Tag: Cornish Coast
Location Guide: Kynance Cove
September 30th, 2022
Kynance cove is one of the best beaches to visit on the Lizard Peninsula and is known worldwide for being one of the most beautiful beaches. With its famous beautiful white sand to squidge your toes in, a fascinating mixture of red and green jagged rocks and luscious turquoise waters, this place is a remarkable sight.
In this guide, we will be discovering Kynance Cove and all its wonders!
How Do I Get To Kynance Cove?
If you are driving, go South on the A3083 towards the Lizard Peninsula. When you are approximately half a mile from the village of Lizard, keep an eye out for a brown sign that says Kynance. You will then follow the road to Kynance, and the beach car park will be signposted. Watch out for the speed bumps down to the car park!
If you have a SatNav or use maps on your phone, you can make it easier using the postcode: TR12 7PJ. This postcode will take you straight to Kynance Cove.
The 37 bus runs to Lizard is the closest stop to Kynance Cove. From the bus stop, it is a mile walk to Kynance Cove.
Is There Parking At Kynance Cove?
Yes! Parking is situated at the top of the cliff. During the summer, this is a staffed car park and a pay and display system is provided by the national trust throughout the year. Be aware that Kynance Cove can be super busy during the summer season, and the car park can fill up quickly! It is best to arrive before 11 am to guarantee a car parking space.
Can You Walk Down to Kynance Cove?
Once you have parked your car in the car park and grabbed your beach gear, it is roughly a fifteen-minute walk down to the beach! Along the way, there are some sensational spots to stop and take in the beautiful scenery.
Cornwall provides some of the best beaches for walks. If you stroll along the South West coastal path, you will stumble upon Kynance Cove. The beach is a two-and-a-half-mile walk from Lizard Point; this walk is the perfect opportunity to take in Cornish nature.
What is Kynance Cove Famous For?
The sheer beauty of Kynance Cove alone is enough reason to visit. Famous for its stunning white sandy beach and turquoise waters, it seems you are abroad! At low tide, it is the perfect opportunity to explore the rocks and caves. You could easily spend hours discovering the area with many fascinating formations and mysterious coves.
Can You Swim at Kynance Cove?
A fascinating part of the beach is the sea, and you can take a dip in the crystal clear waters.
The sea uncovers secret coves to explore, but keep an eye out for the tide to ensure you don’t get caught! The last thing you want is to be standing on a rock, to find the sea has gone in and your only way back to shore is to swim.
What is at Kynance Cove?
Suppose you haven’t packed a picnic, do not worry! There is a brilliant eco-friendly cafe located just above the beach. The Kynance Cove Cafe sells an array of delicious food, from iconic Cornish pasties and fresh sandwiches to homemade cakes and cream teas. The cafe also sells beach goods if you forget to bring some beachy essentials.
The cafe also comes equipped with toilets! There is also a toilet located in the car park.
Is Kynance Cove Dog Friendly?
Yes! During the winter months, you can take your four-legged friends down to Kynance Cove for a furry adventure. Splashing around in the water, running around different coves and playing fetch on the beach will be so much fun for any pup who puts its paws onto the sand.
However, in the high season, between 1st July – 31st August, there is a seasonal dog ban. This dog ban is daily from 10 am – 6 pm. But do not worry, though! There are plenty of things to do in Cornwall with dogs not too far from Kynance Cove that will provide endless fun for you and your pup.
How Safe is Kynance Cove?
There are so many rocks and coves to explore once the sea leaves the sand, so there is a chance of injury. Please keep yourself safe by staying on the main beach areas, and do not put yourself in harm’s way.
As mentioned earlier, you must keep an eye on the tide to ensure you are not caught. Additionally, please be aware that lifeguards do not man Kynance Cove, so enter the sea at your own risk. If you are looking for beaches with lifeguards, check out our guide to family friendly beaches in Cornwall for more information.
Our beautiful range of holiday cottages in Cornwall is available to book now! These stunning cottages are the perfect companion for exploring the fantastic place of Kynance Cove. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 01872 862194 or book online for reservations or inquiries.
5 Best Fish and Chip Shops in Cornwall
August 23rd, 2021
Fish and chips are a British staple, and we think that nowhere does this dish better than Cornwall!
Cornwall has a range of great places to eat some classic dishes, but you can’t go wrong with freshly-caught flaky fish, crispy batter and chunky chips.
No luxury family holiday in Cornwall would be complete without trying some local fish and chips – discover some of the best spots for your next foodie adventure.
