The Lizard is a peninsula in
south Cornwall, approx. 10 miles from Falmouth and is an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is surrounded on 3 sides by the sea
and the Helford River on the fourth side, it is connected to the
mainland of Cornwall by a small land bridge.
Take the coastal path to Kynance Cove, Lizard Point, Housel Bay
and Church Cove.
Look for choughs, guillemots, gulls, seals, dolphins and basking
sharks.
Along the east coast there are wooded valleys and a scattering of
hamlets and fishing coves.
Towns and villages on The Lizard:
Cadgwith & Ruan Minor
Cadgwith village has many cottages made from rough lumps of serpentine
and thatched roofs. There is a small fleet of crabbing boats which
are winched up the shingle beach. In the winter months when storms
rage the local fishermen push their boats up the steep roads to
the car park. To the south along the coastal path is the Devil's
Frying Pan. A 200' deep hole in the cliffs formed over the years.
Cadgwith Beach
Two small beaches separated by a narrow headland known as the Todden.
The beach also known as Little Cove is the 'pleasure' beach. The
other slightly larger beach is usually used for fishing boats and
other small craft. Both beaches are rocky, sheltered and are safe
for families.
Kennack Sands
Near the village of Kuggar, two beaches which are split by Carn
Kennack and a shore side rock feature called Caerverracks. The easterly
beach of the two is designated as a nature reserve. Surfing beach
which has a big tidal range, regularly has waves of 4-5 foot.
Coverack
Coastal fishing village on the Lizard peninsula with white-washed
cottages, there are many events throughout the summer including
a carnival, regatta and lifeboat day.
Coverack Beach
Sandy beach greatly restricted at high tide, swimming, wind surfing
and kayaking. Of geological interest, the sight of what was once
the boundary between the rocks of the Earth's crust and those of
the lower molten mantle.
Gunwalloe
There is a church 15th century set amongst the sand dunes at Church
Cove. The tower of the church is built into the cliff and is separate
from the main building. Here you will find Loe Bar which separates
Cornwall's largest freshwater pool, The Loe, from the sea.
Gunwalloe Beach
Sandy beach. From here you can walk along and explore Dollar Cove
and Halzephron Cove.
Gweek
Village approx. three miles from Helston, at the head of navigation
of the Helford River, .it has a pub, shop, restaurant and is home
to the National Seal Sanctuary.
National Seal Sanctuary
Busy rescue centre, its residents include Grey Seals, Common Seals,
Fur Seals, Patagonian & California Sea Lions, Penguins, Otters,
Goats, Sheep and Ponies.
Helford
Village on the south bank of the Helford River approx. five miles
from Falmouth, has a waterside pub, shop/post office and sailing
club. There is a ferry service for foot passengers. Walks along
the river to Frenchmans Creek and further. Motor or sailing boats
for hire.
Trebah Gardens
At Mawnan Smith nr. Falmouth, gardens, ponds, water garden, views
of the Helford River, paraglide, cafe, garden shop and plants for
sale.
Glendurgan House and Gardens
Set in 3 valleys, wander through the gardens down to the beautiful
hamlet of Durgan on the Helford River. 176-year-old cherry laurel
maze.
Helston – Click here for
Helston
page
Lizard
Village on the Lizard peninsula approx. ten miles from Helston,
it is the most southerly point of England. Around the village green
there are shops and cafes.
Lizard Lifeboat Station
At Kilcobben Cove in one of the most remote and rugged settings
at the foot of a 140ft cliff. When the boat is launched, the crew
have to run down more than 200 steep steps from the station car
park to the boathouse.
Lizard Lighthouse Centre
The Engine Room at Lizard Lighthouse has been renovated and retains
some of the old engines It features new exhibition material, audio
visual room and has some interactive displays. Activities at the
centre include: Tracking of ships, weather, Morse code, flag signaling,
buoy identification, stories and history of the lighthouse and sounding
of foghorns.
Lizard Marconi Wireless Station – http://www.lizardwireless.org/index.htm
Set up by the Marconi Company at the end of 1900 to supply a ship-shore
radio service. The museum is housed in the refurbished original
buildings, as far as possible, a true facsimile of the station at
the start of the 20th century. Run by National Trust volunteers.
