The Lizard Peninsula Cornwall

The Lizard Cornwall Britain's most southerly point

Lots to see and do, heathland, coves, fishing villages, harbours and beaches too. Latitude 49 deg. 57'N

The Lizard underlain by a unique metamorphic rock- serpentine. Dark green veined with red and white. Easily worked into lampholders, eggs, candle holders, and other souvenirs. Though serpentine ornaments were particularly fashionable in Victorian times, Lizard Village still has several serpentine turners, working their craft in Season. There are lots of craft and gift shops, and several galleries.

Inland much of the heathland, home to many rare plants and small reptiles, such as the adder, is a site of Special Scientific Interest. And also to Earth Station Goonhilly The largest satellite tracking facility in Europe. Though many visitors head only for the Lizard Point and Lighthouse, with its 12 million candlepower beam, one of the Worlds most powerful, open to visitors from Easter to September. there is much else to see and do in this quiet and unspoilt corner of Cornwall, off the beaten track, but much nicer for so being. Why not take a walk along the Coast to Kynance Cove, or east towards Cadgwith.

The Point and Lighthouse There has been a lighthouse on the Point since 1751 warning shipping of the dangers of coming too close to this beautiful but often treacherous coastline. Offshore are the Man o War Rocks. Just below the Point is the Old Lifeboat House and Slipway. The present lifeboat station is a few miles east of the headland. On the 10th November 1721 some thirty years before the lighthouse was built, all but three of the 18 crew of the Royal Anne Galley lost their lives when the vessel was dashed against the cliffs in a fierce storm. Their final resting place is a mass grave on the grassy slope know as Pistol Meadow just west of the Old Lifeboat Slipway. The birdwatcher's amongst you may be lucky to gaze in awe at the wheeling antics of the Cornish chough breeding since 2002 along this stretch of Coast.

East around Lizard Point is little Cadgwith with its thatched cottages, and white washed houses, where the crabbing boats are still pulled up the beach by wire rope and winch. Trip hazards so take care. Walk to the Todden for fine views of the little cove. In season maybe take a boat trip. Cafe, art galleries, a pub. Even in high summer season off the beaten track and delightful. Coverack a village with a granite walled harbour and yet more thatched cottages.

Poldhu Cove where Marconi made the first Transatlantic Radio Transmission. Mullion Cove with a harbour constructed in 1895, but always needing repair after Winter gales, hammering onto the West Coast of the Peninsula.

Only a mile or so west along the Cornish Coastal from Lizard Point is Kynance Cove. All around western side of the Lizard Peninsula the Coast Path offers wonderful views over to Porthleven and on a clear day to St Michael's Mount

Coming to Cornwall ? Why not stay at the Housel Bay Hotel, the most southerly hotel in England. For bed and breakfast have a look at Tregaddra.