The Lizard Peninsula is the most southerly point of mainland Britain, and Kynance Cove is its extraordinary centrepiece. The cliffs are made of serpentine — a rare metamorphic rock that weathers to bands of red, green, and black — and the sea in the cove takes on a jade-turquoise colour that genuinely stops people in their tracks.
At low tide, the caves and stacks become accessible and children (and adults) scramble over the formations to discover hidden pools and tunnels. There is a small beach café that serves excellent pasties and closes before the crowds get too bad. At high tide, the beach disappears almost entirely, and the cove becomes a study in dramatic rock and moving water.
The coast path here — both north and south of the cove — is among the finest walking in England. The cliff-top turf is carpeted in spring with sea campion and thrift; in summer with heather. The National Trust manages the approach and there is a car park (paid) a short walk from the cove itself.
The locals say
“Get here before 10am in July and August — the car park fills fast and the cove becomes unpleasantly busy by midday. Come back in September when it's half the crowd and the heather is at its best.”
Getting there
There is no train. Drive the A3083 from Helston to the Lizard. The National Trust car park at Kynance Cove is about 1.5 miles before Lizard village — look for the signs. Cash or card accepted.
Best time to visit
June for the wildflowers and uncrowded swimming. September for heather and empty cliffs.
