Perranporth

Home to one of Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches, the busy town of Perranporth is a popular resort favoured by surfing fanatics thanks to its three miles of golden sands and Atlantic swell. The beach is backed by vast sand dunes (Penhale Sands), which are routinely used for orienteering competitions.

According to legend, the patron saint of Cornwall, St Piran, was found washed up on Perranporth’s beach after having been cast to sea off the Irish coast with a millstone tied to his body. St Piran was then said to have built an oratory in Perranporth to promote Christianity and later became known as the Patron Saint of Tinners after his discovery of the precious metal tin. The people of Perranporth pay tribute to St Piran each year in March, through the annual St Piran’s play and procession which is held on Perran Sands, attracting thousands of spectators.

In more recent years, Perranporth has become known for hosting a vast array of local and international musical acts, both at the annual Tunes in the Dunes festival and on stage at the Watering Hole, the UK’s only bar on the beach.

Tunes in the Dunes takes place in the summer and has welcomed critically acclaimed headline acts including James Morrison, The Waterboys and Seth Lakeman, performing to a stunning backdrop. The Watering Hole also runs its annual Bands in the Sands programme which has welcomed international acts such as Seal and iconic rock favourites, The Darkness.