The Lizard is a peninsula in the far south of Cornwall, with Lizard Point its southern tip, about 11 miles south of Helston. Lizard Point is the most southerly point of mainland Britain.

What is The Lizard known for?

The Lizard is known as mainland Britain's most southerly point, with a lighthouse that has stood at Lizard Point since 1751. It's also famed for its rare wildlife, distinctive serpentine rock and the stunning scenery of nearby Kynance Cove.

What is there to do at The Lizard?

You can stand at the most southerly point, visit the lighthouse and its visitor centre, watch for seals, dolphins and choughs at the wildlife point, and walk the coast path. The walk to nearby Kynance Cove is one of the finest in Cornwall.

What is Kynance Cove like?

Kynance Cove is a strikingly beautiful spot with dramatic serpentine rock stacks, caves and a sandy beach exposed at low tide. There's a National Trust car park on the cliffs above, with a walk down to the beach itself.

Is The Lizard worth visiting?

Yes. For dramatic cliff scenery, rich wildlife and the chance to stand at the very tip of mainland Britain, the Lizard is one of the most memorable and unspoilt corners of Cornwall.

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The Lizard: Britain's Most Southerly Point | Down The Cove

Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

The Lizard

is where mainland Britain runs out: a wild, wind-scoured headland of serpentine cliffs, hidden coves and a lonely lighthouse keeping watch over the Atlantic. From the jewel-like sands of Kynance Cove to the wildlife-rich Lizard Point itself, it's a landscape that feels gloriously like the edge of the world.

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A calm Down The Cove places guide for slower coastal days, family visits and local detail.

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Plan your visit

A simple guide to the feel of the place, how to arrive, and what to keep in mind before you go.

The Lizard is the kind of place where the day is shaped by simple things: tide, weather, a picnic, and time to notice the coast properly.

Best forOpen coastal character with sand, pebbles, cliffs or coves depending on the tide and weather.

Families, beach days, coast paths, rock pools and relaxed exploring.

The full guide

Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.

The Lizard is the most southerly point of mainland England and is alleged to be the place where the first sighting of the Spanish Armada was made.

The RNLI has stationed a lifeboat at the Lizard since 1859 - originally at Polpeor and then from 1959 at nearby Kilcobben Cove. The original lifeboat house and slipway remains (see picture below) and is now a popular place for anglers.

There is a lighthouse situated on the cliff at the Lizard.

Kynance Cove

Kynance Cove is a stunning cove with dramatic rock formations, caves and cliffs. At low tide there is a lovely sandy beach and this coupled with its sheltered rocks makes it a great place for swimming.

There is a National Trust car park at the top of Kynance Cove on the cliffs and it is necessary to walk down to the beach. A walk that is well rewarded.

Sea Fishing around The Lizard

This is excellent bass ground. Also off the southerly point at the Lizard you should catch conger, pollack, mackerel and the usual flatfish.

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