Porth Mellon Beach (Porthmellon)

Porth Mellon Beach - Isles of Scilly
© Tony Atkin and licensed for reuse under this Licence

Porth Mellon (sometimes written as Porthmellon) is located just a short walk from Hugh Town on St Mary’s, the largest of the Scilly Isles.  It faces north-west and has views towards Tresco and uninhabited Samson.

The beach here is backed by grassy dunes and made up of the characteristic white sand you would expect of the Scilly Isles. As the tide drops out the shoreline here becomes rocky, with an abundance of rockpools. At certain times of year, seaweed washes up onto the beach.

The clear blue waters off the beach are popular with windsurfers, kayakers and other water sports enthusiasts.  Next to the beach is a sailing school shed.  Some historic “gig” sheds can also be seen here.  Gigs were the boats used by pilots in the 18th and 19th centuries to pilot ships through the treacherous waters around the islands and to rescue survivors of shipwrecks.

Also known as:

Porthmellon

Type of beach

Sandy

Lifeguard service

No

Dogs friendly beach?

We do not have information on this beach but restrictions may apply (usually from Easter until the end of Summer)

Isles of Scilly dog friendly beaches »

Activities

  • Kayaking/canoeing
  • Diving & snorkelling
  • Good fishing
  • Sailing
  • Swimming/bathing

Facilities

  • Cafe/restaurant
  • Toilets
  • Town centre nearby
  • Shop
  • Pub nearby

Nearest town

Hugh Town

OS grid ref.

SV 9082 1076

Submit a correction