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A beautiful little seaside village filled with classic Cornish charm has been named the UK’s top spot for the warmest sea, making it a perfect coastal escape for those who enjoy a dip in the ocean. The village of Portloe, tucked away on Cornwall’s Roseland Peninsula, boasts an impressive average annual sea temperature of 15.9°C, according to a recent study.
The research, conducted by SIXT, analyzed sea temperatures around the UK, just as more people began searching for nearby beach getaways. In fact, the study followed a sharp 68% rise in Google searches for “beaches near me” over the past week, as warmer weather begins to return.
Portloe may be small, but it’s not new to the spotlight. The village was featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 list of the “20 Most Beautiful Villages in the UK and Ireland,” thanks to its stunning natural setting, peaceful atmosphere, and untouched coastal views. It’s also located within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)—a region celebrated for its dramatic landscapes and breathtaking scenery.
The South West Coast Path, a famous long-distance walking trail, passes directly through Portloe. Visitors walking this route are treated to spectacular cliffside views and a chance to enjoy the rugged Cornish coastline in its most serene and scenic form.
Getting there, however, requires a bit of planning. The village lies approximately 20 km southeast of Truro and is best accessed by car, as public transport options are limited. The drive, though, winds through charming countryside roads, adding to the experience of visiting this hidden gem.
Coming in second place on the list of warmest UK seas is Rye in East Sussex, with an average maximum sea temperature of 15.2°C.
Visitors to Portloe have been singing its praises online. One traveler wrote on TripAdvisor:
“Lovely, timeless location, where they still winch small fishing boats up on the beach. The only other place I know of like this is Cadgwith Cove on the Lizard Peninsula. Simple and unspoiled—thankfully not inundated with tourists like Polperro. There are beautiful clifftop walks to enjoy, or you can just sit and listen to the waves lapping on the shore.”
Another visitor shared:
“It's a small coastland village, and there’s not much going on there. It is beautiful and makes a nice walk. The views are fantastic and a nice way to spend a few hours. There are places to eat there, but that’s pretty much it.”
With its warm waters, peaceful setting, and breathtaking views, Portloe remains one of the UK’s best-kept secrets—perfect for anyone looking to relax, explore, and soak in the natural beauty of the Cornish coast.
