We have recently returned from a holiday in Cornwall in what was our first visit to Lizard Peninsula. Famed for its sandy beaches and picturesque coves, it was rather overwhelming trying to decide which beaches to visit on the Lizard Peninsula, and those close to where we were staying, Lizard Point.
1. Kennack Sands
We spent most of our days enjoying the sun and sand at Kennack Sands. This beautiful beach is perfect for a family day out. Noted for its waves which draw in surf seekers, you can hire surf boards, take a surfing lesson or hire a paddleboard from the beach. The beach benefits from two eateries where you can grab meals, ice creams or hot drinks as well as all your beach necessities. As the tide goes out, you’ll find plwenty of rock pools, popular with thsoe who enjoy a spot of crab fishing. There are toilet facilties at the beach and a carpark within meters of the beach making it perfectly accessible. With the exception of July and August, dogs are welcome on the beach and you’ll find plenty of pooches splashing in the waves.
2. Kynance Cove
Like many beaches in Cornwall, Kynance Cove is utterly breath-taking. It benefits form a carpark close by, but the walk to the cove is not for the faint of heart. Those with limited mobility issue can access the cove via a step-less route, but it is still quite a trek there and back. If you can make the 10 minute or so walk from the carpark to the cove, you’re in for a spectacular treat. The walk down to the cove is picturesque and full of magnificent photo opportunities.
At the cove, there is a small cafe. When visiting, check the tidal times, the tide can come in rather quickly leaving paddlers scrambling to get up onto the rocks.
There are plenty of cliff walks around Kynance cove making is a perfect spot for those who enjoy a good walk.
3. Cadgwith Cove
The 10 minute walk from the carpark through the beautiful fishing village of Cadgwith is worth the effort to this small shingle beach. The village itself is serene, reminiscent of bygone days, it truly has magical timeless feel about it. With geese and ducks grazing in the field as you pass by, the smell of the ocean is not too far away. The shingle beach is tiny but it still attracts visitors each day, many of whom do a spot of crab fishing in the rock pools. Cadgwith is still a working fishing village and you can sometimes see the boats pulling in and taking their catch to the village shops. There are a few shops and cafes here where you can grab an ice-cream and sit on the beach and watch the water and take in the views.
4. Poldhu Cove
Poldhu Cove is one of the more popular beaches in the Lizard Point peninsula. Just across the road from a carpark where you’ll also find public toilets, Poldhu Cove has sand, sea and rock pools. It’s a great spot for surfing and you can book in a lesson at the surf school located on the beach. The beach is flanked by cliffs making Poldhu Cove feel rather small, however there is plenty of space to relax on this picturesque sandy beach.
Here you’ll find plenty of coastal walks and cliff routes which give visitors a spectacular view of the cove.
5. Lizard Point
The beach at Lizard Point is very small and not easily accessible, but if you are in the area, you need to pay Lizard Point a visit. The southernmost point on the British mainland, Lizard receives fewer visitors than Land’s End and so is rather peaceful, even on a busy summer’s day.
A National Trust ran carpark is around a 5 minute walk from the point with steps or a stepless path for those with mobility issues. The views from the point are spectacular and from this vantage point, you can spot a seal or a dolphin if you are fortunate.
I hope you enjoyed this post on beaches at the Lizard Peninsula. If you know of any other beaches near Lizard Point, please leave a comment below.
