Porthpean
Porthpean means 'Little Cove' in the Cornish language.
In ancient times it was a thriving fishing port, with fish cellars and a malthouse although now it is best known for its safe bathing beach, with a cafe and toilets (both seasonal). It has an old village square and lovely church, a sailing club, a golf club and a croquet club. Porthpean Outdoor is widely used by Cornish Schools.
Above Porthpean and just outside the parish boundary are St. Austell Community Hospital, Mount Edgcumbe Hospice and the Children's Hospice known as Little Harbour, which was built on land donated by a local farmer.
Trenarren
Trenarren is well known for its splendid coastal footpath via the Black Head, with two tiny beaches and the former home of A.L. Rowse, famous Cornish historian and poet. There is a granite memorial to him along the coastal footpath.
Many years ago there was a fishing village along the cliffs and the remains of the harbour can be seen at Ropehaven.
The parish council has produced an interpretation board for the village and the board can be downloaded here.