Beach and dog-friendly campsites near Perranporth

Southwest of Newquay, Perranporth is a seaside resort town on the north coast of Cornwall featuring a host of camping opportunities and historical areas. Perranporth was named after its patron saint, St. Piran, who founded an oratory shrine nearby that was overtaken by Penhale Sand Dunes. Those protected dunes reach one mile inland, and are an area for diverse wildlife viewing. Find Perranporth campsites at holiday parks with caravan sites that are next to Cornish beach cliffs, sea stacks, and natural rock arches. In nearby national parks like Dartmoor National Park and Spitfire Park, campers will find pitches for tents, glamping pods, and caravan sites with easy access to granite tors and swimming coves. Don’t forget a visit to Castle Drogo—the last castle ever built in England, and then retire to a glamping site with hot showers.

Where to go

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park sits in the upland area of southern Devon, sprawling 370 square miles of moorland capped with exposed granite tors in boulder-like formations. Each May, campers can attempt the Ten Tors Challenge to walk long distances between different tors on different routes. Dartmoor receives lots of lowland rain resulting in peat bogs. Campers can set up within walking distance of the bogs at designated on-site camping parks near the bright green moss. More primitive backpack camping is available throughout the area with a focus on Leave No Trace practises to preserve the Cornish countryside. There are restrictions for wild camping around nesting bird sites.

Castle Drogo

Sitting above Teign Gorge, Castle Drogo is the last castle ever built in England. Erected in the 20th century, the dramatic architecture is inspired by the surrounding tors. Hike the gorge below during the day, and then retire to nearby family-run and privately operated glamping sites complete with double beds and hot showers. Explore the rooms of the castle at leisure to see collections of art and objects on display from the National Trust and historic exhibits in each room like the Char de Triomphe tapestry, the 374 jelly moulds still kept in the kitchen, or the formal gardens. Dogs are also welcome.

St. Agnes Heritage Coast

Stay along St. Agnes Heritage Coast at a pitch site that’s primitive with no hookups for the best the shorelines has to offer. Or find motorhome parks with electric hookups, farm camping, and eco parks at private campsites in the area. Many pitches are within walking distance of the Atlantic coast and some even offer sea views. After a night’s rest, explore the four sandy beaches of the heritage coast, including Blue Star status Porthtowan, and take a dip in Trevaunance Cove and Chapel Porth. Look out for wildlife like sharks, seals and dolphins. Or set out on South West Coast Path for a day of hiking.

When to go

Perranporth sees cool, windy summers with highs around 22°C. Winters are generally cold, wet, and windy with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 13°C. Summer is a very popular time for campers to head to the bogs and hills, but camp pitches are generally open year-round for winter camping, as well.