The full guide
Read straight through, or use the planning notes above to shape an easier coastal day.
Sennen was primarily a fishing village where the main trade was the pilchard industry. Nowadays Sennen still has a small fishing fleet but the main source of income is tourism. The beach is a lovely sandy beach that has become increasingly popular as a surfing beach.
There has been a lifeboat stationed at Sennen since 1853 and the lifeboat house and slipway is situated at one end of the cove.
Sea Fishing in Sennen area
Sennen provides a good area to fish for bass, mackerel, pollack and conger.
Lifeguard cover changes by beach and season. Check the RNLI's current patrol dates before travelling, then follow local signs, flags and lifeguard advice on the day. Do not rely on a previous year's timetable.
Sennen RNLI
The Lifeboats
City of London III - Tamar Class Lifeboat
Amy Brown - D Class Lifeboat
Common questions
- Where is Sennen Cove?
- Sennen Cove is in the far west of Cornwall, set in Whitesand Bay about a mile from Land's End. Gwenver beach lies at the northern end of the same bay, with Penzance a short drive east.
- What is Sennen Cove known for?
- Sennen Cove is known for its long white-sand beach and powerful Atlantic surf, its historic lifeboat station, and its origins as a pilchard-fishing village. It is home to one of Britain's oldest surf clubs.
- What is there to do in Sennen Cove?
- You can surf or take a lesson, swim and relax on the white sand, walk the coast path towards Land's End or Cape Cornwall, and watch the working harbour and lifeboat station in action.
- Is Sennen Cove good for surfing?
- Sennen takes the full force of the Atlantic and is one of Cornwall's most consistent surf beaches. Conditions can be strong, so check the surf and follow lifeguard guidance before going in.
- How long has there been a lifeboat at Sennen?
- A lifeboat has been stationed at Sennen Cove since 1853. The station operates an all-weather Tamar class lifeboat alongside a smaller inshore lifeboat, crewed by RNLI volunteers.
