Cornwall’s coastline is renowned for its exquisite natural scenery and no more so than its golden sandy beaches. Did you know Cornwall still has a large variety of secret coastal coves that have the ability to transport you back in time to the age when pirates and smuggling was still rife on the Cornish shores?
The coastline can offer you anything you wish for when it comes to solitude and world class natural beauty.
Tiny coastal ports where you can spot the odd fisherman unloading his small boat with boxes of mackerel and pilchards or white sandy beaches with turquoise water are all there to be found.
Here is a list of our favourite secret coves all close to our range of luxurious cottages in Cornwall for you to enjoy on your break… Just keep them to yourselves!
Prussia Cove
This cove is steeped in pirate smuggling history with the name dating back to 1738 when it was named after notorious smuggler ‘King of Prussia, John Carter’.
Prussia cove is located a few miles from Praa sands, and is accessible by a footpath that leads from the free car park. This exquisite inlet has crystal clear water that is perfect for exploring with a snorkel and lazing about like it’s the 1700’s without a care in the world.
Kynance Cove
Not so much a secret but has to be included for its unrivalled beauty, you won’t be on your own here but it’s not as commercial as Cornwall’s main beaches. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Cornwall with its white sand and Mediterranean style ocean. Its surrounded by tiny rock formations and islands making it a picture perfect scene with a host of caves and pools to explore with the appeal stretching back to the Victoria era.
The National Trust have built a toll road and car park, allowing easier access. Take care with rip currents at low tide.
Porthcurno
This cove is steeped in history with it once being the centre of world telecommunications with cables linking Britain to America buried under their picture perfect golden sands which are documented in the nearby Porthcurno Telegraph Museum. The famous Minack theatre is nestled among the cliffs and offers views across the whole bay with shows being played there throughout the week in the summer months.
Church Cove
One of the first coves you come across on the Lizard Peninsula, the beach gets its name from the church that lies on the shores of this beautiful beach. The area is host to many rare plants and wildlife with impressive rock formations surrounding this piece of paradise.
There is a deep shelf at high tide so take care swimming when lifeguards are not patrolling. Access to the beach is from the path leading from the National Trust run car park.
Mullion Cove
This beach is framed by a working fishing port where it’s possible to haggle with the local fisherman for that night’s supper. With its clear waters and white sandy dunes this makes it perfect spot for the whole family with plenty of nooks to be explored when the tide begins to fall. With other sections of the peninsula opening up with the dropping tide it’s also a popular place to get among the waves.
THE VALLEY is proud to be the only 5 Star Gold Self Catering holiday village of its size in the whole of Cornwall
