Penarvor Cottage Guidebook

Nick & Claire
Nick & Claire
Penarvor Cottage Guidebook

Places to eat

Part of the charm of The Lizard is that it is not as developed as other parts of Cornwall. It is a very small village, so the availability and style of eateries reflects this (and some places stop serving relatively early in the evening). Also, opening times are seasonal, so places reduce their hours between September and April. There are about half a dozen places to eat and menus are fairly straightforward. One feature is that you can get fresh local fish including lobster when in season. (From the cottage you can see in the water the orange buoys that mark where there are lobster pots during the fishing season). For celebrity chefs and Michelin stars, visit Porthleven which is about a twenty-five minute drive.
Wonderful location perched on the cliff edge. Many of the tables are outside on a terrace looking out over the water. Menu is a range of straightforward dishes made from local produce including fresh fish, some caught in the waters below the restaurant by the village's 'day boats'. The signature dish is the fish medley of simply cooked fillets of four or five different fish. Book ahead in summer (and worth requesting an outside table to experience the wonderful view). The kitchen is often only open until about 7pm, even in summer, but an early dinner on the terrace is a great experience. The restaurant is run by the Hendy family who used to farm the fields in front of our cottage. It is a pleasant ten minute walk from our cottage via Pistil Meadow and the coast path.
15 locals recommend
Polpeor Cafe
15 locals recommend
Wonderful location perched on the cliff edge. Many of the tables are outside on a terrace looking out over the water. Menu is a range of straightforward dishes made from local produce including fresh fish, some caught in the waters below the restaurant by the village's 'day boats'. The signature dish is the fish medley of simply cooked fillets of four or five different fish. Book ahead in summer (and worth requesting an outside table to experience the wonderful view). The kitchen is often only open until about 7pm, even in summer, but an early dinner on the terrace is a great experience. The restaurant is run by the Hendy family who used to farm the fields in front of our cottage. It is a pleasant ten minute walk from our cottage via Pistil Meadow and the coast path.
If the Polpeor Café is full, you could try Wavecrest that shares a similar beautiful cliff-top location at Lizard Point. The chef there, Alex, is very proud of his Sunday 'Roast on the Coast'.
9 locals recommend
Wavecrest
9 locals recommend
If the Polpeor Café is full, you could try Wavecrest that shares a similar beautiful cliff-top location at Lizard Point. The chef there, Alex, is very proud of his Sunday 'Roast on the Coast'.
The larger of the two village pubs, with a menu that includes traditional Sunday roasts. They have a lot of local live music, so do check the Top House Fb Events page to check what's on.
8 locals recommend
The Top House
8 locals recommend
The larger of the two village pubs, with a menu that includes traditional Sunday roasts. They have a lot of local live music, so do check the Top House Fb Events page to check what's on.
They have a fairly contemporary menu which is served all day and into the evening. The fish dishes can include a rather nice linguine. It's run by Sian and Lee. Sian's father is a well-known local fisherman who is also famous for his handmade lobster pots (we have one in our garden during the summer).
9 locals recommend
Coast Coffee Bar & Bistro
Lighthouse Road
9 locals recommend
They have a fairly contemporary menu which is served all day and into the evening. The fish dishes can include a rather nice linguine. It's run by Sian and Lee. Sian's father is a well-known local fisherman who is also famous for his handmade lobster pots (we have one in our garden during the summer).
Opened in March 2024, Chimichangas was previously a local mobile food business that became so popular that it now has its own permanent home. They have started with a basic tex mex menu of tasty flavours and affordable prices, and it will be interesting to see how it develops in the future.
CHIMICHANGAS Tex Mex
Opened in March 2024, Chimichangas was previously a local mobile food business that became so popular that it now has its own permanent home. They have started with a basic tex mex menu of tasty flavours and affordable prices, and it will be interesting to see how it develops in the future.
