A guide to exploring The Lizard Peninsula

If it’s stillness you’re craving, the Lizard delivers in spades.

Kynance Cove, with its otherworldly rock formations and jewel-bright sea, is best visited early or out of season, when you can hear nothing but waves curling against the shore.

Poltesco Valley offers a softer kind of quiet; a gentle walk through a wooded valley leads to a pebbled beach where the past lingers in the ruins of an old serpentine works.

And then there’s St Winwaloe Church at Gunwalloe, a tiny, ancient church set in the dunes, where sea grass sways and time seems to slow. These are places to sit, breathe deeply, and let Cornwall work its quiet magic.

The Lizard Peninsula is a dream for sea swimmers, with waters so clear they wouldn’t look out of place in the Mediterranean.

Poldhu Cove is a favourite for its sheltered curve of golden sand and rolling, swimmable waves – ideal for a bracing morning dip.

Coverack, with its charming harbour and pebbled shoreline, offers calmer waters on the right tide and a friendly village atmosphere to return to afterwards.

For the more adventurous, Cadgwith Cove promises a true wild swim experience – fishing boats bobbing nearby, dramatic cliffs rising behind you and the invigorating rush of Atlantic salt on your skin. Whatever the season, there’s something wonderfully life-affirming about plunging into these waters.

When the sun shines, the South West Coast Path along the Lizard feels like walking through a painting. The route from Lizard Point to Kynance Cove is a classic – sweeping views, rare wildflowers and the satisfying sense of standing at the edge of the country.

The Helford River offers a gentler wander, with wooded creeks, quiet beaches and the chance to pause at waterside pubs along the way.

And for a touch of drama, Mullion Cove’s clifftop paths deliver panoramic sea views and the kind of sunsets that stop you in your tracks. These are walks that invite you to slow down, camera forgotten, simply soaking it all in.

Exploring works up an appetite, and the Lizard’s food scene is as heartfelt as its landscapes. At The Hidden Hut near Porthcurnick, beachside feasts are served with sea views and salty hair – think fresh, seasonal dishes eaten from wooden benches.

Closer to the heart of the Lizard, The Witchball in the village itself offers comforting plates and a warm welcome after a blustery coastal walk.

And in Coverack, Oceanview Restaurant serves up local seafood so fresh it practically tells its own story, best enjoyed overlooking the harbour as the light fades. Here, food is simple, generous and deeply connected to the sea.

Perched high above the turquoise waters of Polurrian Cove, Col Ros captures everything that makes the Lizard Peninsula so special. This stunning cliff-top home is made for gathering, with light-filled social spaces, five luxurious bedrooms and sea views at every turn. A generous terrace and rolling lawn melt into the coastal backdrop, while a private garden path leads straight to the coast path and sandy cove below. With Mullion, Cadgwith and Coverack close by, Col Ros offers an unforgettable taste of Cornwall from the very first doorstep moment.

One of Cornwall’s most southerly homes, Tresawle is a breathtaking retreat designed to embrace the wild beauty of the Lizard Peninsula. Sleeping ten across five bedrooms, this architect-designed haven is wrapped in soaring glass and endless sea views, from Bumble Rock to the beam of Lizard Lighthouse and sunrises over the Atlantic. Step from the garden straight onto the South West Coast Path, perfect for ramblers and dog walkers alike, or simply stay put and watch the weather roll in through expansive windows. Just minutes from Lizard Point itself, Tresawle promises dramatic landscapes, luxurious interiors and unforgettable, edge-of-the-world moments in every season.

Overlooking the sparkling bay of Coverack, Tydl is a warm and welcoming retreat in one of Cornwall’s most cherished fishing villages. Bi-fold doors open wide to frame panoramic sea views, fishing boats head out with their crab pots, winter storms roll in, and the occasional dolphin slices through the water if you’re lucky. Inside, light-filled open-plan living spaces flow effortlessly, complemented by three serene ensuite bedrooms designed for restful coastal nights. A sweeping balcony, large enclosed garden, outdoor shower and handy wetsuit storage make beach days blissfully easy. Set within the rugged beauty of the Lizard Peninsula, Tydl invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and savour time together by the sea.