Most southerly penisula of England
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/lizard-point Web: www.visitcornwall.com/regions/the-lizard
The Lizard Peninsula is known for its majestic coastline, treacherous seas and delightful sandy coves. Cornwall's first lighthouse was built on the headland in 1619 and its modern successor throws its light a distance of 29 miles. Perhaps the most spectacular cove on the Lizard peninsula is Kynance. Numerous caves and arches have been carved out of the colourful, veined Serpentine rock by the sea. At Kennack Sands the two beaches join together at low tide to form one of the longest stretches of sand on the eastern side of the Lizard. In the centre of the Lizard peninsula are the distinctive dishes of the Goonhilly Earth Satellite Station, which has an interesting visitor centre.
With the sea on three sides and the Helford River to the north the Lizard Peninsula is almost an island, a high plateau surrounded by the sea, with numerous hidden little coves and beaches. The south west coastal footpath winds its way around most of the Lizard making it popular with walkers. And the A3083 runs down through the centre of the peninsula to Lizard Village.
Little villages such as St. Martin, Porthoustock, Porthallow, St. Keverne and the safe family beaches, Kennack Sands and Coverack are all well worth a visit. Fishing boats still set sail each day from coves such as Cadgwith and Coverack where there is a sheltered bay, ideal for most water-sports. These villages once the haunt of smugglers and the occasional pirate, now attract windsurfers and divers who come to explore, the many shipwrecks around The Lizard's coastline. Lizard Village has serpentine rock gift shops clustered around village green, and The Top House, is the most southerly pub in Cornwall.
On the west coast, Porthleven is the most southerly port in mainland Britain, a harbour full of yachts and fishing boats. At Gunwalloe - Church Cove you will find a beautiful church set amongst the sand dunes. Mullion is a bustling little inland village which has shops, inns, cafes and restaurants, craft shops and art galleries, not forgetting the quaint harbour at Mullion Cove.
On the road to nearby Church Cove , the ancient church of St. Wynwallow has woodwork from the wreck of a Portuguese treasure ship.
The peninsula has been designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and as a site of special scientific interest. A large proportion is owned by the National Trust and as a result it has remained mostly unchanged and unspoilt.
The 1,074 gross ton bulk coaster carrier MV 'Ardgarry' was lost in a heavy storm, in over thirty foot high waves, off Lizard Point on 29th December 1962. All twelve crewmen perished and were never found. The 'Ardgarry' was carrying coal from Swansea and headed to Rouen in France. Six of the crew were from Northern Ireland, five from Scotland, and one from Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. Found again in 2006, the ship's bell was recovered, and a memorial service was held by family members in August 2008.
Early in the spring of 2001, there was a small influx of wild choughs along the south coast of England, from Portland in Dorset to the Isles of Scilly and a group of three took up residence on the Lizard Peninsula.
The biggest rescue in the RNLI's history was on the 17th March 1907 when the 12,000 tonne liner SS 'Suevic' hit the Maenheere Reef near Lizard Point. In a strong gale and dense fog RNLI lifeboat volunteers rescued 456 passengers, including 70 babies. Crews from the Lizard, Cadgwith, Coverack and Porthleven rowed out repeatedly for sixteen hours to rescue all of the people on board. Six silver RNLI medals were later awarded, two to Suevic crew members.
On 15th January 2004 the French fishing trawler 'Bugaled Breizh' sank off Lizard Point with the loss of five lives. There were claims at the time by French marine accident experts that the vessel may have been pulled under when her nets became entangled in a British or Dutch submarine which was conducting NATO exercises in the area at the time.
Originally with two lifeboat stations at Polpeor and Cadgwith, The Lizard all weather Tyne class lifeboat is now located at Kilcobben Cove. Operating for over 145 years, the crews have been presented with twelve awards for gallantry.
Between Lizard Point and the Lifeboat Station is Bass Point where there is a National Coastwatch Institution lookout, giving amazing views up and down the coast.
Cadgwith
Miniscule fishing village on east coast of Lizard Peninsula between Lizard Village and Coverack. Two small shingle beaches, and cluster of pastel-washed thatched cottages. Fleet once landed 1,798,000 pilchards over four days in 1904. There is a small church still open dedicated to St. Mary. A short walk leads to the Devil's Frying Pan, a collapsed sea cave. Local pub is the Cadgwith Cove Inn.
Coverack
Unspoiled fishing village on the Lizard Peninsula at the end of the B3294, with minuscule quay and traditional cottages spilling down to sea. For many years an RNLI lifeboat station, because of proximity to feared Manacles Reef. One of many villages where smuggling supplemented the fishing industry. Local pub is The Paris Hotel.
Cury
Small hamlet between Mullion and Culdrose Airfield, about three miles south of Helston. Local church is dedicated to St. Corentine. Local pub is The Wheel Inn.
Gunwalloe
Charming cove to west of The Lizard Peninsula, adjoining Church Cove where St. Winwalloe church overlooks beach. Separate bell tower. First transatlantic radio signals transmitted by Marconi from Poldhu Point monument. Now site of Marconi Visitors Centre. The village was once owned by the Penrose family and was part of the Penrose Estate. The cliffs in this area were much used by smugglers in the past, and stories link their activities with the Halzephron Inn.