Until 2021, Ann made and sold her pasties from her home in the village but her son has now developed the business and opened the family's shop and bar in the village 'square'. They now have other shops further afield and have been featured in a number of TV programmes about Cornwall. Pasties are famous as the traditional food of Cornwall and are taken very seriously. Recipes vary between makers, so it is fun to try a few. Ann's usually do well in the various pasty championship competitions.
21 locals recommend
Ann's Pasties
The Square
21 locals recommend
Until 2021, Ann made and sold her pasties from her home in the village but her son has now developed the business and opened the family's shop and bar in the village 'square'. They now have other shops further afield and have been featured in a number of TV programmes about Cornwall. Pasties are famous as the traditional food of Cornwall and are taken very seriously. Recipes vary between makers, so it is fun to try a few. Ann's usually do well in the various pasty championship competitions.
Local lobster, crab, etc, served as sandwiches and lunches. It also acts as the village fishmonger with a counter of 'wet fish' caught locally. The fish mainly comes from Cadgwith Cove and is usually caught by Martin, the husband of Sue who runs the shop. Martin is a well-known fisherman in the village and will catch fish to order if you let him know what sort of fish you might like.
Lizard Shellfish
Local lobster, crab, etc, served as sandwiches and lunches. It also acts as the village fishmonger with a counter of 'wet fish' caught locally. The fish mainly comes from Cadgwith Cove and is usually caught by Martin, the husband of Sue who runs the shop. Martin is a well-known fisherman in the village and will catch fish to order if you let him know what sort of fish you might like.
This is the village's fish and chip shop which is well known for being good quality.
Smugglers
This is the village's fish and chip shop which is well known for being good quality.
Simple food that is great for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Fifteen minutes by car with parking close to the beach. You can sit outside and look out over the beach. They also do pizza evenings in the summer, sometimes with live music.
22 locals recommend
Poldhu Beach Cafe & Shop
22 locals recommend
Simple food that is great for breakfast, brunch or lunch. Fifteen minutes by car with parking close to the beach. You can sit outside and look out over the beach. They also do pizza evenings in the summer, sometimes with live music.
Although we have not eaten here ourselves yet, it is probably the most up-market restaurant offering in the village (and the prices probably reflect this). The website is worth checking out as it explains that there are different places to eat within the hotel, and they are open on different days of the week. Their terrace is nice even if you just want coffee as it has a great view across Housel Bay.
6 locals recommend
Housel Bay Hotel and Restaurant
Housel Bay Road
6 locals recommend
Although we have not eaten here ourselves yet, it is probably the most up-market restaurant offering in the village (and the prices probably reflect this). The website is worth checking out as it explains that there are different places to eat within the hotel, and they are open on different days of the week. Their terrace is nice even if you just want coffee as it has a great view across Housel Bay.
We have not eaten here yet but friends of ours said it was good. The location certainly looks wonderful. It would be a great place for coffee or lunch when visiting Mullion Cove and walking the Mullion section of the South West Coast Path. Evening dinner is slightly formal (check the website for dress code). There is also a spa and health club with outdoor pool and indoor jacuzzi, sauna, etc.
8 locals recommend
Mullion Cove Hotel
8 locals recommend
We have not eaten here yet but friends of ours said it was good. The location certainly looks wonderful. It would be a great place for coffee or lunch when visiting Mullion Cove and walking the Mullion section of the South West Coast Path. Evening dinner is slightly formal (check the website for dress code). There is also a spa and health club with outdoor pool and indoor jacuzzi, sauna, etc.
Not traditional Cornish fayre 😁 but if you enjoy Thai food you might like to try this restaurant which is about six miles away towards Helston. The couple who own it used to run a restaurant in South East Asia. The husband is a local lad and his wife is Thai, and she cooks some really nice authentic dishes. And the décor is really fun and quirky (don't miss seeing the plane).
14 locals recommend
Jumunjy Thai Cuisine
14 locals recommend
Not traditional Cornish fayre 😁 but if you enjoy Thai food you might like to try this restaurant which is about six miles away towards Helston. The couple who own it used to run a restaurant in South East Asia. The husband is a local lad and his wife is Thai, and she cooks some really nice authentic dishes. And the décor is really fun and quirky (don't miss seeing the plane).

