Harbour Hijinks
When the weather gets hot, the Cornish cool down by throwing themselves into the sea from harbour walls.
Porthleven is a town and fishing port near Helston in Cornwall. The harbour is the heart of life in the town, with fishing boats plying their trade from its sheltered waters.
The harbour, which is the most southerly UK port, is unusual in that it is rare to find a southwest facing Cornish harbour opening directly into the prevailing winds. Porthleven's development as a port was always hampered by the orientation of the harbour entrance and it would have remained a small fishing inlet had there not been an overriding need, during the early nineteenth century, for a safe haven to which ships could run in times of distress along Cornwall's lee shore.
The impressive structures that form the current harbour complex date from the Napoleonic war, with French prisoners of war being utilized as a labour force to construct the harbour. The buildings around the harbour and Porthleven beach are mainly a mix of traditional fishermen's cottages and net lofts dating back to the 1800s.
Today, Porthleven harbour is a more relaxing environment catering for the needs of the holiday maker. Boat and fishing trips are available from the harbour, and cafes and restaurants line the harbourside.
Porthleven's Beach is located adjacent to the harbour, just east of the large granite pier by the 'iconic' Porthleven Institute and clock tower which dominates the harbour entrance. As the tide goes out, a large three mile long shingle and sand beach is exposed, running along the coast towards Loe Bar and the Penrose Estate.
Harbour Hijinks
When the weather gets hot, the Cornish cool down by throwing themselves into the sea from harbour walls.
Porthleven is a town and fishing port near Helston in Cornwall. The harbour is the heart of life in the town, with fishing boats plying their trade from its sheltered waters.
The harbour, which is the most southerly UK port, is unusual in that it is rare to find a southwest facing Cornish harbour opening directly into the prevailing winds. Porthleven's development as a port was always hampered by the orientation of the harbour entrance and it would have remained a small fishing inlet had there not been an overriding need, during the early nineteenth century, for a safe haven to which ships could run in times of distress along Cornwall's lee shore.
The impressive structures that form the current harbour complex date from the Napoleonic war, with French prisoners of war being utilized as a labour force to construct the harbour. The buildings around the harbour and Porthleven beach are mainly a mix of traditional fishermen's cottages and net lofts dating back to the 1800s.
Today, Porthleven harbour is a more relaxing environment catering for the needs of the holiday maker. Boat and fishing trips are available from the harbour, and cafes and restaurants line the harbourside.
Porthleven's Beach is located adjacent to the harbour, just east of the large granite pier by the 'iconic' Porthleven Institute and clock tower which dominates the harbour entrance. As the tide goes out, a large three mile long shingle and sand beach is exposed, running along the coast towards Loe Bar and the Penrose Estate.