St Just, or St Just in Penwith, is the most westerly town in mainland Britain, lying near Land's End on the West Penwith coast of Cornwall, a short way west of Penzance.

What is St Just known for?

St Just is known for its rich tin and copper mining heritage on the Land's End peninsula and for nearby Cape Cornwall, one of the most westerly points in the country.

What is Cape Cornwall?

Cape Cornwall is a rugged headland just beyond St Just, a few miles north of Land's End. There is a National Trust car park from which a path leads down to Priest Cove, a rocky cove with small fishing boats and fishermen's huts.

What is there to do around St Just?

You can explore Cape Cornwall and Priest Cove, walk the dramatic coast path past former mine workings, and visit Pendeen with its lighthouse and the remote Portheras Cove. The headlands are also noted for sea fishing.

Is St Just worth visiting?

Yes. For wild Atlantic scenery, fascinating mining history and the chance to stand at one of Britain's most westerly points, St Just and Cape Cornwall are well worth the trip.

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Place guide3 min readUpdated 8 Apr 2026

By the Down The Cove editorial team

St Just

The most westerly town in mainland Britain, St Just in Penwith was once the capital of Land's End tin and copper mining. Just beyond it lies Cape Cornwall, a rugged headland with a National Trust car park and a path down to the boats and huts of Priest Cove.

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Quick notes for your visit

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.

St Just 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.

St Just - Cape Cornwall

Cape Cornwall is one of the most westerly points of Cornwall being only a few miles north of Lands End. There is a National Trust car park at the cape from where you walk down to Priest Cove. Priest Cove is a rocky cove that is home to a selection of small fishing boats and fishing huts used by the fishermen. A cape is the place where two bodies of water meet.

Pendeen

Pendeen has a lighthouse and a nearby cove called Portheras - this is only accessible by foot - car park at Pendeen lighthouse and then approx 1 mile to cove.

Sea Fishing in St Just area

At night very large conger can be caught off the headlands and rocks around this area. During the daytime large pollack, bass, pouting, wrasse and even John Dory have been caught here.

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Common questions

Where is St Just?: St Just, or St Just in Penwith, is the most westerly town in mainland Britain, lying near Land's End on the West Penwith coast of Cornwall, a short way west of Penzance.
What is St Just known for?: St Just is known for its rich tin and copper mining heritage on the Land's End peninsula and for nearby Cape Cornwall, one of the most westerly points in the country.
What is Cape Cornwall?: Cape Cornwall is a rugged headland just beyond St Just, a few miles north of Land's End. There is a National Trust car park from which a path leads down to Priest Cove, a rocky cove with small fishing boats and fishermen's huts.
What is there to do around St Just?: You can explore Cape Cornwall and Priest Cove, walk the dramatic coast path past former mine workings, and visit Pendeen with its lighthouse and the remote Portheras Cove. The headlands are also noted for sea fishing.
Is St Just worth visiting?: Yes. For wild Atlantic scenery, fascinating mining history and the chance to stand at one of Britain's most westerly points, St Just and Cape Cornwall are well worth the trip.

Two ways to make a day of it

Fresh air, good food and a bit of headspace. Here are two places to start.

Small Cornish harbour with fishing boats moored in clear water

Explore the coastline

Places and practical tips for days by the sea.

Grilled mackerel fillet with rocket and lemon on a plate

Find your next recipe

Ideas for preparing, cooking and enjoying seafood.

Editorial illustrations; explore the guides for place and recipe details.