Places to swim, bodyboard or surf

The Lizard has some very beautiful coves with crystal clear water but you do need to check tide times to know when they will be at their sandiest. They are at their best (most sandy) when the tide is low. So always plan your beach visits by checking tide times.
This famous iconic cove is one of the most photographed places in Cornwall, and seen on screen in Poldark and the new 'Game of Thrones' prequel. There is almost no sand at high tide but once it starts dropping it gradually reveals a group of three coves in one. You can then move round to the right to discover the second and third part, the third part being a charming little beach with a lagoon-shaped pool, dramatic rock monolith and interconnected caves. After a few hours you will need to keep an eye on the incoming tide and make your way back before the tide comes fully in and that part of the cove is cut off. This is a National Trust beach with a very good café and well-kept toilets. There is a large car park at the top of the cliff. There is a choice of two paths down to the beach: a steeper quicker one or a longer one with a gentler gradient. It is a beautiful and quite dramatic walk to Kynance along the coast path from our cottage. You can do it in about 40 minutes but you will inevitably keep stopping to enjoy the views and take photos, so allow time for that. The shorter walk is through the village and along the traditional Cornish 'double hedge path' on top of a stone wall. By car it only takes about five minutes to Kynance car park and then the walk down to the beach is about ten minutes depending on which path you choose.
223 locals recommend
Kynance Cove
223 locals recommend
This famous iconic cove is one of the most photographed places in Cornwall, and seen on screen in Poldark and the new 'Game of Thrones' prequel. There is almost no sand at high tide but once it starts dropping it gradually reveals a group of three coves in one. You can then move round to the right to discover the second and third part, the third part being a charming little beach with a lagoon-shaped pool, dramatic rock monolith and interconnected caves. After a few hours you will need to keep an eye on the incoming tide and make your way back before the tide comes fully in and that part of the cove is cut off. This is a National Trust beach with a very good café and well-kept toilets. There is a large car park at the top of the cliff. There is a choice of two paths down to the beach: a steeper quicker one or a longer one with a gentler gradient. It is a beautiful and quite dramatic walk to Kynance along the coast path from our cottage. You can do it in about 40 minutes but you will inevitably keep stopping to enjoy the views and take photos, so allow time for that. The shorter walk is through the village and along the traditional Cornish 'double hedge path' on top of a stone wall. By car it only takes about five minutes to Kynance car park and then the walk down to the beach is about ten minutes depending on which path you choose.
Our nearest place to swim (no sand at high tide) is about a ten minute walk via a footpath due east through fields (see the map on our Penarvor Cottage website). It is a very small but beautiful cove favoured by villagers. There is no sand at high tide and there is a steep rocky path down the cliff to the water...but we love it.
Housel Bay Beach
South West Coast Path
Our nearest place to swim (no sand at high tide) is about a ten minute walk via a footpath due east through fields (see the map on our Penarvor Cottage website). It is a very small but beautiful cove favoured by villagers. There is no sand at high tide and there is a steep rocky path down the cliff to the water...but we love it.
Poldhu is our favourite beach for surf and quick swims. It is about 15 minutes away by car. It has easy access with a car park very near the beach (great for wetsuit changing). There is a very good café open all year (and public toilets which are currently being rebuilt). And a real bonus is that you can easily swim here even at high tide. It's ideal for families with young children, especially as there are lifeguards. In high season the car park can get full by late morning but starts to have space again from mid afternoon onwards. Surf lessons and equipment hire are provided by Dan Joel.
Poldhu Cove
Poldhu is our favourite beach for surf and quick swims. It is about 15 minutes away by car. It has easy access with a car park very near the beach (great for wetsuit changing). There is a very good café open all year (and public toilets which are currently being rebuilt). And a real bonus is that you can easily swim here even at high tide. It's ideal for families with young children, especially as there are lifeguards. In high season the car park can get full by late morning but starts to have space again from mid afternoon onwards. Surf lessons and equipment hire are provided by Dan Joel.
