Camping by the Sea: Why Porthcothan Bay is the Best Spot for Your Next Cornwall Adventure

There's something magical about September in Cornwall. As the school holidays end and summer gently transitions toward autumn, a special tranquility settles over Porthcothan Bay. This is perhaps the most cherished time for those in the know – when the crowds thin out, parking spaces appear, restaurant reservations become possible, and yet the magic of summer lingers in what locals fondly call our "Indian summer."

The Gift of September Sunshine

While the rest of the UK often begins to feel autumn's approach, Cornwall's microclimate frequently blesses us with spectacular September weather. Warm days continue well into the month, with temperatures often hovering comfortably in the high teens and low twenties. The intense heat of August gives way to a gentler warmth that makes outdoor activities particularly pleasant.

For campers, this creates the perfect balance – comfortable days for exploring, with just enough evening coolness to justify gathering around a small campfire (where permitted) wrapped in a favorite jumper, sharing stories beneath emerging stars.

Ocean Views Like No Other

Our clifftop camping location offers what we believe are among the finest views in all of Cornwall. Picture waking in your tent to the soft morning light illuminating miles of Atlantic Ocean stretching endlessly before you. From this elevated vantage point, you can track fishing boats as they venture out, watch seabirds soaring on thermals, and occasionally spot dolphins playing offshore.

With the canvas of your tent as a natural frame, every glance outside presents a new masterpiece – dramatic clouds building over distant headlands, the sea changing color as sun and shadows play across its surface, and sunsets that transform the water into a shimmering pathway of gold and crimson.

These views, spectacular in any season, take on a particular quality in September. The lower angle of the sun creates richer colors and longer shadows, bringing the landscape into sharper definition. Photographers often tell us that September offers their favorite light conditions of the entire year.

The Joy of Warm September Seas

One of Cornwall's best-kept secrets is that September often provides the warmest sea temperatures of the year. After months of summer sunshine gradually warming the Atlantic, the water typically reaches its highest temperature in early September – often a degree or two warmer than even August.

For campers, this means magical morning swims just minutes from your tent, with the added luxury of returning to a sun-warmed campsite afterward. The combination of comfortable water temperature and uncrowded beaches creates perfect conditions for longer swims, paddleboarding adventures, or those first attempts at surfing.

Evening sea swims become particularly special in September – perhaps the most peaceful experience our coastline offers. As the setting sun paints the water with golden light, swimming in the gentle swell with barely another soul in sight creates moments of connection with nature that remain etched in memory long after your camping trip ends.

The Calming Nature of September

There's a palpable shift in energy as Cornwall exhales after the bustling summer season. Roads become navigable again, beaches offer space to spread out, and a gentle calm descends on the landscape. For campers seeking to reconnect with nature and themselves, this quieter rhythm creates the perfect environment.

Morning birdsong seems clearer without the background hum of crowds. The coastal path offers solitary walking with only the occasional friendly nod from passing hikers. Local residents emerge to enjoy their favorite spots, bringing an authentic character back to villages and harbors that summer crowds sometimes obscure.

This September calm extends to wildlife too. Dolphins and seals, less disturbed by summer boat traffic, often venture closer to shore. Kestrels hover more frequently over the clifftops hunting for small mammals, and if you're particularly observant, you might spot the first returning migratory birds beginning their autumn journeys.

Cozy Evenings Under Canvas

As daylight gradually shortens and evening temperatures cool, camping in September offers a different kind of comfort. There's something deeply satisfying about being snug in a sleeping bag while listening to the distant rhythm of waves and feeling the gentle movement of sea air against canvas.

Bring layers to adjust to the day's changing temperatures – t-shirts for sunny afternoons give way to favorite jumpers and even a woolly hat for stargazing sessions after dark. This natural cycle of warming and cooling connects campers to the environment in ways that climate-controlled accommodation never can.

Evening campsite scenes in September hold their own special charm – the soft glow of lanterns, the quiet conversations, perhaps a guitar being gently strummed. Without the bustle of peak season, camping neighbors tend to be like-minded souls seeking this special shoulder season experience, often leading to memorable conversations and sometimes lasting friendships.

Perfect Timing for Explorating The South West Coat Path

September's combination of good weather, quieter paths, and longer daylight hours (compared to deeper autumn) creates ideal conditions for exploring the spectacular coast around Porthcothan. The South West Coast Path passes directly by our camping area, offering immediate access to some of Cornwall's most dramatic scenery.

Head north toward Padstow, and you'll discover the sequence of beautiful bays – Treyarnon, Constantine, Booby's, and Harlyn – each with its own distinct character and considerably less crowded than during summer. Continue further to round Trevose Head with its lighthouse and panoramic views across the coastline.

In the opposite direction, the path takes you toward Mawgan Porth past the famous stacks of Bedruthan Steps, increasingly atmospheric as autumn approaches and mists occasionally swirl around these massive natural monuments.

With fewer people on the paths, wildlife becomes more visible – kestrels hover searching for prey, stonechats flit between gorse bushes, and if you're lucky, you might spot our national bird - the Chough!

Your September Haven in Porthcothan

Our camping field, perched on the clifftops with its uninterrupted sea views, provides the perfect base for experiencing this special September magic. The ground remains warm and dry after summer, pitches are generously spaced to maximize those ocean vistas, and our simple but clean facilities offer everything needed for a comfortable stay.

Whether you choose a traditional tent, campervan, or something in between, waking to the sound of waves and ending each day with spectacular sunsets creates the kind of natural luxury that lavish hotels can never quite match.

September camping in Porthcothan offers that rare combination – the lingering warmth of summer with the peaceful soul of early autumn. It's a time when Cornwall shows its authentic character, when the landscape breathes more freely, and when connections with nature feel most direct and meaningful.

Book your September camping adventure now and discover why those in the know consider this Cornwall's most special season – a secret we're almost reluctant to share, but too magical to keep to ourselves. And if you’re not up for camping - why not enjoy one of our amazing holiday homes, right here on the farm