From the sandy shores of Kennack Sands to the Instagrammable Kynance and Lankidden Coves, The Lizard has it all!
Kennack Sands
Distance: 850 paces or a 10-15 minute walk from Little Gwendreath Holiday Cottages
The long stretch of sand at Kennack is our ‘home’ beach. It’s just a short walk from your cottage and provides year-round fun for all. The sandy West beach is lifeguarded during the summer months and has two cafés, a car park and toilets. The East beach, which is a little more pebbly, is dog-friendly all year round so ideal if you are on holiday with your furry friend! Both beaches offer plenty of rock pooling and sandcastle building fun.
Lankidden Cove
Distance: 1.6 miles from Kennack Sands, roughly under an hour's walk
For the more adventurous, Lankidden Cove is a true hidden gem. Reached via a walk along the South West Coast Path from Kennack Sands, you have to go down a steep narrow track to get to it and the last section has a rope that you use to help climb down c.5m on to the beach, so it's not for the faint hearted! The beach is tidal so make sure you check the tide times before you head out as there will be no beach at high tide. At low tide an expanse of golden sand is revealed, this combined with the turquoise water makes Lankidden Cove a small secluded paradise with a Mediterranean vibe, great for wild swimming, paddling and snorkeling to check out the serpentine rock formations. There is a cave carved into the grey gabbro cliffs with a rock stack called Carrick Lûz (Cornish for "grey rock") which provides shelter from the prevailing south-westerly winds. As it is off the beaten track Lankidden is a very quiet spot and if you are lucky you might even have it all to yourself!
Cadgwith Cove
Distance: 1.9 miles from Kennack Sands, roughly under an hour's walk
Cadgwith is a quintessential fishing village and actually has two beaches separated by a headland known as the Todden. Fishing beach is where the local fishing boats are launched and landed, while the smaller, locally-known ‘little’ beach has lots of rock pools and is great for a dip when the water is calm. It is a pebble beach so a comfortable mat is advised. There is parking a short walk away plus toilets, a shop, a café and a pub in the village.
Kynance Cove
Distance: 6.6 miles or a 20 minute drive from Little Gwendreath Holiday Cottages
Often referred to as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Lizard peninsula, Kynance is popular with walkers and beach goers alike. Access is via one of two footpaths that lead from a National Trust car park (with toilets) and there is a pretty café at the back of the beach. At low tide there are caves to explore to the right hand side of the cove, but ensure you always check tide times first to avoid being cut off. Although this is a very popular beach, the waters can be very dangerous when there are rough seas or when a swell is running causing dangerous currents, and it is not lifeguarded.
Poldhu Cove
Distance: 7.5 miles or a 20 minute drive from Little Gwendreath Holiday Cottages
Poldhu is a favourite beach with locals and visitors alike. Lots of soft sand, which is revealed at low tide, makes this popular with families, especially as the beach is lifeguarded during peak times. There is a car park, toilets and a very popular café at the back of the beach. When the wind, tide and swell align this is a popular surfing beach. If you fancy a go, then Dan Joel Surf School is operated from the back of the beach with lessons and board hire available.
Church Cove - Gunwalloe
Distance: 10.9 miles or a 20 minute drive from Little Gwendreath Holiday Cottages
Just over the hill from Poldhu, you’ll find Church Cove located at Gunwalloe named after the medieval church that is set into the rock of the headland. It is a gorgeous cove with golden sand backing on to grassy dunes. Gunwalloe's exposure to Atlantic swells means it is often a good surf spot but it can also make swimming more challenging. During the summer months there is a lifeguard service, this along with the stream running through the beach for paddling makes it suitable for families. The reed bed is a haven for wildlife with sightings including Wheatears, Reed Buntings and Bee-eaters. There is a National Trust car park, takeaway café and toilets just a short walk from the beach. The beach is also adjacent to Dollar Cove, named after the silver dollars that have occasionally been found there from the wreck of a 17th century ship. This is a rather pebbly beach but a great place to explore rock pools and search for treasure!