Achingly beautiful at any time of the year, the Lizard Peninsula is unique. Jutting out into the western approaches, the Lizard presents a rugged face to the elements, yet the climate is one of the warmest in the British Isles. The huge cliffs offer shelter to the tiny fishing villages, looking now much as they did centuries ago with whitewashed cottages clustered around tiny harbours. Colourful fishing boats, pulled up on the beach, bear testimony to the fact that these small communities still depend largely on the sea for their livelihood. In the winter the fishermen’s choirs sing in their local pubs, and the harbours are decorated with lights and lanterns for Christmas.

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, the Lizard Peninsula has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is also recognised as being of international botanical importance - and here you can find 15 of Britain’s rarest plants! The peninsula’s western edge, from Porthleven to Lizard Point is a Heritage Coast, and the spectacularly rugged south west coastal path can take you all the way from Porthleven to the Helford River. Where the west coast has beaches and coves for fishing and surfing, the more protected east side offers shelter from the prevailing winds; less opportunity to surf but more family orientated beaches. Mullion Golf Club is the most southerly in mainland Britain and occupies a sensational setting above the cliffs between Poldhu and Church Cove.