The beach is the spiritual home of the World Bellyboarding Championships, held annually to celebrate the use of traditional plywood boards.
The distinctive silhouette of the Towanroath Shaft engine house at Wheal Coates is one of the most photographed industrial ruins in Cornwall.
The beach name originates from a historical chapel dedicated to St. Agnes that once stood on the cliffs above the cove.
The cliffs surrounding the beach are composed of highly faulted metamorphic rocks known as 'killas', which contain veins of copper and tin.
Due to the steep valley profile, the beach experiences a significant 'funneling' effect that contributes to consistent wave conditions.
Chapel Porth Beach is a dramatic cove on the north Cornish coast managed by the National Trust, characterized by its shifting sand levels and tidal accessibility. The beach is widely recognized as a hub for traditional bellyboarding, a practice that utilizes thin, finless wooden boards. It sits directly beneath the ruins of Wheal Coates, a prominent 19th-century tin mine that defines the surrounding cliff skyline. At low tide, the beach connects with the adjacent Porthtowan sands, creating a vast stretch of coastline. The area is intersected by the South West Coast Path, offering extensive hiking access to the neighboring St Agnes Head. Facilities include a seasonal cafe and basic public toilets located in the car park area. Swimming is monitored by RNLI lifeguards during the peak summer months. The beach is prone to strong currents and requires caution during incoming tides as the water can quickly cut off access points.
From the cliff top near the Towanroath Shaft engine house looking down onto the beach.
Always check the tide tables before visiting, as the beach almost completely disappears at high tide.
Walk the coastal path toward St Agnes Head for a superior panoramic view of the coastline.
Pack a light windbreaker even in summer, as the cliff-side location remains exposed to Atlantic gusts.
Attempting to swim or surf during the incoming tide when the beach profile changes rapidly and can trap visitors against the cliff face.
Lifeguard patrols are seasonal, typically operating from late spring through early autumn.
Respect the 'no litter' policy; carry all waste back out with you as there are limited bins. Keep dogs on a lead in sensitive cliff areas.