Harbour Lights, Falmouth
Among the top 10 finalists for the 2019 National Fish & Chip Awards, this spot located on the Falmouth high street certainly has a brilliant reputation for a top-notch
Harbour Lights offers a range of fresh, locally-caught fish, with bestsellers being classic cod and haddock. The chips are also made from Cornish potatoes, so you can be sure you’re getting the full Cornish experience! You can also now enjoy a vegan version of ‘fish and chips’ with nori-wrapped, battered tofu on the menu.
You can choose to dine in and enjoy the harbourside views or takeaway and enjoy your meal by the beach.
The Fisherman’s Chippy, Mevagissey
If you’re after a truly idyllic setting to enhance your fish and chip experience even more, you won’t find much better than The Fisherman’s Chippy on Oliver’s Quay in the stunning harbourside village of Mevagissey.
The classic options of cod, haddock, plaice and scampi, along with the deliciously fluffy chips, are sure to more than satisfy you and have garnered a loyal local following. With a strong focus on sustainability and using local produce, you can also eat happily in the knowledge that you are supporting the local community.
The Fisherman’s Chippy is now also taking their menu on the road with their new Chip Van that caters to public and private events!
Mariners Fish & Chips, Penryn
Serving MSC certified fish, Mariners has a wonderful menu with a modern take on the classic fish and chip shop. All the fish is caught locally from Falmouth bay, and the shop is run by a family who have been in the chip shop business for three generations.
Along with a no-nonsense portion of fish and chips, you’ll also find fish tapas, panko-breaded Japanese-style fish, tortillas and burgers. There are plenty of veggie and gluten-free options available, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious bite to eat.
Harbour Fish & Chips, St Ives
After a busy day at the gorgeous St Ives beach, treat yourself to a spot of fish and chips at this perfectly situated beachside chippy. Served alongside the stunning views, you can enjoy locally caught fish and seafood, with battered and grilled options available.
Aside from a classic portion of fish and chips, there are also scallops, muscles, squid and more to choose from. All of the fish on the menu comes from a local fishmonger, and the potatoes are supplied by Cornish farms.
Lewis’s Fish and Chip Shop, Newlyn
Newlyn is famous for its harbour that has been exporting fish for over 500 years, and Lewis’s has capitalised on that accessibility to serve arguably the freshest fish around – you can even spot it being carried from the harbour to the restaurant where it is quickly prepared by the chefs!
This is the place to visit for something a bit different from cod, with the restaurant serving delicious john dory, hake and monkfish!
We hope your Cornish adventure is full of plenty of delicious food – a visit to one of these fish and chip shops is sure to hit the spot!
If you’re still looking for the perfect place to stay on your holiday in Cornwall, check out our luxury accommodation here at The Valley.
6 Cornish Ghost Stories
October 26th, 2020
Cornwall is one of the most atmospheric counties in the UK. With vast moors, mysterious rock formations and a rugged coastline renowned for shipwrecks, it is the perfect setting for tales of mystery and paranormal occurrences!
As we head into the colder months, what better way to spend an evening than cosying up in our Truro holiday cottages with a hot drink and some nail-biting tales to keep you entertained!
We reveal our top selection of ghost stories, from phantom ships to evils spirits! Which ones will you be sharing this autumn?
Lost Land of Lyonesse
Once the home of Tristan in the Arthurian legend of Tristan and Iseult, Lyonesse is now more famously recognised as a mythical lost land off the coast of Cornwall.
The legend of Lyonesse is of a land which once existed between the western coast of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It was submerged by water, with the only evidence of its previous existence the sound of its ringing church bells heard out at sea.
Only one man was thought to have survived a tragedy who, by a stroke of luck, was hunting. Upon hearing the noise of the massive surge of water, he rode away on his white horse in an easterly direction towards Land’s End.
As he ferociously escaped, his horse lost one shoe. The survivor’s family used the symbol of three horseshoes and a white horse as the family crest and was used by those who believed they were his descendants.
This ghostly tale has been enhanced over the years by fishermen, who claim to hear the eery ringing of church bells and discovery of old rubble in the water.
Perhaps the eeriest part of the story is that some believe that it really once existed and was hit by a tsunami.
The Ghost of Jan Tregeagle
One of Cornwall’s most feared ghosts is the spirit of Jan Tregeagle.
Once a Cornish magistrate and lawyer in the 17th Century, Jan Tregeagle was infamous for his evil and inhumane acts, including the murder of his wife.
Allegedly in alliance with the devil, he was believed to appear and testify at his court case after his death… spooky!
