Jenny’s Guidebook
Beaches
Our closest beach, a 5-minute drive. One of our favourites. Drive up to the A394, turn left towards Helston and take the first right signposted to Praa Sands if you want the ‘busy’ end of the beach (pub, car park(s), surf shop, toilets etc) or the second right for the Post Office and the less busy end. Praa Sands is lifeguarded (not the quieter Hendra end).
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Praa Sands
Our closest beach, a 5-minute drive. One of our favourites. Drive up to the A394, turn left towards Helston and take the first right signposted to Praa Sands if you want the ‘busy’ end of the beach (pub, car park(s), surf shop, toilets etc) or the second right for the Post Office and the less busy end. Praa Sands is lifeguarded (not the quieter Hendra end).
(Betsy’s Cove and Kenneggy Beach)— Also very close by. Turn right when you get to the A394 and take the left in Rosudgeon (signposted ‘pottery’ and Prussia Cove). Stunning, small and secluded rocky coves. Excellent for snorkeling. Great little bakery (with limited opening hours) just before car park. Dog friendly all year round. No lifeguard.
Betsys Cove: There is no sandy beach at high tide and no facilities. No lifeguard. Famous as the home of the Carters, a family of smugglers in the 18th century, one of whom was known as the King of Prussia. Access is walking down from the National trust cliff top car park. Go right where path forks, then left down to beach
Kenneggy Beach – Our favourite but only accessible by foot 2 hours either side of low tide so take your tide times and take care not to get cut off. (If you kayak round from Praa Sands you can stay as long as you like!) Carry on round the Coast Path (turn left at fork instead of dropping down to Betsy’s Cove) through Acton Castle, and take a right turn just past the little bridge onto the small beach. Then scramble over the 100m of rocks to the stunning beach. Dogs allowed all year round. No lifeguard.
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Prussia Cove
South West Coast Path(Betsy’s Cove and Kenneggy Beach)— Also very close by. Turn right when you get to the A394 and take the left in Rosudgeon (signposted ‘pottery’ and Prussia Cove). Stunning, small and secluded rocky coves. Excellent for snorkeling. Great little bakery (with limited opening hours) just before car park. Dog friendly all year round. No lifeguard.
Betsys Cove: There is no sandy beach at high tide and no facilities. No lifeguard. Famous as the home of the Carters, a family of smugglers in the 18th century, one of whom was known as the King of Prussia. Access is walking down from the National trust cliff top car park. Go right where path forks, then left down to beach
Kenneggy Beach – Our favourite but only accessible by foot 2 hours either side of low tide so take your tide times and take care not to get cut off. (If you kayak round from Praa Sands you can stay as long as you like!) Carry on round the Coast Path (turn left at fork instead of dropping down to Betsy’s Cove) through Acton Castle, and take a right turn just past the little bridge onto the small beach. Then scramble over the 100m of rocks to the stunning beach. Dogs allowed all year round. No lifeguard.
A 5-10 minute drive. We like it because it is family friendly with nice rock pools, two great cafes and just a short coast walk around to wonderful views of St Michael's Mount. Seasonal life guard cover. However there is no sand 2 hours either side of high tide. No dogs in high season.
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Perranuthnoe
A 5-10 minute drive. We like it because it is family friendly with nice rock pools, two great cafes and just a short coast walk around to wonderful views of St Michael's Mount. Seasonal life guard cover. However there is no sand 2 hours either side of high tide. No dogs in high season.
Only accessible at low tide but a stunning, small, quiet beach with lots of flat(ish!) rocks to sunbathe on. A 10-minute drive. Head on the A394 into Ashton and take the right turn to Rinsey just before the pub, then right again. Park in the donations car park and take the rugged path down to the beach. Also a great start to a walk to Porthleven.
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Rinsey
Only accessible at low tide but a stunning, small, quiet beach with lots of flat(ish!) rocks to sunbathe on. A 10-minute drive. Head on the A394 into Ashton and take the right turn to Rinsey just before the pub, then right again. Park in the donations car park and take the rugged path down to the beach. Also a great start to a walk to Porthleven.
