Resthaven Holiday Home

 Beaches and Coves: Lizard Area

We are building this up as we are get more information.  We certainly welcome any feedback or information from our guests, especially if you find something of particular interest we have not covered here.

This information is given as a guide only and cannot guarantee accuracy and authenticity.

Place

Time from Resthaven

Notes

Porthleven/Loe Bar

10 minute walk

This is right on your doorstep (well a little walk away !)

The beach at Porthleven is a  long sand & pebble beach starting at the fishing port of Porthleven and stretching three miles south west to the Loe Bar and Gunwalloe Fishing Cove.

It is also among rocks and this is great for the children, and maybe some adults exploring rock pools.

The currents are quite strong and swimming is not advised. There is good surfing for the very experienced, otherwise for  people like us just enjoy watching.  

Loe Bar is a fresh water lagoon with a short width of sand separating a large freshwater lake from the sea, It is well worth a visit, but swimming is dangerous due to the currents,  so look but do not jump in !

Rinsey Cove

 10 minute drive, then walk.

 A small but interesting cove between Porthleven and Praa sands. There is a steep walk down to it from a small but free National Trust car park.

The area is also good for walking, view and ruins of old tin mines.

Praa Sands

 15 minute drive

A mile long sweep of sand and surf, Praa Sands enjoys a reputation as one of Cornwall's finest family beaches, ideal for bathing, surfing and all kinds of associated water activities.

A huge sandy beach popular with families and surfers. There are also excellent views on the coast path to the west and east of Praa Sands.  A small stream runs down the beach which provides hours of fun for the children.

There are paying car parks at the western end of the beach and one small car park half way down the beach for short stays

There are 3 cafes/restaurants and a beach shop. We recommend the Beach Cafe which though it does not look much serves good soups, lunches and dinners.

Prussia Cove

  20 minute drive

 Small secluded cove. No facilities.

Marazion

 20 minute drive

Famous for Mounts Bay island and House (National Trust) which can be reached by a causeway at low tide  or by ferry boats at other times.

Lots of sandy beaches and plenty of shops, cafes and pubs, and of course pay parking.

Can be quite busy in the peak season.

Mullion Cove

 20 minute drive

A picturesque cove and harbour, with a sandy beach in the harbour at low tide and another small beach to the South of the harbour.

Car parking is a 10 minute walk from the harbour.

Coverack

 25 minute drive

Attractive fishing village with a pebble and sandy beach

There are 2 Car Parks and some limited street parking .

There is a good pub/restaurant and some cafes.

Cadgwith

 30 minute drive

This attractive fishing village has two small east facing beaches. The main beach is home to many fishing boats and consists of grey shingle

Access is via a car park in the main village.

2 good pub/restaurants.

Church Cove

(Gunwalloe)

 15 minute drive

Attractive south west facing sandy cove with some rocky/pebble areas. There is a tiny church located to the north side of the beach hence the name..

Good for families, but swimming with care.

There is easy access from one National Trust car park.

A  small snack bar plus toilet facilities are available in the peak season.

Poldu Cove

 15 minute drive

A large sandy cove with dunes and a stream running down the beach.

Popular with families.

There is one small paying car park by the beach and public toilets.

There is and also a beach cafe/shop which at the time of writing is open most of the year.

Kennack Sands

 25 minute drive

2 popular sandy beaches with numerous rock pools.

Facilities are close to the beach as is a small car park and two small  beach cafes.

Access is via single track road.

Recommended, but best to go at low tide.

Polurrian Cove

 15/20 minute drive

A large sandy beach but with no parking. Park at Mullion Cove and use the coast path (approx 20 minutes).

Alternatively park at Poldhu Cove and walk south.

Access is via an unmade track leading to beach. Not really suitable for pushchair/wheelchairs or elderly. 

Toilets available in the peak season.

Housel Bay

 25 minute drive, then walk

A small sandy cove which is reached by a 15 minute walk along the coast path from Lizard Point.

Facilities and parking at Lizard National Trust Car Park.

Access is via a steep cliff path and there are no facilities available.

Kynance Cove

 20 minute drive then 10 minute walk from car park

A picturesque cove with a pleasant sandy beach and access to caves at low tide. National Trust parking is a 10 minute walk from the beach. The final steps down to the beach are steep.

 There he is a nice cafe and toilet facilities just off the beach itself.

Very popular,  

Make sure you go at low tide as the beach is completely covered at high tide.

Helford Passage

  30 minute drive

Attractive area, popular with children and boat lovers alike. Small beach accessible at low tide beside the very popular Ferry Boat Inn. Parking is available in the Inn car park, but in the height of Summer this area is extremely busy. Refreshments and toilets

Porthoustock Beach

30 minute drive

East facing beach of stone and shingle. Surrounded by quarry workings. Popular with divers. Parking is on the beach. Swimming with care. 

Maenporth Beach

(Falmouth)

30 minute drive

Attractive East facing beach of sand between small headlands. Parking is right on the beach and has  Disabled Access. There are public toilets and a beach cafe.

Swanpool

35 minute drive

Small beach not far from Falmouth with car park and public toilets.

Includes a beach cafe and restaurant.