Thousands of British beach paradises with 42C maximum temperatures – that doesn’t exist

A local in Cornwall has been promoting a fake beauty spot called Porthemmet Beach, tricking tourists into visiting the non-existent “tropical paradise” that sees highs of 42C

A local in Cornwall has pranked thousands of tourists by setting up a website for a fictional beach – and holidaymakers are desperate to find it.

The website and Twitter account for Porthemmet Beach get thousands of hits a day – but don’t exist.

It’s advertised as a 42°C “tropical paradise” with stunningly clear waters, white sandy beaches and an amazing social scene – but it’s completely made up.

The site claims to be ideal for surfers, frequented by puffins and boasting warm tropical waters.

One reviewer said nudists are even welcome.

But the beach doesn’t exist and the site was set up to confuse tourists.

The site was launched in 2007 and still has an active social media scene.

A recent post shared that Porthemmet hit an almost unbelievable 42C in last week’s heatwave.

‘Emmet’ is a word used to refer to tourists or holiday makers coming to Cornwall.

It was founded 15 years ago by local teacher Jonty Haywood – but it’s unclear if he’s still involved.

The hoax website once had 10,000 visitors in just a few hours.

The beach even has a website, still online, which claims it is “the best beach in Cornwall”, according to The Cornish Times.

Speaking to the BBC in 2007, Jonty said: “I definitely didn’t expect a reaction like that.

“My main goal was to create a national prank, something for people in Cornwall to have fun with.”

The website claims that the beach benefits from an “inflow of the Gulf Stream” which gives Porthemmet a tropical climate and warm waters.

Photos of the “beach” show breathtaking views of perfectly clear skies and water while dozens of tourists sit on the beach and in the water.

It is also said to have ‘plenty of beach bars, pubs and clubs’ along with diving, a fishing trawler converted into a tour boat and ‘Nanny Ogg’s Pasty Shop’ which serves the best pies in Cornwall.

The website even claims that the beach is regularly visited by puffins, which are normally only found in the colder parts of Britain and the North Atlantic.

You can even buy dozens of gifts, including sweaters, stationery and teddy bears, from the beach’s online shop.

Although it’s a hoax, it wasn’t until 2020 that the beach received rave reviews online.

A reviewer posts on cornwall-beaches.co.uk where the beach is still listed said “Best beach bar none.

“Always sunny and warm, it never rains and the reception is heavenly, as is the surf. Also never wind.

“Very easy to find, the directions and maps are great. Love the fact that nudists are welcome, so educational for the kids.

“Don’t miss this beach!”

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Another man remarked on the beach’s “great fishing” and wrote: “Had some of the best catches of cod, turbot and tope here.

While “Rob from Yorkshire” is quoted on the beach website as saying: “After a couple of years experimenting with the beaches of Spain and South East Asia I’m back in Porthemmet and will be back every year.”

You can look at the beach here.

The Porthemmet Beach website has been contacted for comment.