Porthcurno Beach and Telegraph Museum
About
Porthcurno is a stunning beach of white sand and impossibly blue water tucked into a narrow valley at the far end of the Penwith Peninsula. The beach is sheltered by high cliffs on both sides and faces south, catching the sun. On a good day it looks tropical — the kind of beach that makes you forget you're in England. The Minack Theatre sits on the cliff above. The telegraph museum is a hidden gem — this isolated cove was where the first submarine telegraph cables came ashore from 1870, making Porthcurno the communications hub of the British Empire. The museum, housed in the original cable station and wartime tunnels dug into the cliff, tells this extraordinary story with hands-on exhibits and original equipment. It's surprisingly fascinating even if you're not into technology. The coast path either direction is spectacular — west to the Logan Rock and Treen, east to Porthgwarra and Land's End. The beach has no facilities beyond a small café at the top of the valley, so bring supplies. Swimming is lovely in calm conditions but the beach faces the open Atlantic, so respect the sea. Parking fills up fast in summer — arrive early.
https://www.telegraphmuseum.org/ 01736 810966
Tickets & Pricing
Beach free. Telegraph Museum: Adult £9, Child £5, Under 4s free.
Opening Times
Beach open 24 hours. Telegraph Museum: daily 10:00-17:00 (Apr-Oct), limited winter opening.
Popular Nearby
The Minack Theatre
Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6JU
An open-air theatre carved into Atlantic cliffs — Shakespeare with crashing waves and sunsets as the backdrop. Utterly unforgettable....
Theatre, Landmarks & Attractions, Quirky & Unusual
From £7.50
Mousehole
Mousehole, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6QT
The loveliest village in England — a tiny fishing harbour, granite cottages draped in flowers, and the most spectacular Christmas lights in Cornwall....
Beaches & Coastal, Landmarks & Attractions
Free
What people are saying about this
Invite your friends by email, any users that already have an account will be sent a friend request.