We visited the traditional sea side beach of Praa Sands this Sunday.
Praa sands is the sort of place where children are busy making sandcastles above the tide line and surfers seek out the best waves on the horizon. A place where fine golden sands dust the entrance to the little shops and cafes beside the slipway and the coastal footpath dips down to provide a welcome pit stop for walkers on route to Porthleven.
More info about Praa Sands
Praa sand is a traditional Cornish beach, popular with surfers and families and it often provides a convenient break when walking the coastal footpath for our bed and breakfast guests.
The mile long sweep of Praa sands stretches from the National Trust’s Sidney Cove over the river to the expanse of pale soft sands stretching to the quieter Lesceave cliff end (where alas there is no parking.) Praa is considered the best surfing beach on the South Coast particularly noted at high tide for its powerful “Barrell Wave”
Where does the name Praa sands come from?
A Cornish man once told me how to pronounce the strange word “Praa” as “Praah” as in prayer – he also told me the name originated from Porth Wraa or witches cove from the legend of the witch that used to live in Pengersic Castle and gallop out into the night on his horse, to terrorise the inhabitants
Food and drink at Praa Sands?
Sandbar
Yes we stopped at the Sandbar for a glass of wine overlooking the beach. We had a great view from the terrace parents attempted to tempt their toddlers into the gentle waves that day as sea gulls swirl past below our eerie casting winged shadow over the sands. Behind us on the terrace a couple were tucking into a traditional Sunday roast and the live music from the bar washed over us as we watched the waves pull across the sands. As I said this is a traditional seaside experience!
Beachcomber Café
Follow the sandy footprints to join the queue for ice creams, cakes and cream teas just off of the beach of the couple of friendly beachside cafes.
Activities for the restless!
Surfing
Praa sands is a considered the best surfing beach on the south coast with the best waves at high tide near the Sandbar – well personally I’ll stick to my glass of wine and watch the action from there but for the aficionados there is something known as a “barrelling wave”
Surf School – Global boarders
Coasteering
There’s a certain time in life when dozing on the beach, listening to the waves begins to pall and you’re in the mood for adventure. Perhaps to explore the coast along with the thrill of the plunge into the limpid blue pools far below? With the experienced advice of a local guide of course!
The challenge – Kernow Coasteering
What is Coasteering?
Kernow Coasteering offers guided sessions along the rugged West Cornwall coastline, exploring cliffs, sea caves and hidden gullies at Praa Sands.
Routes are tailored to the group and sea conditions, with optional cliff jumps for those who want to add an extra challenge.
Where is Praa Sands?
Praa sands lays along the shores of Mounts Bay just east of Prussia Cove and before Rinsey beach yet with the Lizard peninsular visible on the skyline on the horizon. Take the Penzance to Helston A394 and turn sewards just after the Newtown sign – should you miss that turn pass the golf course and take the next turn
Also at Praa Sands
Pengersic Castle
A historic Tudor Tower occasional open to the public and reputed to be the most haunted castle in Britain
Praa sands golf course
A nine hole course with fabulous sea views – very close to the main “A” road
Lesceave cliff
Site of an old copper mine
RJ Supplies
An end-of-line discount store just beside the post office on the eastern access road. This is a mecca for bargain hunters for that little something you never knew you needed!
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