Opening hours are restricted, please consult their website.for more
details. Equipment demonstrations and history of the station. Parking
at Lizard village car park, it is approx. a one mile walk to the
station
Dollar Cove Beach
Named after a 17th century ship that was wrecked here that was carrying
silver dollars.
The rock formations are of interest, the cliffs represent 1,000s
of years of tectonic movement.
Kynance Cove Beach
Approx 2 miles from The Lizard, car park above the cove, 10 min.
walk to the white sand beach which is greatly restricted at high
tide. Features are the serpentine rock formations with a distinctive
pinnacle to the north of the beach.
Pentreath Beach
Narrow strip of sand, pebbles and rocks. Parking at Lizard Village
or at Kynance Cove.
Manaccan
Village on the eastern side of the Lizard peninsula approx. 5 miles
from Falmouth. The hillside village has thatched cottages, a 12th
century church which has a 200 year old fig tree, post office/shop,
pub and cafe/retaurant. Walk through the lanes down to Gillian Creek
and the Helford River.
Mawgan
Village on the Lizard peninsula between the Helford River and Trelowarren
Estate, the village has a shop, pub with restaurant and a church.
Mawgan-in-Meneage Parish Church
Part of the church dates from 13th century, it was enlarged during
the 15th century when the south aisle and tower were added.
Mullion
Village on the Lizard peninsula approx. five miles from Helston.
The village has restaurants, pubs, cafes and shops.
Mullion Cove
A walk from Mullion village takes you down to Mullion Cove with
its harbour which dates back to 1893 and is now maintained by the
National Trust. Today crab, lobster and crayfish are still landed
here.
Polurrian Cove
Golden sand and patches of fine shingle. Parking at Mullion village
approx. 10 mins walk. Mullion Island is owned by the National Trust
and is home to seabirds colonies.
Bonython Estate Gardens – http://www.bonythonmanor.co.uk/index.php
Walled garden, potager garden, three lakes, woodland and valley
garden. Light refreshments available.
Porthallow
Small fishing village on the Lizard Peninsula, its neighbouring
villages are Coverack and Porthoustock. The village has a pub,
post office, gift shop, tea shop, and beach cafe. Coastal walks
to Nare Head and Nare Point.
Porthallow Beach
This pebble beach was purchased by the village in the 1970's from
the Trelowarren Estate.
Porthoustock Beach
Situated bewteen Porthallow and St. Kerverne, the beach is of
coarse dark sand and shingle. Parking and toilets to the back
of the beach.
Porthleven – Click here for Porthleven
page
St Keverne
Village on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall it is centred around
the church in the square, whitewashed cottages, two pubs, several
shops and restaurants. It was from here that the 1497 Cornish
Rebellion lead by Michael Joseph a local blacksmith started. There
is a plaque on the wall of the churchyard to commenorate the 500th
anniversary of this event. A short walk from the village you arrive
at Tregellast Barton where there are lakeside, woodland and nature
trails.
Roskilly’s Farm – http://www.roskillys.co.uk/index
Makers of locally produced ice cream, fudge, jam, chutney, mustard
and marmalade.
Visit the farm and watch the cows being milked, walk around the
meadows, learn about farm life, there are also other animals.
Shop and restaurant. Parking and admission is free.
St Anthony-in-Meneage
A tiny waterside hamlet on the Helford River overlooking Gillan
Harbour. The 15th century St Anthony Church is situated close
to the waters of Gillan Creek.
St. Anthony Beach
No beach at high tide, just the occasional birdsong to break the
peace and quiet. Cared for by the Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation
group, it is known as one of the finest marine wildlife sites.
The sheltered creeks and mudflats are ideal for tubeworms and
shrimp. Eelgrass provides a good habitat for crab, sea anemonies
and cuttlefish.
Lizard Tourist Information – http://www.visitlizardcornwall.co.uk/index.asp
Cornwall Tourist Information Office - http://www.visitcornwall.com/
