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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.

The rugged serpentine cliffs of Lizard Point falling to the Atlantic, with the historic lighthouse on the headland.
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.

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.

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.

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.

Browse coastline guides

The Lizard RNLI

The Lifeboat

Rose - Tamar Class Lifeboat

More information about the Lifeboats

The Lifeboat Station

Set at the foot of a 45-metre cliff, The Lizard Lifeboat Station not only houses Rose, the station’s Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, but has a fantastic heritage display showcasing over 157 years of lifesaving at sea on The Lizard peninsula.

A lifeboat has been stationed at the Lizard since 1859 – originally at Polpeor and then from 1959 at nearby Kilcobben Cove.

More information about The Lizard RNLI Station

Support The Lizard Lifeboat...

Follow The Lizard Lifeboat on TwitterLike The Lizard Lifeboat on FacebookView our coastal safety guidePurchase our PDF Charity Song Book in aid of the RNLI

With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information

The Lizard RNLI

The Lifeboat

Rose - Tamar Class Lifeboat

More information about the Lifeboats

The Lifeboat Station

Set at the foot of a 45-metre cliff, The Lizard Lifeboat Station not only houses Rose, the station’s Tamar class all-weather lifeboat, but has a fantastic heritage display showcasing over 157 years of lifesaving at sea on The Lizard peninsula.

A lifeboat has been stationed at the Lizard since 1859 – originally at Polpeor and then from 1959 at nearby Kilcobben Cove.

More information about The Lizard RNLI Station

Support The Lizard Lifeboat...

Follow The Lizard Lifeboat on TwitterLike The Lizard Lifeboat on FacebookView our coastal safety guidePurchase our PDF Charity Song Book in aid of the RNLI

With thanks to the RNLI for allowing us to use their images and information

Common questions

Where is The Lizard?
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.