In the horror that he may not be able to be sent back to hell, he was ordered to do a series of laborious and mind-numbing tasks until judgement day. His first task was to withdraw all the water from Dozmary Pool using a limpet shell.
Eventually, after escaping his punishments, St Petroc was summoned to fasten him in chains where he was then taken to Helston.
The Whooper of Sennen Cove
On a beautiful, clear day, a mist descended on Sennen Cove. Accompanying the fog came a mysterious whooping sound that carried over the sea. It was believed to warn those who heard it of oncoming storms.
One day, two fishermen chose to ignore the warning. Once they sailed into the sea, they were never seen again!
Ghostly Church Bells
At Land’s End lies a mysterious graveyard where the sound of bells has been heard chiming at midnight there. It is believed the bells come from the ghost of a sea captain, who is in denial that his ship has sunk.
The sailors who hear them are feared to meet an unfortunate end at sea —one sailor was lost at sea after reportedly hearing the bad omen.
The Logan Stone
Are you familiar with the term logan stone? A logan stone is a large stone that is naturally balanced and rocks with the smallest force, such as the wind.
At Nancledra, a tale tells of a logan stone which only ever rocked at midnight.
It was rumoured to be the meeting place of witches, and those who wanted to convert would secretly visit the stone. They had to touch the rock nine times at midnight! Its powers were believed to cure children of rickets, but only if their parents were married!
The Ghost Ship of Porthcurno
An old sailing ship was seen off the coast in Penzance. As it sailed across the sea, witnesses feared it would hit the rocks as it headed straight in their direction. However, the mysterious ship defied all odds and continued to sail over the land and eventually faded from eye’s view as it continued through Porthcurno.
We would love to share mystical Cornish ghosts stories all day, as there are so many intriguing tales home to the county! What are the ghostliest locations you have visited in Cornwall? Why not share your tales with us on our social media channels; we would love to hear about them!
5 Fascinating Facts About the Lizard Peninsula
October 19th, 2020
The Lizard Peninsula is the most southern part of the UK, standing out for its unique geology and rock formations. Its rugged, rocky coastline is believed to contain rock which dates to over 500 million years old!
What is the Lizard Peninsula?
Almost an island of its own, the Lizard Peninsula is an impressive rocky headland surrounded by ocean on three of its sides with the Helford River to the North.
Situated on the South West Coast Path, it is a popular spot for walkers who come to marvel at its beauty as they enjoy a spot of adventure during their Cornwall short breaks.
It’s beautiful landscape not only attracts the attention of visitors, but the unique area is a hot spot for scientists as well! We explore its incredible history and offerings with our top selection of fascinating facts!
The Origins of Its Name is Not What You Assume
Despite its mysterious title, the name ‘Lizard’ unfortunately doesn’t derive from mystical origins.
Neither does the name come from the Serpentine rock which the area is renowned for. The surface of Serpentine transforms into a snake and scaly like surface once polished.
The roots of its name are relatively ambivalent, but one proposal is that it comes from the Cornish term ‘Lys Ardh’ which means ‘high court’.
Another suggestion is that the name has connections to the Cornish word ‘lezou’ which is translated to ‘headland’.
Image Credit: Visit Cornwall
Home to the UK’s Most Southerly Lighthouse
As the most southerly point in the UK, it comes as little surprise that it also boasts the UK’s most southerly lighthouse.
Previous to the lighthouse’s construction in 1752, the coast of the Lizard was a dangerous area for ships and was titled the ‘Graveyard of Ships’. The spot is now home to the Lizard Lifeboat Station.
Mainland Britain’s Largest Outcrop of Serpentine
As mentioned, the Lizard Peninsula has been a point of interest for scientists and geologists.
It isn’t uncommon to see many university students visit the area as the rocks here are not found in nearby locations.
One distinct rock is Serpentine. The Lizard Peninsula is mainland Britain’s most significant outcrop of the rock. It’s striking appearance was reportedly favoured by Queen Victoria which heightened the industry in the 19th-century.
Best Preserved Exposed Ophiolite in the UK
Another area of geological interest at the Lizard Peninsula is the ophiolite.
The Lizard Peninsula is heralded as UK’s top spot to see the best-preserved source of exposed ophiolite.
An ophiolite is a unique form of rock formation which is produced from the Earth’s oceanic crust pushed onto the continental crust. It is often green in colour.
The parts of ophiolite include:
• The serpentinites
• The ‘oceanic complex’
• The metamorphic basement
An ophiolite can be found in the mountain belts of locations such as the Himalayas and the Alps, and amazingly you can also see it in Cornwall!
