YHA Perranporth

Volunteering with YHA is a fantastic way to have fun, learn new skills, boost your CV and travel to different places. We have a variety of different opportunities to choose from and volunteering roles to suit everyone.  

The tasks are varied and in return you will meet some great people, who both work and stay in our hostels, as well as enjoying your time off discovering the local area and attractions.

Find out more and apply to volunteer.

A.E.S. Perranporth was built in the early 1950s as a top secret Admiralty Experimental Station and research laboratory studying and developing shore-based submarine detection. The old radar base can still be found in the back garden. It opened as a youth hostel in 1982 and is still used today for coastal research by both Plymouth and Oregonstate University.

Perranporth, known for its amazing beach and great summer holidays, has a long history stretching behind it. It is believed that St. Piran, Cornwall’s patron saint, arrived along the coast in the 7th century, where he founded his first church and monastery - which can still be viewed when walking the dunes near Perranporth. In many years to follow the town of Perranporth popped up, becoming a small tin mining village in the 19th century.

Perranporth's beaches started to draw a number of holiday makers at the turn of the century, becoming more accessible by the Great Western Railway line that ran through Perranporth. During WWII Perranporth grew in importance as its airfield became a base for RAF Spitfire squadrons. Today you can take scenic flights from the airfield or do a tandem skydive with incredible views over the bay. The huge sandy beach and decent waves still draw crowds like they’ve always done!

Manger recommends: While spending time at YHA Perranporth, the manger loves to surf and enjoys everything related to the sea, coast and great outdoors. In their spare time you’ll find them exploring rock pools, gliding the waves or walking the coastal footpath. On their days off they like to traverse Cornwall with the family, and they are always happy to share their knowledge of magical places and the best wave-catching spots.