The Lizard peninsula is the most southerly point of mainland Britain — a serpentine-rock landscape that runs eight miles south of the Helford river, terminating in Lizard Point and the famous turquoise water of Kynance Cove half a mile west. The whole peninsula is geologically and botanically remarkable (Cornish heath, the only place in Britain it grows), and the Coast Path here is one of the great stretches of the entire South West route.
Main things to see and do
- Kynance Cove. The most photographed beach in Cornwall — turquoise water between serpentine stacks, a small NT car park at the top, a 15-minute walk down. Best at low tide; check before you go.
- Lizard Point. Britain’s southernmost point — the lighthouse, a Trinity House visitor centre (open in summer) and the Polpeor Cove café below. Walk the Coast Path round to Church Cove for the loop.
- Lizard Lighthouse. Working lighthouse with a small visitor centre; tower tours in summer. Booking advisable in school holidays.
- Cadgwith. Small cove and fishing village three miles north — pilchard-history, working boats and the Cadgwith Cove Inn for lunch. Park at the top and walk down.
- Mullion Cove. NT-managed cove on the west coast of the Lizard — dramatic Victorian harbour walls, perfect for short walks and picnics. Pair with Kynance for a west-coast Lizard day.
Where to stop for a coffee
The last stretch of lane down to the point runs straight through The Lizard village, and we have never once managed to drive past Coast Coffee Bar & Bistro — a stone barn conversion on the green, with picnic benches out front and a wood-burner inside. It is properly child- and dog-friendly, the coffee is the real thing, and much of what lands on the plate (the crab, the Cornish eggs, the sausages) comes from the peninsula itself. Our order rarely changes: a flat white for the grown-ups, a bowl of crisp whitebait with tartare to share, and something from the cake counter to carry down to the cliffs.
Where to stay
If you are making a weekend of it, Cornwall has more good self-catering than is reasonable. We use Sykes Holiday Cottages for most of our family breaks here — their holiday cottages on the lizard peninsula cover most of the price brackets and most of the dog-friendly properties. (Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Practical bits
- Postcode: TR12 (centre)
- Region: south-west Cornwall
- OS map: OS Explorer 103 — The Lizard, Falmouth & HelstonBuy from OS →
- Public transport: Cornwall Transport for “First Kernow” services cover the coast; the Cornish Main Line trains stop at most major towns.
Correct as of 28 April 2026 — please check before you travel, especially on Bank Holidays, Easter and between Christmas and New Year.
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