Short answer: Porthleven is famous for storms, when huge seas break over the harbour wall and clock tower. Watch from high ground well back from the water, such as the roads above the harbour or from inside the Ship Inn, never from the pier, harbour walls or beach. Two police officers died here in 1978 when their car was swept into the harbour. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
When a big Atlantic storm comes in, Porthleven is one of the most photographed places in Britain: waves bursting over the clock tower and the harbour wall. It's spectacular, and it kills people who get too close.
On the night of 12–13 December 1978, two police constables died when their patrol car was swept into Porthleven harbour by a storm. There's a memorial to them on the harbour wall. Waves here can travel much further up the beach and over walls than they look, especially at high tide.
Stay well away from the seafront in wild weather. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Don't go in after them.
Usually between November and February, when a big swell coincides with high tide and a south-westerly wind. Check the forecast and tide times.
Porthleven in winter: what's open · storm watching across Cornwall.
See the full Porthleven guide, filtered by who's with you.
Plan your day near Porthleven →