This is a long surfing beach with sand at all times. It is about a 30 minute drive. At one end it has large car parks and various cafés, plus public toilets. You can hire wet suits and surf boards, and there are lifeguards.
48 locals recommend
Praa Sands Beach
South West Coast Path
48 locals recommend
This is a long surfing beach with sand at all times. It is about a 30 minute drive. At one end it has large car parks and various cafés, plus public toilets. You can hire wet suits and surf boards, and there are lifeguards.

Things to do and places to visit

Here are a few ideas that may help you make the most of your stay. They take various lengths of time from a few minutes to a whole day.
The sea view from the cottage means that boat-spotting is a constant fascination for many guests. All commercial boats can be identified using the website called Marine Traffic which shows you a real-time tracking map of what you are looking at and tells you about the boat and where it is going. Also, take a few minutes to walk out of our drive and to the right which takes you to the end of the lane to see the view towards Kynance Cove, especially when there is a good sunset.
Man of War View
Man of War View
The sea view from the cottage means that boat-spotting is a constant fascination for many guests. All commercial boats can be identified using the website called Marine Traffic which shows you a real-time tracking map of what you are looking at and tells you about the boat and where it is going. Also, take a few minutes to walk out of our drive and to the right which takes you to the end of the lane to see the view towards Kynance Cove, especially when there is a good sunset.
Our cottage is the start and end point of amazing circular coastal walks around the cliffs. See our Penarvor Cottage website for maps. Walking the coast path is probably the greatest way to experience the beautiful coastal location.
Penarvor Cottage, The Lizard, Cornwall
Our cottage is the start and end point of amazing circular coastal walks around the cliffs. See our Penarvor Cottage website for maps. Walking the coast path is probably the greatest way to experience the beautiful coastal location.
Go left down our lane (Man-of-War View, which is named after the large rocks off the headland). At the end, on the right, is the start of the footpath down to Pistil Meadow, the water's edge and the South West Coast Path. This is a great place for a 30 minute walk to watch the waves and especially, in early evening, to spot seals that come in close to the shore.
Natural Trust - Pistil Meadow
South West Coast Path
Go left down our lane (Man-of-War View, which is named after the large rocks off the headland). At the end, on the right, is the start of the footpath down to Pistil Meadow, the water's edge and the South West Coast Path. This is a great place for a 30 minute walk to watch the waves and especially, in early evening, to spot seals that come in close to the shore.
As the cottage is surrounded by water on three sides, there are numerous circular walks. Here are the two main ones. Go down to Pistil Meadow and turn left along the coastal path. Follow it round to Housel Cove and then turn left to get back to the village. That path will cross Lighthouse Road. At that point you can turn right to the village or slightly left and then right over a stone wall style to follow a footpath through the fields back to the cottage. The other main one is turn right at Pistil Meadow and follow the coast path to Kynance Cove then walk back via what is known locally as 'the double-hedge path' which is a shorter walk and brings you back via the village green. Timescales for these would probably be a couple of hours for Housel and half a day for Kynance but you will find other footpaths as you explore that provide shorter walks.
113 locals recommend
National Trust - Lizard Point
113 locals recommend
As the cottage is surrounded by water on three sides, there are numerous circular walks. Here are the two main ones. Go down to Pistil Meadow and turn left along the coastal path. Follow it round to Housel Cove and then turn left to get back to the village. That path will cross Lighthouse Road. At that point you can turn right to the village or slightly left and then right over a stone wall style to follow a footpath through the fields back to the cottage. The other main one is turn right at Pistil Meadow and follow the coast path to Kynance Cove then walk back via what is known locally as 'the double-hedge path' which is a shorter walk and brings you back via the village green. Timescales for these would probably be a couple of hours for Housel and half a day for Kynance but you will find other footpaths as you explore that provide shorter walks.
Just a few minutes walk through the fields is the lighthouse. At the moment (October 2023) it is not open to visitors but hopefully it will re-open soon.
13 locals recommend
Lizard Lighthouse
3 Lighthouse Rd
13 locals recommend
Just a few minutes walk through the fields is the lighthouse. At the moment (October 2023) it is not open to visitors but hopefully it will re-open soon.