Take a trip to this vast National Trust beach on the north coast. Walk up to see the Lighthouse (visible from St Ives) and go for a surf. Make sure you visit the wonderful Godrevy Cafe whilst you are over there. Just remember it can get very busy in the height of season! Seasonal lifeguard cover. You can view seals down below at a haul out cove from the cliff above if you follow the coast path North. Best to keep dogs on leads along the cliff path.
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Godrevy Lighthouse
Take a trip to this vast National Trust beach on the north coast. Walk up to see the Lighthouse (visible from St Ives) and go for a surf. Make sure you visit the wonderful Godrevy Cafe whilst you are over there. Just remember it can get very busy in the height of season! Seasonal lifeguard cover. You can view seals down below at a haul out cove from the cliff above if you follow the coast path North. Best to keep dogs on leads along the cliff path.
About a 40 minute drive to this stunning, white sand cove. You can often hear music from the performances at the Minack Theatre up above. Great for families and great for swimming. Seasonal lifeguard cover. Also hosts the fascinating Telegraph museum.
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Porthcurno
About a 40 minute drive to this stunning, white sand cove. You can often hear music from the performances at the Minack Theatre up above. Great for families and great for swimming. Seasonal lifeguard cover. Also hosts the fascinating Telegraph museum.
On the North coast near Sennen. A steep set of steps down to this beach but it is great for escaping the crowds and surfing. Seasonal lifeguard cover.
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Gwynver Beach
South West Coast PathOn the North coast near Sennen. A steep set of steps down to this beach but it is great for escaping the crowds and surfing. Seasonal lifeguard cover.
A ‘secret beach’ close to Lands End with no direct road access. Not frequented by many as you must walk to it. Considered by many to be the finest beach in Penwith. Most visitors are those who are walking the coast path. There are no lifeguards. The views are stunning and the water is clear. The beach is lovely and sandy.
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Nanjizal Beach; Song Of The Sea Cave
A ‘secret beach’ close to Lands End with no direct road access. Not frequented by many as you must walk to it. Considered by many to be the finest beach in Penwith. Most visitors are those who are walking the coast path. There are no lifeguards. The views are stunning and the water is clear. The beach is lovely and sandy.
A beautiful beach on the South Coast just down from St Just covered in beautiful giant boulders. Annual swimming race out to the outcrop of rocks known as The Brisons.
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Porth Nanven
A beautiful beach on the South Coast just down from St Just covered in beautiful giant boulders. Annual swimming race out to the outcrop of rocks known as The Brisons.
St Ives. A large beach. Lifeguards in season. Great for surf. You can hire boards here and also get lessons from St Ives Surf School. There is a small shop and two take away shops. Porthmeor Cafe overlooks the beach. There are toilets and a small car park which fills up early. A great family beach.
Porthmeor Cove
St Ives. A large beach. Lifeguards in season. Great for surf. You can hire boards here and also get lessons from St Ives Surf School. There is a small shop and two take away shops. Porthmeor Cafe overlooks the beach. There are toilets and a small car park which fills up early. A great family beach.
on the outskirts of St Ives. Lifeguards in season. Parking is right next to the beach but it is limited so try to arrive early. Lovely tranquil waters and very family friendly. There is a shop and a take away. There are toilets. Here you can also hire various watersports equipment.
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Carbis Bay Strand
Beach Roadon the outskirts of St Ives. Lifeguards in season. Parking is right next to the beach but it is limited so try to arrive early. Lovely tranquil waters and very family friendly. There is a shop and a take away. There are toilets. Here you can also hire various watersports equipment.
A local's favourite. Park on the road/layby by Lelant church and walk down onto the beach.
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Porthkidney Beach
Church RoadA local's favourite. Park on the road/layby by Lelant church and walk down onto the beach.
