Wave House Church

The church sits right at the edge of Porth, a small coastal village just south of Newquay, with views across the bay that frankly belong on a postcard. Wave House Church is exactly what the name suggests - a place of worship built into the dramatic landscape where the cliffs meet the beach, making it one of Cornwall's more unusual religious spaces. What strikes you first is how the building seems almost part of the rock itself, a grey stone structure that's quietly impressive rather than showy.

Inside, it's spare and calm. Nothing fancy, just honest whitewashed walls and the sound of the sea through the windows. If you're into ecclesiastical architecture or religious history, there's real substance here - the church has genuine character, the sort that only comes from being in a place for centuries. For families staying at nearby Sunhaven Holiday Park or any of the Newquay caravan parks, it's a reasonable walk (depending which park you're at) and breaks up a beach day nicely without demanding much time. Kids won't be captivated for hours, but the novelty of a church perched above the waves usually keeps them interested for half an hour.

Visit admission and opening hours aren't straightforward - it's worth checking locally or calling ahead before you make the trip, as smaller churches sometimes keep irregular hours. Best in good weather when you can actually enjoy the clifftop location without getting windblasted. Give yourself an hour maximum, longer if you're the contemplative type or want to photograph the views.