The Lifeboat is a very significant part of village life. So a visit to the Lifeboat Station, and its beautiful location, is a must for anyone staying at the Lizard. The sea surrounds the village and everyone is constantly aware of the tides and the weather. Many villagers are part of the crew and the support team. The Lifeboat is vital for the local fishing boats and all the other vessels sailing near the Lizard. A visit is a great opportunity to see inside a lifeboat station and to see the lifeboat up close. There is a visitors' area with just the right amount of information about the history and about how the lifeboat operates today. Opening hours vary daily, so it is best to phone before visiting. Access is via many flights of steep steps down the side of the cliff but there is a lift for those unable to manage the steps. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
The Lizard RNLI Lifeboat Station
The Lifeboat is a very significant part of village life. So a visit to the Lifeboat Station, and its beautiful location, is a must for anyone staying at the Lizard. The sea surrounds the village and everyone is constantly aware of the tides and the weather. Many villagers are part of the crew and the support team. The Lifeboat is vital for the local fishing boats and all the other vessels sailing near the Lizard. A visit is a great opportunity to see inside a lifeboat station and to see the lifeboat up close. There is a visitors' area with just the right amount of information about the history and about how the lifeboat operates today. Opening hours vary daily, so it is best to phone before visiting. Access is via many flights of steep steps down the side of the cliff but there is a lift for those unable to manage the steps. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
Fascinating insight into the history of telecommunications and The Lizard's place in that history. Great 30-minute stop while walking the cliff path or a nice destination in itself if you want an outing for an hour or two. Walk through the fields and along the cliff path eastward. More info on The National Trust website.
Lizard Wireless Station
Fascinating insight into the history of telecommunications and The Lizard's place in that history. Great 30-minute stop while walking the cliff path or a nice destination in itself if you want an outing for an hour or two. Walk through the fields and along the cliff path eastward. More info on The National Trust website.
The most prolific of the remaining Serpentine-turning families in the village. They have a really good display of Serpentine rock products and you can see the workshop through a window. Serpentine is one of the most important features of The Lizard and the traditional life here. There is a little book about it in the cottage's lounge.
Serpentine Works Gift Shop
The most prolific of the remaining Serpentine-turning families in the village. They have a really good display of Serpentine rock products and you can see the workshop through a window. Serpentine is one of the most important features of The Lizard and the traditional life here. There is a little book about it in the cottage's lounge.
It's worth visiting this little part of the village because it is a tiny creek-like cove with picturesque old stone fishing buildings. The lane down to it goes past quaint thatched cottages. You can either walk or take the car as far as a little parking area next to the parish church.
Church Cove
It's worth visiting this little part of the village because it is a tiny creek-like cove with picturesque old stone fishing buildings. The lane down to it goes past quaint thatched cottages. You can either walk or take the car as far as a little parking area next to the parish church.
Possibly the last 'working cove' in Cornwall where fishing boats use the beach as there is no harbour, as featured in the BBC documentary series 'Cornwall: this fishing life'. It is a very quaint, very small, fishing village.
38 locals recommend
Cadgwith Cove
38 locals recommend
Possibly the last 'working cove' in Cornwall where fishing boats use the beach as there is no harbour, as featured in the BBC documentary series 'Cornwall: this fishing life'. It is a very quaint, very small, fishing village.
Tiny quaint fishing harbour (with a small old café). The old net loft at Mullion Cove is the picture in the cottage's middle bedroom. It's worth walking along some of the coast path towards Kynance from here to get a good view.
Mullion Harbour
Tiny quaint fishing harbour (with a small old café). The old net loft at Mullion Cove is the picture in the cottage's middle bedroom. It's worth walking along some of the coast path towards Kynance from here to get a good view.
Quaint fishing village with a small harbour. Water sports are available here and the restaurant at the Paris Hotel is worth a visit. And you could combine this outing with a visit to Roskilly's Ice-cream farm which is on the main approach road to Coverack.