A stunning, out of the way beach which is reached via a moderately strenuous walk and scramble. Be careful of the currents, they can be strong. No lifeguard cover.
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Portheras Cove
A stunning, out of the way beach which is reached via a moderately strenuous walk and scramble. Be careful of the currents, they can be strong. No lifeguard cover.
Food scene
Good food in a beautiful setting right next to the beach. Great roast on a Sunday but book in advance. Tel 01736 763516
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Sandbar
Good food in a beautiful setting right next to the beach. Great roast on a Sunday but book in advance. Tel 01736 763516
Just down the road inPerranuthnoe, TR2O 9NP. Great food, lovely traditional pub
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Victoria Inn
Just down the road inPerranuthnoe, TR2O 9NP. Great food, lovely traditional pub
Beautiful food. Highly recommended by all locals. Open 7 days a week. Tel. 01326 573911
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The Square At Porthleven
7 Fore StBeautiful food. Highly recommended by all locals. Open 7 days a week. Tel. 01326 573911
Godolphin Arms
West EndMarazion. Stunning views of St Michaels Mount.
Salt Kitchen Bar
25 Foundry SquareGreat spot, great burgers.
Kota Restaurant
HELSTONReally wonderful food. Fine dining
Great food and service in a fabulous spot overlooking Porthleven harbour
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Kota Kai Kitchen Bar
The ShipyardGreat food and service in a fabulous spot overlooking Porthleven harbour
Godrevy Cafe
Godrevy TowansGreat food in a stunning location
The Old Coastguard
The ParadeDivine dining with an emphasis on seafood
Trevaskis Farm Pick Your Own - great day out for the family. You can pick different fruit and veg at different times of year. There are also a few farm animals for children to see (including sheep, a Shetland pony and often pigs with their piglets). There is also a wonderful shop and a restaurant serving the largest cake/dessert portions you have ever seen.
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Trevaskis Farm
Gwinear RoadTrevaskis Farm Pick Your Own - great day out for the family. You can pick different fruit and veg at different times of year. There are also a few farm animals for children to see (including sheep, a Shetland pony and often pigs with their piglets). There is also a wonderful shop and a restaurant serving the largest cake/dessert portions you have ever seen.
Mr B's
10 Fore StDelicious ice-cream at both ends of Hayle
Jelbert's
9 New RdHighly recommended. They only sell vanilla but it is the best!
Boo Koos
32 Meneage St American- themed burger bar in Helstom
Sightseeing
Just down the road in St Hilary. https://www.guysbutterflyhouse.com A private butterfly house now open to the public housing amazing tropical butterflies. Also on Facebook
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Guy's Butterfly House
Just down the road in St Hilary. https://www.guysbutterflyhouse.com A private butterfly house now open to the public housing amazing tropical butterflies. Also on Facebook
Penrose Estate to Porthleven Walk – a lovely family day out whether walking or cycling. Walk/cycle through the beautiful estate, past the lake and woodlands to the stunning sea view at Loe Bar beach – but DO NOT go in the sea here, it is unsafe. Follow the coast path to Porthleven for an ice cream at Naughty But Ice and back to your car through the village. A great day out!
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PenroseEstate:GunwalloeandLoePool
Penrose Estate to Porthleven Walk – a lovely family day out whether walking or cycling. Walk/cycle through the beautiful estate, past the lake and woodlands to the stunning sea view at Loe Bar beach – but DO NOT go in the sea here, it is unsafe. Follow the coast path to Porthleven for an ice cream at Naughty But Ice and back to your car through the village. A great day out!
Seal Spotting - head up to Godrevy Lighthouse and just over the top of the hill if you look down there is a huge seal colony. If you are unsure how to find them, just ask the National Trust representatives based there or look to see where other people are pointing over the cliff edge! Keep dogs on leads on the cliff path.
