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Down The Cove
Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

Cadgwith

Cove is a working fishing village tucked into the east side of the Lizard peninsula, its thatched cottages gathered around a shingle cove. Brightly painted boats are still hauled up the beach, and its two coves are divided by a rocky headland known as The Todden.

Thatched cottages and fishing boats around the shingle cove at Cadgwith on the Lizard peninsula.
A calm Down The Cove places guide for slower coastal days, family visits and local detail.

Beach and cove guide

Plan your visit

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

Cadgwith 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.

Getting thereParking, arrival and the practical first steps.

Plan the final walk from the car park and check whether the beach is easy with pushchairs, tired legs or beach bags.

What to look forA calmer way to plan with children or visitors.

A useful read before visiting with children, especially for tides, paths, facilities and simple beach expectations.

Before you goThe small checks that make the day easier.

Look up tide times, swimming guidance and weather before you go, especially on wilder beaches.

The full guide

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

Cadgwith Cove is a pretty fishing village on the east side of the Lizard peninsula. In recent years it has enjoyed fame as the location for the filming of 'The Fisherman's Apprentice' starring Monty Halls. Cadgwith is a working fishing village with the heart of the village being around the cove area.

Cadgwith has two beaches - a northern beach (where the fishing boats are located) and a southern beach. These are separated by a headland known as 'The Todden'.

Sea Fishing in this area

This area is good for bass fishing and flatfish. Other species caught in this area include mackerel, pollack, wrasse and the odd gurnard.

Browse coastline guides

Common questions

Where is Cadgwith?
Cadgwith is a small cove and village on the eastern side of the Lizard peninsula in southern Cornwall, set around a sheltered shingle beach.
What is Cadgwith known for?
It is known as a genuine working fishing village, with thatched cottages, a small fleet still landing catches, and the heart of village life set around the cove.
What is there to do in Cadgwith?
You can watch the fishing boats, explore the two coves either side of The Todden headland, and walk the South West Coast Path across the cliffs of the Lizard.
What are Cadgwith's two beaches?
The village has a northern beach, where the fishing boats are kept, and a southern beach, separated by a rocky headland called The Todden.
Is Cadgwith worth visiting?
Yes. Its unspoilt cove, traditional cottages and living fishing heritage make Cadgwith one of the most atmospheric villages on the Lizard.