Image Credit: Visit Cornwall
It’s an Area of Outstanding Beauty
The Lizard Peninsula has received many awards for its stunning landscape and is a heavily protected area. It is largely recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), as well as providing eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest. These awards and sites are specifically bestowed to protect the geology and wildlife of the area.
The Lizard Peninsula is cared for and under the ownership of a variety of organisations including the National Trust, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Natural England.
Off land, the surrounding ocean at the Manacles has been awarded as a Marine Conservation Zone which is rich in marine biodiversity.
The Lizard Peninsula is a stunning, natural and protected area, providing the ultimate location for wildlife to blossom. What are your favourite facts about the Lizard Peninsula? Which has not been covered in our blog? Why not share your thoughts on our social media channels; we would love to know!
5 Sports to Enjoy in Cornwall
October 12th, 2020
Whether you love reading on the beach or running on it, Cornwall has plenty of activities on offer amongst beautiful scenery!
If you’re a particularly active person in search of adventure sports, you will be pleased to know that Cornwall is a prime spot for sports activities, especially watersports! We take a look at Cornwall’s top activities and the best locations to experience them.
After an active day, what better way to unwind than in one of our luxury hot tub cottages Cornwall? The Valley specialises in beautiful self-catering holiday cottages nestled in peaceful countryside. A short distance from exhilarating attractions, including beaches and heritage sites, it is ideal for those who love to explore!
Hiking and Running
Cornwall is inundated with vast and stunning countryside and the county is most famous for being home to the South West Coast Path. The path outlines the South West coast, including the whole of Cornwall, starting in Minehead, Devon, and ending in Poole Harbour.
There are various walks you can experience throughout the path ,and you can do as much or as little as you want.
Some of our favourite walks include The Lizard Peninsula, Pentire Point & The Rumps and Talland Bay & Looe.
If you are an avid runner, the path is ideal for those who want to put on your running shoes and experience all it has to offer at a faster pace!
Cycling
If you want to travel further and faster, cycling might be the perfect sport to experience while staying in Cornwall. The county is home to plenty of cycling trails, and many are traffic-free.
Located near St Austell, The Clay Trails consist of five pathways which showcase the dramatic scenery belonging to the area. Visitors can enjoy them by walking, cycling and horse riding!
Another great place to explore by bike is Seaton Valley Countryside Park. The trial explores the countryside, riverside and the coast. It is perfect for spotting wildlife, including dormice, kingfishers and butterflies!
Cornish Hurling
Not to be confused with Irish hurling, Cornish Hurling is a unique sport belonging to the county.
It is one of Cornwall’s most original customs and has a history dating back to about one thousand years ago. It is quite a rough game where opposing teams try to keep the possession of a silver-coated ball.
It is now only played once a year in St Columb Major and St Ives. You can see locals play at the St Ives Feast, which is an annual event on the first Monday after 3rd February.
Rock Climbing
If you want to try something a bit daring, rock climbing could be the ideal activity for you!
Cornwall has plenty of opportunities to try rock climbing on its dramatic cliffs! At the Lizard Peninsula, one of Cornwall’s most stunning coastlines, an adventure company called Lizard Adventure work with the National Trust to provide such experiences.
Here, you can try your hand at rock climbing, coasteering, kayaking and paddleboarding! Their range of rock climbing programmes provide anything from introductions for beginners to guidance for experienced climbers transitioning from wall to outdoor cliff, and there is something for everyone to try, no matter your age or ability!
Surfing
Arguably, the UK’s most associated county for surfing if you want to ride some waves, there are few better places to start than in Cornwall!
Newquay is regarded as the surf mecca for the activity, with a variety of beaches and surf schools in the town and surrounding it. Sennen Cove is another popular spot which is favoured due to its sheltered beach.
For those just starting, a beginners lesson is thoroughly recommended as it will provide you with invaluable advice as well as teach you the basics of beach safety.
That concludes our top pick of watersports in Cornwall! Don’t forget to check out others such as bodyboarding, swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and coasteering! Cornwall provides a whole host of activities while being surrounded by some of Britain’s most inspiring scenery!
What are you hoping to master on your next visit to Cornwall? Why not let us know on our social media channels!
New art exhibition sees Kernow coastline as its inspiration
November 05th, 2015
It has been announced this week that a new exhibition has been unveiled at the Royal Cornwall Museum, seeing inspiration drawn from the regions rugged coastline, while also encouraging visitors to experience their own moments with alluring Kernow coast for themselves.
