Yes, Portmellon is worth visiting if you like small, quiet places. It's a sandy cove a mile south of Mevagissey on the south Cornish coast, with the South West Coast Path running through it, a 17th-century pub on the beach, and very little else. That's the point. You come for the cove, the walk and a pint looking at the sea, not for shops or amusements.
We run that pub, The Rising Sun, so take this with a pinch of salt. But we'll tell you what isn't here as well as what is.
Where is Portmellon in Cornwall?
Portmellon is the next cove south of Mevagissey, on the south coast of Cornwall between Mevagissey and Gorran Haven. It's about a mile from Mevagissey harbour along the coast road, around twenty minutes on foot, and about twenty to twenty-five minutes' drive from St Austell. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are about ten minutes' drive, and the Eden Project is around twenty-five. The postcode for the pub, if you're putting it in the satnav, is PL26 6PL.
What is there to do in Portmellon?
Not a long list, but a good one:
The beach. A small sandy cove, good for paddling, rockpooling at low tide and, in summer, a swim. Our Portmellon Beach guide covers tides, facilities and the dog rules.
The coast path. North to Mevagissey in twenty minutes, or south past Chapel Point to Gorran Haven, about two miles. Both are proper coastal walks. See our walks and beaches guide.
The pub. The Rising Sun Inn is a 17th-century free house on the beach at Portmellon, a mile from Mevagissey in south Cornwall, with Cornish ales, locally sourced food, live music and sea-view rooms. Dogs welcome in the pub.
Storm watching. When a big sea runs in winter, the rocks at Portmellon put on a show. Watch from the pub window and keep well back from the wall.
The stories. Portmellon had a boatyard where Percy Mitchell built wooden boats that were launched over the sea wall, and Mevagissey's lifeboat was kept here until 1888. Just south, near Chapel Point, is Bodrugan's Leap, where Sir Henry Bodrugan is said to have leapt from the cliff in 1487 to escape his enemies. More in the history of The Rising Sun.
In summer there's more going on around the car park. Both the beach shack and paddleboard hire will be open from April 2027.
What isn't in Portmellon?
Worth knowing before you come:
No shops. For milk, bread or a cash machine, go to Mevagissey.
Not much else open in winter. Out of season, the pub is the main thing open in the cove.
No step-free access to the pub. It's an old building. Ring us if you have questions about getting in.
Limited parking. One pay-and-display car park by the beach, and it gets busy in summer.
If you want shops, galleries and a choice of restaurants, stay in Mevagissey and walk down. Our post Is Mevagissey worth visiting? covers the town.
Is Portmellon worth visiting in winter?
We'd say it's at its best. The beach is empty, dogs are allowed on it all day, the fire's on in the pub, and the lights of Mevagissey come on across the bay at dusk. Sunday afternoons are the liveliest, with a roast from 12 to 3pm and live music most weeks. Tuesday is Pie & Mash and the quiz.
We're open all year: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 4 to 9pm, Thursday to Saturday 12 to 11pm, Sunday 12 to 8pm.
Is Portmellon good for dogs?
Yes, mostly. Dogs are welcome in the pub, the coast path is dog-friendly, and dogs can use the beach for most of the year. The one exception: Cornwall Council bans dogs from Portmellon Cove from 1 July to 31 August, 10am to 6pm. Outside those hours, and the rest of the year, they're welcome. Dogs aren't allowed in our letting rooms.
Where do I park at Portmellon?
The Portmellon car park is right next to the pub and the beach. It's pay and display, and the Sippi app is cheaper than the machine. We don't run it. If it's full, park in Mevagissey and walk down the coast road.
Should I stay in Portmellon?
If you want quiet, yes. We have two sea-view rooms above the pub, room only (no breakfast), from £110 a night in winter. They're up a flight of stairs, check-in is from 4pm, and the Blue Room has a kitchenette. Mevagissey's cafés are a mile away for breakfast. See our rooms, or book a table if you're just coming for the day.
Quick answers
Is Portmellon worth visiting? Yes, for a quiet sandy cove, the coast path and a pub on the beach. It's small, so pair it with Mevagissey, a mile away.
Is Portmellon beach dog friendly? Yes, except from 1 July to 31 August between 10am and 6pm, when Cornwall Council bans dogs. The pub welcomes dogs all year.
How far is Portmellon from Mevagissey? About a mile, roughly twenty minutes' walk along the coast road.
Are there shops in Portmellon? No. The nearest shops are in Mevagissey.
The Rising Sun Inn, 2 Portmellon Park, Portmellon, Mevagissey, Saint Austell PL26 6PL · 01726 473214 · Book a table