Gweek
Formerly a busy port at head of Helford River. Now picturesque village with maritime antiquities, boatyards, crafts and popular Seal Sanctuary with underwater observatory. Local pub is The Black Swan.
Helston
'Quaint old Cornish town' of the Furry Dance, which each May 8th spins through streets, gardens and shops. Bob Fitzsimmons, world heavyweight boxing champion, born here. Victorian Guildhall, Butter-market Folk Museum, Loe Pool and Penrose Estate for walks. Nearby R.N.A.S. Culdrose, with viewing enclosure and Air Day in July. Flambards theme park and Poldark Mine are leading tourist attractions. On the main A3083 road leading to the Lizard Peninsula.
Kynance Cove
Famed beauty spot north-east of Lizard village on The Lizard Peninsula. Sheltered sandy coves and caves at low tide. Steep path from cliff-top car park (NT). Asparagus Island, just off shore, is so called because the crop used to grow here.
Landewednack
Situated on the Lizard Peninsula on the road to nearby Church Cove , the ancient church of St. Wynwallow has woodwork from the wreck of a Portuguese treasure ship.
Lizard Village
Serpentine rock gift shops clustered around village green. Walks to lighthouse, lifeboat station, mainland Britain's southern-most point.
Manaccan
A small country village on The Lizard Peninsula, near to Helford with a church (St. Manaccus) that has an unusual claim to fame, for out of its south wall grows a fig tree. The well in the village square was restored to commemorate the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977. Local pub is The New Inn.
Mawgan-in-Menage
Some pretty cottages nestle in a wooded valley south of the Helford River. The parish church is dedicated to St. Mauganus. Nearby is Trelowarren, the estate of the Vyvyan family who have owned it since 1427. Local pub is The Ship Inn.
Mullion
The largest village on the Lizard with shops, inns, cafes and restaurants, craft shops and art galleries. This close-knit village, has an interesting 15th century church of St. Melanus with carved bench-ends, and stands above the sturdy harbour of Porth Mellin (NT). Excellent walking. Marconi monument at Poldhu Cove. . The cove is dominated by the Poldhu Hotel built in 1901. Local pubs are the The Old Inn and The Mounts Bay Inn.
Porthallow
Porthallow near The Manacles Reef on the east coast of the Lizard was once a busy village engaged in the pilchard fishing industry. It is now popular with locals and visitors alike, if only for the sake of its pub. Situated right beside the beach and aptly called the Five Pilchards Inn, it contains a marvellous collection of photographs and items retrieved from the wrecks.
Porthoustock
Secluded shingle coves, notable for angling and diving, on east side of The Lizard Peninsula. Several fishing boats still operate from the beach catching lobster and crab. Close to The Manacles Reef.
Porthleven
Pleasant harbour town two miles south-west of Helston on the B3304, with waterfront inns, galleries and craft shops. Developed last century, still a working fishing port. three section harbour with wooden baulks lowered against storms. Loe Bar and Pool, Penrose Estate with its 17th century manor house, is worth exploring on foot. The church of St. Bartholomew was built in 1842.
Ruan Minor
Small village on the east side of The Lizard Peninsula, three miles from Lizard Village. Local pub is The Potters Bar.
St. Keverne
Pleasant village with square on The Lizard Peninsula at the end of the B3293. 400 shipwreck victims of nearby The Manacles Reef buried in churchyard. The birthplace of the 1497 Cornish Rebellion. Annual Ox Roast in August. Beaches at Porthallow, Housel Bay and Kennack Sands. Nature trails at Tregellast Barton farm. Local pub is The Three Tuns.
St. Martins Green
On The Lizard Peninsula, near Helford. Local pub is the Prince of Wales.
Carminowe Valley Garden
Two miles South of Helston.
Goonhilly Downs
Located on The Lizard Peninsula. Notable for its British Telecom Satellite Earth Station, ancient monuments and barrows, and national nature reserve of 103 acres, habitat of rare heathers. Wind farm.
Goonhilly Earth Satellite Station
Goonhilly Downs on The Lizard Peninsula.
Kestle Barton Gallery and Garden
At the end of The Gillian Creek, near Helford.
Lizard Lighthouse
On The Lizard Peninsula.
Lizard Point
The most southerly point on mainland Great Britain.
Marconi Visitors Centre
Poldhu near Mullion
National Seal Sanctuary
A busy rescue centre caring for dozens of injured and orphaned seals, Gweek, near Helston.
Predannack Airfield
Just south of Mullion.
Roskilly's Farm
St.Keverne.
Royal Navy Air Station Culdrose
One mile South-East of Helston.
The Loe Pool
The largest freshwater lake in Cornwall separated from the sea by a fascinating shingle bank known as Loe Bar, near Porthleven.
Trelowarren House
About three miles South-East of Helston on the B3293.
Cadgwith Coverack Helston Kynance Cove Lizard Lighthouse Porthallow Porthoustock Porthleven
Mullion Cove St. Keverne Trelowarren Kestle Barton Cornish Lifeboat Stations Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose
Carminowe Valley Garden Goonhilly Earth Satellite Station Marconi Visitors Centre Lizard Village Roskilly's Farm
The Coastal Footpath Lizard Point