Lizard Beaches

Overview

The Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall is a fantastic destination for a beach holiday. It offers a stunning variety of beaches to explore. You'll discover everything from dramatic coves with turquoise waters to expansive sandy shores perfect for families. Whether you seek iconic scenery or quieter spots, the Lizard's coastline has something special.

Among the must-visit locations is the breathtaking Kynance Cove, celebrated for its beautiful waters and striking rock formations, though its popularity means it can get very busy. For a unique historical experience, Gunwalloe features a charming church right on the sand. Families will love the spaciousness of Kennack Sands with its rock pools, and Poldhu Cove is another excellent family choice, popular for its accessible sandy beach. For those seeking a quieter experience close to Lizard Village, Housel Bay offers a more secluded feel, revealing more sand at low tide.

Many Lizard beaches are suitable for swimming, though it's always wise to be aware of local conditions. Understanding the tides is particularly important here, as the amount of available beach can change dramatically, and some areas may become inaccessible at high tide. This guide features a longer list of beaches, helping you find the perfect spot for your visit to this uniquely rugged and often tranquil part of Cornwall.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is the Lizard Peninsula good for a beach holiday?

Yes, the Lizard Peninsula is fantastic for a beach holiday, offering a wide variety of beaches, from popular family-friendly sandy spots like Poldhu Cove and Kennack Sands to dramatic, picturesque coves such as Kynance Cove. You'll find options for swimming, surfing, rock pooling, and simply relaxing amidst stunning scenery.

Kynance Cove

Kennack Sands

Can you swim in the sea at Lizard beaches?

Yes, you can swim at many Lizard beaches. Kennack Sands, Poldhu Cove, and Mullion Cove (at low tide in the harbour) are generally considered safer for swimming, with some having seasonal lifeguard cover. However, always be cautious of tides and currents, especially at more exposed beaches like Kynance Cove, which can have strong rips. Some beaches like Polpeor Cove are unsuitable for swimming.

Kennack Sands

Kynance Cove

What are the beaches like on the Lizard Peninsula?

The Lizard Peninsula boasts a diverse range of beaches. You'll find iconic sandy coves with turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations like Kynance Cove, family-friendly beaches with sand and rock pools such as Kennack Sands and Poldhu Cove, and quieter, more secluded pebble or rocky coves, some of which are hidden gems accessible via the coast path.

Kynance Cove

Kennack Sands

Which beaches on the Lizard are best for families?

Kennack Sands and Poldhu Cove are highly recommended for families. Both offer sandy expanses, rock pools for exploring, and good facilities including parking, toilets, and cafes. Gunwalloe Beach is also popular with families due to its facilities and lifeguard service in summer.

Kennack Sands

Gunwalloe

Are there many dog-friendly beaches on the Lizard?

Yes, the Lizard Peninsula has several dog-friendly beaches. Some, like Lankidden Cove, Dollar Cove, and Pentreath Beach, allow dogs year-round. Others, such as Kynance Cove and Kennack Sands (West beach), have seasonal restrictions, typically from 1st July to 31st August between 10 am and 6 pm. Always check specific beach signage for the most up-to-date rules.

Kynance Cove

Kennack Sands

What's Kynance Cove like and is it always crowded?

Kynance Cove is famed for its stunning white sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic rock stacks, making it incredibly picturesque. However, due to its beauty, it gets extremely busy, especially during peak season (July/August) and on sunny days. The car park often fills up early. To avoid crowds, consider visiting very early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or outside of peak holiday periods.

Kynance Cove

Do I need to worry about tides at Lizard beaches?

Yes, it's very important to be aware of tide times at Lizard beaches. Many coves, like Kynance Cove and Housel Bay, have significantly less beach space at high tide, and some areas or caves can get cut off. Always check the tide times before your visit, especially if planning to explore or walk around headlands.

Kynance Cove

How easy is it to get to beaches on the Lizard from Lizard Village?

Several beaches are accessible from Lizard Village. Housel Bay is a short walk (around 15 minutes) via the coast path from Lizard Point, which is near the village. Kynance Cove is about a 2-mile walk along the coast path or a short drive. Pentreath Beach can be reached by walking from the village. Parking is available at Lizard Point and in the village itself for access to these.

Kynance Cove

People Also Ask

Are there any hidden gem beaches on the Lizard Peninsula?

Yes, the Lizard has several quieter, hidden gem beaches often accessible via the coast path. Lankidden Cove is a beautiful, secluded spot. Leggan Cove, near Kennack Sands, offers a more peaceful experience. Housel Bay, though near Lizard Point, can be quieter than the main beaches. Exploring the coast path can reveal many such coves.

Kennack Sands

What are the parking and facilities like at Lizard beaches?

Facilities vary. Popular beaches like Kynance Cove, Poldhu Cove, and Kennack Sands generally have National Trust or private car parks (charges may apply), toilets, and cafes. Smaller or more remote coves like Lankidden or Pentreath may have no immediate parking or facilities, requiring a walk from the nearest village or car park.

Kynance Cove

Kennack Sands

Is it better to visit Lizard beaches at low or high tide?

Generally, low tide is better for most sandy beaches on the Lizard, like Kynance Cove, Poldhu Cove, and Kennack Sands, as it reveals more sand, rock pools, and caves to explore. Some beaches, like Housel Bay, may have very little or no sand at high tide. Always check tide times before you go.

Kynance Cove

Kennack Sands

Are there beaches on the Lizard suitable for surfing?

Yes, some Lizard beaches are suitable for surfing, though it's not as renowned for surfing as Cornwall's north coast. Poldhu Cove is popular with surfers and has a surf school. Gunwalloe (Church Cove) can also get good surf. Kennack Sands can be suitable for beginners when conditions are right. Kynance Cove can occasionally have waves but is not a primary surf spot.

Gunwalloe

Kennack Sands

Kynance Cove

What is the best time of year to visit Lizard beaches for good weather?

For the warmest weather and highest chance of sunshine, the summer months (June, July, August) are typically best. May and September can also offer pleasant weather with potentially fewer crowds. Kynance Cove, for example, is noted to have a mild climate, especially in May and June. However, Cornish weather can be unpredictable year-round.

Kynance Cove

Are Lizard beaches generally sandy or pebbly?

The Lizard Peninsula offers a mix. You'll find beautiful sandy beaches like Kynance Cove, Poldhu Cove, and Kennack Sands. There are also many pebble beaches or coves with a mixture of sand and shingle, such as Cadgwith Cove and Dollar Cove. Some coves are predominantly rocky.

Kynance Cove

Kennack Sands

How does the Lizard Peninsula compare to other Cornish beach destinations like St Ives or Newquay?

The Lizard Peninsula generally offers a wilder, more rugged, and often quieter beach experience compared to bustling St Ives or surf-centric Newquay. While it has popular spots like Kynance Cove, it's also known for its dramatic cliffs, unique geology (serpentine rock), and numerous secluded coves. St Ives is famous for its art scene and golden town beaches, while Newquay is a major surfing hub with large, lively beaches. The Lizard provides a different, often more tranquil, coastal charm.

Kynance Cove