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Godrevy Point
South West Coast PathSeal Spotting - head up to Godrevy Lighthouse and just over the top of the hill if you look down there is a huge seal colony. If you are unsure how to find them, just ask the National Trust representatives based there or look to see where other people are pointing over the cliff edge! Keep dogs on leads on the cliff path.
A bit further afield down on the Lizard but a must if seals are your thing! Tel: 01326 221361, https://www.visitsealife.com/gweek/
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Cornish Seal Sanctuary
A bit further afield down on the Lizard but a must if seals are your thing! Tel: 01326 221361, https://www.visitsealife.com/gweek/
St Erth to St Ives by train -
The small branch line runs from St Erth station to St Ives every 15 minutes in summer. The ride takes around 15 minutes and runs alongside the Hayle Estuary and the coast line, taking in some beautiful views. Gorgeous little trip and it saves trying to find parking in St Ives!
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St Erth Station Park and Ride
Station ApproachSt Erth to St Ives by train -
The small branch line runs from St Erth station to St Ives every 15 minutes in summer. The ride takes around 15 minutes and runs alongside the Hayle Estuary and the coast line, taking in some beautiful views. Gorgeous little trip and it saves trying to find parking in St Ives!
One of the best places in the South West for bird watching. Its peninsula location means that rare migrants are often seen here. There is a RSPB hide just off the A30.
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RSPB Hayle Estuary
One of the best places in the South West for bird watching. Its peninsula location means that rare migrants are often seen here. There is a RSPB hide just off the A30.
Most famous and influential studio pottery in the world. Worth a visit, www.leachpottery.com Tel. 01736 799 703
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Leach Pottery
Most famous and influential studio pottery in the world. Worth a visit, www.leachpottery.com Tel. 01736 799 703
Tate St. Ives
Always worth a visit
Cornwall's top wildlife sanctuary. Amazing free-flying bird shows in the summer. Look out for discount vouchers online or in The Cornishman newspaper
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Paradise Park
16 Trelissick RdCornwall's top wildlife sanctuary. Amazing free-flying bird shows in the summer. Look out for discount vouchers online or in The Cornishman newspaper
Eden Project
Further away in St Austell but well worth visiting
Newlyn Harbour
Lovely little harbour with a great fish market.
We love this area. There are streams, bluebells, woods, fields, hills and Godolphin Estate itself.
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National Trust - Godolphin
We love this area. There are streams, bluebells, woods, fields, hills and Godolphin Estate itself.
Utterly stunning. Watch a performance at this breath taking outdoor theatre, where dolphin sightings have been known to steal the show, then head down to Porthcurno beach for a picnic.
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The Minack Theatre
Utterly stunning. Watch a performance at this breath taking outdoor theatre, where dolphin sightings have been known to steal the show, then head down to Porthcurno beach for a picnic.
Interesting bit of sightseeing and numerous beautiful beaches to explore down that way.
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Lizard Lighthouse
3 Lighthouse RdInteresting bit of sightseeing and numerous beautiful beaches to explore down that way.
Activities
Based out of St Ives Bay Holiday Park and Godrevy Car Park. Recommended
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Shore Surf School
Loggans RoadBased out of St Ives Bay Holiday Park and Godrevy Car Park. Recommended
St Ives station
Based at Porthmeor Beach, St Ives.
