A Pocket Guide to The Lizard Peninsula

For those who like to get away from it all, The Lizard is another world. The most southerly point in mainland Britain, it’s dramatically wild on the west, while the quieter east coast has some of the prettiest fishing villages and secret sandy coves in Cornwall. It is an ancient place, where history is indelibly inscribed on the landscape and has been a continuing source of inspiration for artists and writers. For these reasons, it has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Comfortably removed from the madding crowds, the beautiful and unspoilt Peninsula is where you’ll find all that’s good about Cornwall - you can sail on the Helford River, roam across the most spectacular stretches of coast path and endless wild heather-clad moors and take in the spectacle of Kynance Cove, with its craggy cliffs and turquoise water.

There is an abundance of hidden coves, wonderful food spots and activities to float everyone’s boat – these are just a few that we head towards whenever we get the chance…

VISIT

KYNANCE COVE

It is difficult to overstate quite how stunning this unique cove is. Certainly, one of the prettiest in Cornwall, the brilliant turquoise water and white sand with islands, caves and unexpected views make it The Lizard’s most famous and photographed spot. The beach's defining features are the serpentine rock formations, including the distinctive pinnacle to the north of the beach. We recommend going at low tide for the most sand, some out-of-this-world swimming and surreal caves to explore too!

GUNWALLOE

The National Trust owned beach of Gunwalloe (or Church Cove) sits at the base of the Lizard Peninsula. A pretty little cove, with perhaps the most notable feature being the little 15th-century church tucked away at the northern end. Sitting outside the shelter of Mount’s Bay, it is quite exposed to the Atlantic swells and therefore often attracts surfers and wave seekers. In fact, the little church here was originally known as the Church of the Storms. There is reputed to be lost Spanish treasure just around the headland at neighbouring Dollar Cove.

COVERACK

An unspoilt Cornish fishing village with a small sand and pebble beach on the eastern coast of the Lizard peninsula. Coverack has a quintessentially Cornish fishing harbour, a beautiful sandy bay with rock pools to explore, quaint gift shops, delicious restaurants, and a traditional pub. Steeped in character and smuggling history, it has one of the most iconic walled harbours that you can walk around and sit to relax, taking in the views.

Currently available is the most spectacular cottage that makes the most of these views, tucked away down the much-loved Sunny Corner, this quaint double-fronted cottage is just as beautiful on the inside as it is looking out!

CADGWITH

A tiny fishing village with a huge spirit, looking now much as it did centuries ago with whitewashed cottages clustered around a small harbour of colourful fishing boats. In the winter the fishermen’s choir sing in the local pub, and the harbours are decorated with lights and lanterns for Christmas. Deep blue water and various shipwrecks make for some excellent diving too…

EAT

NEW YARD RESTAURANT & PANTRY

Tucked away in the historic stable yard of Trelowarren - an enchanting private estate that is steeped with history - the New Yard Restaurant is a celebration of sustainable practices, with every plate brimming with seasonal ingredients and ingenuity. Curating a daily menu from produce grown in their kitchen garden, what the team can’t grow or rear themselves, is sourced from other equally committed local producers and artisans based on the Lizard and surrounding area. Nestled next door is their Pantry, which offers laidback daytime food with a wonderful welcoming and cosy energy.

FAT APPLES CAFÉ, PORTHALLOW

A small and wonderfully homely cafe with real warmth and an easy atmosphere. Brilliant breakfasts, home-cooked cakes and some wholesome lunches which include fresh crab sandwiches. Fat Apples is a real treat to stumble upon and brilliantly positioned to explore the best of the Lizard, its villages and coastal walks

GEAR FARM

In our opinion, there really isn’t a better pasty in Cornwall and their sausage rolls are pretty unbeatable too! Family run and a favourite grab and go spot for many, it’s the perfect fuel for taking on a wonder down the coast path or for a beach day – they’ve also got a brilliant vegetable stall packed with the freshest produce straight from their farm.

THE SQUARE, PORTHLEVEN

A humble little restaurant on the corner of Porthleven harbour, The Square serves some of the best food in the area. In summer, grab a table on the terrace of this small harbourside bistro; in winter, cosy up and watch the waves crash on the harbour wall. Coffee and cakes give way to sharing platters, then to modern classics which fly the flag for Cornish produce. A brasserie-style menu and a warm, welcome, and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect spot for all occasions - they even have a deli and ice cream shop next door.

DO

EXPLORE HELFORD RIVER BY BOAT

Hire a boat from Sailaway St Anthony - a family-run and charming boat yard on Gillan Creek and channel your inner Daphne du Maurier. Pack a hamper and float through the ancient and untouched ancient oak-lined creeks of the Helford – take your rod with you and you might be lucky enough to make a catch of the day too!

LIZARD POINT AND CORNWALL’S MOST SOUTHERLY LIGHTHOUSE

Lizard Point is a National Trust site, known for its dramatic cliffs and picturesque beaches. The most southerly part of the British mainland, it overlooks one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and has also been the site of numerous shipwrecks over the centuries…The combination of mild weather and unique geology means the area has an unusual collection of fauna and wildlife, such as adders, Cornish Choughs and pink sea thrift; you may also be lucky enough to spot grey seals, dolphins, and the occasional basking shark from the clifftops.

MEET MARINE LIFE WITH KENNACK DIVING

You can admire the glistening water surrounding The Lizard whilst coastal walking, sunbathing on the beach or even by taking a dip in the sea. But to really experience the beauty of the Cornish waters, you need to dive beneath the surface of the water. Kennack Diving, which is the most southerly dive centre in mainland Britain, offers a full range of PADI courses, bespoke guided dives, air, equipment hire etc. Go on, jump in!

COASTEERING AROUND THE LIZARD COAST

If you’re looking for a more dramatic way to enjoy this spectacular part of Cornwall, why not try coasteering? Using Cornwall’s rocky coastline as your very own climbing frame or adventure playground you can scramble over rocks, wade through rock pools, explore caves and even jump off cliffs… For the explorers, it offers a completely different way to experience the coastline - Lizard Adventure are experts in coasteering and have several sites around the Lizard that can be tailored for all

DON’T MISS

Helston’s Furry Dance - Join in this ancient spring festival where for hundreds of years, townsfolk have celebrated by getting dressed up and dancing to take part in the wonderful tradition that is Flora Day.