Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula
Cornwall's southern coast lies along the 'Western Approaches' and is an area of fantastic contrasts. No area demonstrates this better than that around Mount's Bay, the Lizard and the Helford Estuary. The spectacular ruggedness of Kynance Cove is beautifully balanced by the tranquility of Gunwalloe and the Loe Pool. The surging seas around Lizard Point, mainland Britain's most southerly point, contrast sharply with the lapping waters of the Helford Estuary - Cornwall's foremost oyster fishery. The area is designated and protected as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
In spring and early summer the cliffs are dripping with wild flowers and in late summer purple heather carpets the heathland just inland from the coast. The autumn sees the woods along the Helford river at their best. Your walks will take you along the coast path and through the rugged little harbours at Mullion and Coverack, and around the massive promontory of the Lizard itself. You will visit Kynance Cove and Gunwalloe Cove and stroll through the charming village of Cadgwith with its cobbled quay, a flotilla of small craft drawn up on the beach, and its cascade of thatched fisherman's cottages. One walk will take you out to the Helford River which you can cross by foot ferry to visit the beautifully preserved estuary village of Durgan and the National Trusts garden at Glendurgan.
To give you a 'taster' of the landscape take a look at the beautiful photography in this short video.
The Lizard is a great place for spotting birds of prey, including the elusive peregrine falcon, seabirds, songbirds and seals. At some times of year pods of porpoise and basking sharks appear in the warm waters just offshore.
Lonely Planet lists hiking the South West Coast Path as one of the world's great adventures with “walking at its most diverse, most spectacular and most delicious", and we would definitely agree with that description.
Accommodation
Unless you ask us to customise your trip, and choose alternative accommodation, your holiday on the Lizard will be based at a comfortable family-run guest house in the unspoilt village of Coverack. Your room will have ensuite bathroom facilities and you will have a choice of continental or full English breakfast. Coverack has several inns serving meals in the evening.
If you prefer hotel accommodation we can arrange a room at The Bay Hotel in Coverack, which stands in a slightly elevated position in its own grounds overlooking the waterfront. The well-appointed bedrooms and suites are tastefully decorated and the restaurant prides itself on the use of fresh local produce, with Cornish seafood a particular speciality. The additional cost for accommodation at The Bay Hotel will depend upon the room type chosen.
Bed & Breakfast
Holiday Options
- All of the above prices are per person, and based upon two guests sharing a double or twin-bedded room.
- Single traveller supplement; £75 per night (more about solo traveller supplements and single room supplements).
- Discounts available for parties of three or more guests.
Currency Converter: All of our prices are in British pounds. To estimate the cost in another currency use the currency converter here.
Travel information
Rail: Redruth
Onward travel: Public bus or taxi