Author Article Directory

The historic Cornish village of Porthleven is the UK mainland’s most southerly working port and is just waiting to be found and enjoyed by new visitors. After the wreck of HMS Anson on Loe Bar during a ferocious December 29th 1807 the harbour was constructed. A hero on that day, a man by the name of Tobias Roberts, swam through violent dangerous seas out to the Anson. They created a lifeline for those on board by Tobias tying a rope around his-self, enabling him to create a link between ship and shore. Over one hundred including the ship’s Captain Lydiard perished, even though he successfully reached the ship.

Appalled by the loss of live and to avoid such an incident in the future, along with locals alike, Tobias Roberts battled with the Admiralty to ensure there was a harbour of safe refuge. Being a determined man, Tobias got Porthleven Harbour constructed and then improved at a later date. Home to a much reduced number of fishermen, no commercial traffic of any size and a small number of pleasure craft, it took two acts of parliament before the harbour became what it is today.

However, the harbour still plays a major role attracting visitors from all over the world. Of course the village received the attention of the media when it was hit by a hurricane in December 1989. Television coverage was worldwide, showing the destructive storm with its monster waves spraying seaweed and shingle over 72 feet or 22 metres, the height of Porthleven’s clock tower, part of the Institute Buildings. Over the years village has attracted film and television programme makers helping to promote Porthleven’s natural unspoilt attraction.

Whilst serving on the local council in the early 1990’s it became clear that the economic future of Porthleven would become more dependent on holiday trade. Following this idea, Porthleven’s first commercial website was established which continues to attract visitors from around the world. The annual Discover Porthleven leaflet was produced to help publicise the village in addition to tourists signs being introduced.

Television coverage was worldwide, showing the devastating storm with spray from monster waves reaching heights over 72 feet or 22 metres, the height of Porthleven’s land mark, the clock tower forming part of the Institute Buildings. The village has attracted film and television programme makers all helping to advertise Porthleven’s natural unspoilt attraction.

There is a great variety of places to eat in Porthleven with restaurants such as the Blue Haze Restaurant, a recent asset to the village, quickly building a great reputation with both locals and visitors alike. Kota Restaurant and B&B is located on the harbour head and produces a well presented and varied menu. Both restaurants have chefs who have a great passion for cooking with locally sourced food. There are also two fish and chip shops and a Chinese takeaway.

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!