Port Quin was once a thriving fishing harbour, landing mainly herring and pilchard. In the garden at Quay Cottage, and elsewhere around the village, you can still see the remains of pilchard presses, which extracted fish oil for export and sale. Sand and manure were also imported at Port Quin, with three sand companies working from the village at one time. In the 1841 census there were 23 households reported as living in Port Quin, amounting to 94 individuals. Currently there are just 2 residents. 

During the late 19th, early 20th, centuries, herring and pilchard stocks in the area began to dwindle, and Port Quin as a working village went into decline. Families were forced to relocate to find employment, with many emigrating to Canada, or joining merchant and navy ships, whilst others found work on farms and with fisheries in the area, according to parish records. There is an alternative story around the demise of Port Quin, told by local writer Geoff Provis, which you can read here: https://saveourbays.org.uk/reflection-collection

Port Quin is now busier again, and has become a popular destination for visitors. The village still manages to maintain a quiet charm, and summer evenings are particularly delightful. Swimming is generally safe and encouraged, also paddle boarding, kayaking and boating in the bay are very popular activities. When taking part in these sports, inexperienced visitors should plan to stay within the safety of Port Quin harbour, and everyone should always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. There are caves to explore, and many rock pools and sandy areas at lower tides. Kayak trips and hire are available with Sam at Cornish Coast Adventures. You can speak to Sam during your stay, or contact him ahead of time using this link: https://www.cornishcoastadventures.com/contact/

Many people prefer to visit in the off-season when the weather is more unpredictable and wild. This dynamic environment has a restorative power all of its own. There is such a stunning contrast in sea conditions, even in the relatively sheltered Port Quin bay, between the gentle lapping of the summer months, and the breathtaking ferocity of winter storms. All times of the year are recommended, but particular care must be taken when Port Quin is in a blow, and the sea's up. Our suggestion would be to watch the sea from the safety of the cottage, or, if you are arriving back during a storm, not to attempt to get into the cottage until the sea has receded a little. Warnings aside, there is nothing quite like experiencing Port Quin in a high sea.

The cliffs around Port Quin are spectacular, and the coastline is unspoiled and dramatic. It has been the backdrop to multiple films, TV shows and fashion shoots, due to the rugged beauty and lack of development. Walking north along the South West Coast Path will take you to the village of Port Isaac, and beyond to Port Gaverne and Tregardock, south takes you past Epphaven and Lundy to the Rumps and Pentire Point, and on to Polzeath, Daymer Bay and Rock.

Port Isaac has many shops, pubs, galleries and restaurants, with The Mote restaurant being highly recommended. In the summer you can book boat trips and sea safaris from Port Isaac. Gaverne is a lovely little fishing village, and Tregardock is a wide, sandy beach, with great surf on an offshore wind.

Heading towards Polzeath on the South West Coast Path, you'll find a National Trust Visitors Centre and Cafe at Pentire Farm, which is a good destination to aim for.

At Polzeath, there are plenty of cafes and ice cream shops, and some take away options, and many beachwear shops and wetsuit hire and purchase. Polzeath is a very popular surfing beach, and it does get extremely busy in the summer.

Rock is where you can book sailing, skiing and wakeboarding sessions, and where you can catch the ferry over to the ever popular Padstow. Driving round to Padstow is a bit of a mission, so the ferry over is the easiest and most pleasant way to visit. Rock gets very busy during the season, and parking is a challenge, so do leave extra time if you are on a deadline.

Further afield, but within an hour's drive, are the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Helligan, both wonderful attractions. It is also easy to travel south to Newquay, and north to Tintagel, Bossiney and Boscastle.

Port Quin and the surrounding area is abundant with wildlife, in the sea and on land. The wider bay (outside the harbour) is often visited by grey seals, common dolphins and harbour porpoise, and increasingly by humpback whales and minkes. At breeding season and, in some cases, throughout the year, you will see guillemots, razorbills and puffins, gannets, shags, cormorants and oystercatchers. On land there are nesting peregrines and owls, bats, deer and snakes. We have recently welcomed back the symbol of the county, the chough, which is hugely exciting. There is some more information on Port Quin's wildlife here: https://saveourbays.org.uk/home