Local Information
Walking along the pristine coastline is one of the main attractions of this region, made famous recently by the success of Poldark.
There are many pretty coves, and one that is known as Priest’s Cove is recorded as having been in use since medieval times. Today it is used by a few fishermen and for the annual swimming races. Other nearby beaches and coves include Kenidjack, Gwynver Beach, Sennen Cove, Nanjizal, Portheras Cove, Porthgwarra and Porthcurno.
St Ives
St Ives town is a charming fishing harbour and seaside town a 30 minute drive from Cape Cornwall. Wander through the maze of narrow cobbled streets, independent shops and fisherman’s cottages in the heart of St Ives. Sample some of the tastiest award-winning restaurants, cafés and bars in the Southwest. Surf at the blue flag-rated Porthmeor beach and feel the soft sand between your toes, or set off on an inspiring walk along the coastal path towards CCC and Land’s End.
Minack Theatre & Porthcurno
A short drive away is Porthcurno, once an important place on the map. It was the cantre of world telecommunication, until recently, there was a training school for the telecommunication industry to which people came from all over the world. The Porthcurno Telegraph Museum remains as a testament to the past. It incorporates tunnels well below the surface used to house top secret equipment during the Second World War.
The Minack Theatre is a wonderful open air venue which commands superb views across Porthcurno Bay as far as the Lizard Peninsula, with its turquoise water and golden rocks.
Between May and September each year, performances are given by a variety of theatrical companies.
Penzance
Penzance is a historic port on the south facing shores of Mount’s Bay and has one of the mildest climates in the UK. One of the striking things about the town is the abundance of palm trees and gardens full of sub-tropical plants, a sure sign that you have arrived
Somewhere unique made even more special by the sight of St Michael’s Mount in Marazion.
Newlyn
The famous fishing port of Newlyn is home to one of the largest fleets in the United Kingdom, with over 40 acres of harbour. The industry is one of the most important in the county, contributing millions of pounds to the Cornish economy each year. All sorts of fishing vessels can be seen in the harbour – beam trawlers, long liners, crabbers and even small open boats used for hand-lining for mackerel in the Bay.
The port was ransacked and torched by a Spanish raiding party in the 16th century, then rebuilt. Today, very little of old Newlyn remains. Many of the white painted or stone faced granite cottages, separated by steep, narrow alleys, were only saved from demolition by the outbreak of the Second World War. The medieval harbour walls are dwarfed by the hundred year old walls of the North and South Piers.
St Michael's Mount
St Michael’s Mount is a civil parish and is linked to the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway of granite setts, passable between mid and low tides.
The castle and chapel have been the home of the St Aubyn family since approximately 1650. Visitors can enjoy the secluded harbour village, shops and castle lawns.
Pendeen
The white lighthouse of Pendeen Watch stands on a headland below from where spectacular sunsets can be seen. The adjacent Boat Cove is a tiny fishing cove and, a little further, Portheras Cove is a remote but pleasantly sandy beach.
The stunning Cornish coastline around Pendeen was once at the heart of the Cornish tin and copper mining industry. Geevor Tin Mine gives you the opportunity to visit a real mine and learn what life was like for a Cornish miner. Geevor is set in stunning scenery on the Atlantic coast and was the last mine to work the famous St Just Mining District.
Explore the mine buildings at your own pace and take a visit into 18th century Wheal Mexico Mine where men worked 200 years ago.