayed on their online menu.

Example of locally sourced ingredients from their Winter 2018/2019 Menu




Are You on a Tight Budget?

Why not enjoy a nice picnic as you explore the South West Coastal Path? Be sure to stock up on groceries for your cottage rental as well. You can still experience great local flavors without spending money on a restaurant.


Where to Next?

Countless options exist when looking at where to travel after you visit Port Gaverne so you'll have to decide what is important to you to narrow down your options.
  • Want to continue the South West Coastal Trail? Head west towards St. Ives or try your hand at surfing in Polzeath.

  • Seeking legends and lore? You're a mere 20 minutes drive from Tintagel where you can find King Arthur's Castle and Merlin's Cave while parking in Sword in the Stone Car Park. 
  • Want even more castles? 






  • If you're heading out of Cornwall, be sure to make a quick stop through Devon to Torquay.

For even more ideas check out our Travel Playlist.

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