The full guide
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
Mullion Cove was completed in 1895 when pilchard fishing was the main local industry. Signs of this remain with the existence of the old pilchard cellar and net store, both of which are still in use by local fishermen.
Being an area where shipwrecks were common, the cove had a lifeboat station between 1867 and 1909.
Just off Mullion Cove is Mullion Island (also known as Toldhu) - this is an uninhabited island which has a large colony of seabirds. Both the cove and the island are owned by the National Trust.
Poldhu Cove
Poldhu Cove is the on the road into Mullion from the North. It has a large car park, a beach cafe/shop and toilets so is popular amongst families.
The cliffs on the south side of Poldhu Cove are famous as the place where Marconi conducted his renowned experiments in radio communications across the Atlantic in 1901. A monument and visitor centre exists today in celebration of his achievements.
Polurrian Cove
Polurrian Cove is accessible by footpath and is well worth the walk as it is a very pretty sandy beach. It is very popular amongst surfers and the local surf life saving club meet here.
Polurrian is the next cove to Mullion Cove if you head north and is on the coast walking route.
Sea Fishing in Mullion area
From this area expect to catch bass, whiting, pollack, mackerel and dogfish. Take great care when fishing from the beach at Loe Bar as it is a steep shelving beach and has unfortunately claimed many lives.
Useful for your next visit
A few useful Down The Cove picks connected to this read.
Common questions
- Where is Mullion?
- Mullion sits on the west coast of the Lizard peninsula in south Cornwall, a few miles south of Helston. It's the largest village on the Lizard, with the harbour at Mullion Cove a short distance below the village itself.
- What is Mullion known for?
- Mullion is best known for its picturesque harbour, completed in 1895 and now owned by the National Trust, along with its fishing heritage and the dramatic scenery of the surrounding Lizard coast. Nearby Mullion Island is an important seabird colony.
- What is there to do in Mullion?
- You can explore the historic harbour and cove, walk the South West Coast Path along the cliffs, and visit the sandy beaches at Poldhu and Polurrian. Poldhu's clifftop is also famous as the site of Marconi's early transatlantic radio experiments in 1901.
- What are the best beaches near Mullion?
- Poldhu Cove, on the road in from the north, is a family favourite with a beach cafe and parking, while Polurrian Cove is a pretty sandy beach reached on foot and popular with surfers. Mullion Cove itself has a small beach that is mostly covered at high tide.
- Is Mullion worth visiting?
- Yes. As the gateway to the western Lizard, Mullion combines a working harbour, sandy coves and some of the finest coast walking in Cornwall, making it a rewarding base for exploring this quiet, unspoilt corner of the county.