Based out of the Sandsifter, Gwithian. Another great surf school
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Gwithian Academy of Surfing
1 Godrevy TowansBased out of the Sandsifter, Gwithian. Another great surf school
Super friendly crew and loads to do including a giant mega-sup
Ocean High Kiteboarding and SUP School
Super friendly crew and loads to do including a giant mega-sup
Take a trip out on Dolly P to Seal Island, Godrevy Lighthouse or Hell's Mouth. Purchase your tickets from Derek who is always outside the St Ives Lifeboat Station. Booking recommended
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Dolly P Boat Trips, St Ives
Wharf RoadTake a trip out on Dolly P to Seal Island, Godrevy Lighthouse or Hell's Mouth. Purchase your tickets from Derek who is always outside the St Ives Lifeboat Station. Booking recommended
Based at St Erth, Hayle Coast 2 Coast comes highly recommended
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Coast 2 Coast Karting
Chenhalls RoadBased at St Erth, Hayle Coast 2 Coast comes highly recommended
A new and exciting way to explore Cornwall! Based in Penzance. Hit the road on a cool super73 e-bike and feel the wind in your hair. Free-style or take a suggested tour. 01736 888777
Ride on E-bikes
Quay StreetA new and exciting way to explore Cornwall! Based in Penzance. Hit the road on a cool super73 e-bike and feel the wind in your hair. Free-style or take a suggested tour. 01736 888777
Badminton, squash, tennis, swimming, a gym, golf & croquet. Racquet sports equipment can be hired from reception. Tel. 01736 795 254
Tregenna Castle
Trelyon AvenueBadminton, squash, tennis, swimming, a gym, golf & croquet. Racquet sports equipment can be hired from reception. Tel. 01736 795 254
Based out of the Eden Project, thrilling zip wire rides, drop-swings and more heart-in-your-mouth stuff!
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Hangloose Avontuur (Eden)
Based out of the Eden Project, thrilling zip wire rides, drop-swings and more heart-in-your-mouth stuff!
Old Mill Riding Stables
Horse riding. 10-15 mins drive away
A small step up from Pitch and Putt with its 12 hole course and a great driving range for beginners and pros alike!
Hayle Golf
1 Wheal Alfred RdA small step up from Pitch and Putt with its 12 hole course and a great driving range for beginners and pros alike!
Food shopping
Goldsithney Stores is a great little shop with almost everything you could possibly need. The staff are super-friendly and helpful
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Goldsithney Stores
Fore StreetGoldsithney Stores is a great little shop with almost everything you could possibly need. The staff are super-friendly and helpful
Rosudgeon Co-op
Main RoadGreat little Co-op 5 mins drive away
10 mins drive. Milk, eggs, bread, meat and all sorts of other local produce.
The Farm Shop - Leedstown
10 mins drive. Milk, eggs, bread, meat and all sorts of other local produce.
Rainy Day Activities
Stylish little cinema housed in the old Pilchard Works in the bustling town of Newlyn
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Newlyn Filmhouse
23-31 The CoombeStylish little cinema housed in the old Pilchard Works in the bustling town of Newlyn
Great little cinema on the pedestrianised Causeway Head
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Savoy Penzance Cinema, Bar & Kitchen
16 CausewayheadGreat little cinema on the pedestrianised Causeway Head
Quirky old cinema with a lovely feel to it, tucked up a back street of Helston
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Flora Cinema Helston
17 Wendron StQuirky old cinema with a lovely feel to it, tucked up a back street of Helston
Great rainy day activity for families. Bowling, games and board games and a restaurant.
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Country Skittles
Bunkers HillGreat rainy day activity for families. Bowling, games and board games and a restaurant.
Museum of Cornish Life, Helston
Market PlaceA little hidden gem with a quirky feel to it
Really interesting museum explaining the dawn of wireless science in the former global hub of cable communications.
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PK Porthcurno
Really interesting museum explaining the dawn of wireless science in the former global hub of cable communications.
Leisure centre in Penzance, with pool (flume slide open at restricted times) and gym
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Penzance Leisure Centre
Saint Clare StreetLeisure centre in Penzance, with pool (flume slide open at restricted times) and gym
Leisure centre at the top of St Ives, with pool and gym (with amazing views).
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St Ives Leisure Centre
Leisure centre at the top of St Ives, with pool and gym (with amazing views).
Rollers Roller Rink
Serious fun!
Spa treatments
Complex with pool, sauna, hydrotherapy pool, crystal steam room and four treatment rooms.
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St Ives Harbour Beach
Wharf RoadComplex with pool, sauna, hydrotherapy pool, crystal steam room and four treatment rooms.
St Michaels Health Club
Stracey RoadLovely spa in Falmouth