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A RUGGED COASTLINE

Self Catering Holiday Cottages on The Lizard Peninsula

Staying in one of our holiday cottages on The Lizard Peninsula is a great way to explore the peninsula’s dramatic geography, swashbuckling maritime history, picturesque fishing villages and marine wildlife. The Lizard Peninsula is situated south-west of Falmouth, extending from the Helford River all the way to Porthleven in the west. With only two main roads in and out of the area, this remains an unspoilt part of Cornwall and should not be missed out on your itinerary.

From our holiday cottages on The Lizard it’s easy to get to the highlights in the area, including Lizard Point, mainland Britain’s most southerly point, where basking sharks and other marine wildlife can be spotted. Or you can spend the day at the pristine and dramatic Kynance Cove – a popular spot for a dip. Ramblers also flock here for the fantastic walking, as there are lots of cosy pubs dotted along the coastal path for a well-deserved drink.

 

VIEW GUIDE TO THE LIZARD
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The Lizard guide

Coastline near holiday cottages on the Lizard Peninsula by Forever Cornwall

Stunning cliff-top walks

The Lizard Peninsula’s has some of the most breath-taking sections of the South West Coast Path. Portions of the coast are classified as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)— stretching from the Helford River valley on the west, and Loe Pool and Porthleven in the east.

Follow in the footsteps of The Salt Path by Raynor Winn and feel for yourself the restorative benefits of treading the Cornish coastal path. Whether you’re on a full day of hiking or an evening stroll to watch the sunset, we think you’ll agree this is a pretty special place to spend time in nature.

Flora and Fauna

The Lizard Peninsula is inundated with fascinating flora, fauna and geology. Incredibly, over half of all the UK’s species of plants can be found here including over fifty rare and special species. You will probably spot seals and may be lucky enough to see dolphins or basking sharks.

The rocks and minerals here are also spectacular and send geologists wild — part of the reason is that this is a crunch-point for plate tectonics! The ocean floor and continental land-mass were mashed together here in the Devonian era, between 358 and 419 million years ago — the village of Coverack is one of the only places on Earth where this can be seen.

People on holiday in South Cornwall at Gunwalloe Beach, The Lizard

A remote pradise

The remoteness of the Lizard is one of its best qualities, as villages, communities and coastline remain unspoilt and frozen in time. Places like Coverack and Cadgwith, which give you a taste of Cornish life back in the day. People are less reliant on fishing these days, but there’s still a strong sense of community in these coastal settlements. Or you could visit the wild beaches of Gunwalloe Church Cove (pictured), Poldhu and the famous Kynance Cove — where there are very few buildings to clutter them.

 

Beaches

Kynance Cove

Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most dramatic beaches. A bit of a walk from the car park, visitors are rewarded with turquoise seas, huge rock stacks and hidden corners of sandy beach (when the tide’s out!) where you feel as though you’re the only ones there. In the winter, grab a hot chocolate from the cafe above and watch the waves roll into this dramatic cove. Dogs are welcome between October and Easter Sunday.

Poldhu cove, the Lizard, Forever Cornwall cottages

Poldhu

Poldhu is a sheltered cove with parking, a cafe and a surf school – and blissful golden sands. With seasonal lifeguards, it’s a great place to try out watersports, go for a paddle or, when the tide’s out, head to the rockpools for some exploring. Dogs are welcome between October and Easter Sunday.

Kennack Sands, the Lizard Peninsula

Kennack Sands

Kennack Sands is a large beach with great amenities. Perfect for families, there’s good lifeguard cover and plenty of space for kids to run. It is actually comprised of two beaches – the one furthest from the car park is a nature reserve and often goes undiscovered by visitors, as it’s hidden behind the hill that separates the two. Well worth a visit (there’s great shore fishing too!). Dogs are welcome between October and Easter Sunday.

Things to do
Cadgwith, The Lizard Peninsula

Cadgwith

Make the day trip down to the coastal fishing village of Cadgwith, with thatched cottages and fishing boats in the harbour. Top tip: on Friday you can experience the atmosphere of the Cadgwith Cove Singers in the village’s pub. The sea shanties are brilliant, the beer is delicious and it’s a quintessentially Cornish way to spend an evening.

Gweek Seal Sanctuary

The Seal Sanctuary

The Seal Sanctuary is an excellent day out for families, friends or couples come rain or shine. It’s home to otters, sea lions, penguins and of course, seals, and is dedicated to educating people on the struggles of marine life and why conservation for these seemingly abundant animals is so necessary. Visit the penguins at feeding time, become a keeper for a day and see seals on their way to recovery at the Seal Hospital.

Explore the gardens on the Helford River

Natural curation of the creeksides is something to be marvelled at on the Helford, but there are estates nearby that take the gardening to the next level. On the north bank of the river, you can visit one of two sub-tropical gardens, Trebah or Glendurgan, and stroll through the gardens that tumble down to the riverside for a little more exotic horticulture.

Food & Drink
Coverack, the Lizard Peninsula

The Lifeboat House

Prominently protruding out from Coverack is The Lifeboat House. In 1980 the building was given a new lease of life and converted into a bar, restaurant and chippy. Offering freshly landed fish, local ingredients and one of the best views in the village, this is must when visiting this beautiful corner of the planet. The Lifeboat House has also won several awards, including the Times naming it the “top fish and chip shop in Britain” – now that’s prestigious!

 

Ann’s Pasties

You won’t find a more authentic or tasty pasty in the region. Now we couldn’t say if it was the “best in the world”, but their signature crusty pastry certainly sets them apart from the rest. They have shops in the Lizard village, Porthleven, Mullion and Helston — but you’ll need to be quick, they almost always sell out by lunchtime!

Pub near Helford River cottages by Forever Cornwall

The Shipwrights

The Shipwrights Arms in Helford Village is a 17th Century waterfront inn, offering local spirits, wines and ales. Perhaps its most surprising aspect is the food. Whilst local produce is heavily featured, the style of cuisine is very much a fusion. From pub classics like steak and moules frites to divine Thai fish curries and, in the summer, arrive on the pontoon to be greeted by the mouthwatering scent of the outside pizza oven – bliss.