33 locals recommend
Coverack
33 locals recommend
Quaint fishing village with a small harbour. Water sports are available here and the restaurant at the Paris Hotel is worth a visit. And you could combine this outing with a visit to Roskilly's Ice-cream farm which is on the main approach road to Coverack.
(Good to combine this with a trip to Coverack.) The famous home of the wonderful local ice cream. This ancient farm has a café and two small art galleries. There is one specialising in ceramics and one for visiting artists who are often showing paintings of local views. All artwork is for sale and we bought some there that is now in the cottage. There are also farm animals to see, so this is a great extra attraction for families with children.
53 locals recommend
Roskilly's
Tregellast Close
53 locals recommend
(Good to combine this with a trip to Coverack.) The famous home of the wonderful local ice cream. This ancient farm has a café and two small art galleries. There is one specialising in ceramics and one for visiting artists who are often showing paintings of local views. All artwork is for sale and we bought some there that is now in the cottage. There are also farm animals to see, so this is a great extra attraction for families with children.
If you like sculpture and walking then it is worth the effort to find this hidden gem. It is close to the South West Coast Path just south of Coverack. As the steep narrow main road leaves the village there is an old chapel with a path on the left. Follow the signs that say Public Path. There are a few forks in the path but you need to keep taking the one to the right that takes you up to the top of a hill where there is a group of houses. Between the houses is a path marked Sculpture Park. This path takes you through woodland until it opens out into the three small meadows where you will find the lovely sculptures. There is a website with photos that show the style of sculpture (based on human and animal forms).
Terence Coventry Sculpture Park
If you like sculpture and walking then it is worth the effort to find this hidden gem. It is close to the South West Coast Path just south of Coverack. As the steep narrow main road leaves the village there is an old chapel with a path on the left. Follow the signs that say Public Path. There are a few forks in the path but you need to keep taking the one to the right that takes you up to the top of a hill where there is a group of houses. Between the houses is a path marked Sculpture Park. This path takes you through woodland until it opens out into the three small meadows where you will find the lovely sculptures. There is a website with photos that show the style of sculpture (based on human and animal forms).
There is something of a foodie scene here with its Michelin restaurants and festival. The harbour is known for dramatic waves and a quirky surfing tradition celebrated by the iconic Porthleven ale made by the Truro-based Skinners brewery. You will also find a number of craft and art shops around the harbour.
204 locals recommend
Porthleven
204 locals recommend
There is something of a foodie scene here with its Michelin restaurants and festival. The harbour is known for dramatic waves and a quirky surfing tradition celebrated by the iconic Porthleven ale made by the Truro-based Skinners brewery. You will also find a number of craft and art shops around the harbour.
Good day out visiting this iconic island and its castle. You park at Marazion and get a small ferry boat if the tide is in, or you walk across the causeway if the tide is out. The real fun is walking when the tide is on the turn and you have to get back in time. We have happy memories of when our kids were small and we had to carry them on our backs as the waves started to cover the causeway.
690 locals recommend
Saint Michael's Mount
690 locals recommend
Good day out visiting this iconic island and its castle. You park at Marazion and get a small ferry boat if the tide is in, or you walk across the causeway if the tide is out. The real fun is walking when the tide is on the turn and you have to get back in time. We have happy memories of when our kids were small and we had to carry them on our backs as the waves started to cover the causeway.
Although you would get back late (unless you go to a matinee), it is well worth it to experience a performance at this amazing open-air clifftop amphitheatre. Book well in advance to get the performance and the seating position that you want. Many people have a picnic before the show or you could book an early-evening dinner at The Logan Rock Inn (book in advance) which is nearby. And to make it the perfect long day out, spend the afternoon on the beautiful Porthcurno beach, plus, on the way there, call in to Mousehole which is the tiny quaint fishing village in the picture in the main bedroom at the cottage. (The painting was commissioned from the artist by Nick's father in the 1960s.) If you want to add one more stop to your day, try calling in to Polgoon Vineyard and cider orchards which you will be passing on the A30 near Penzance. We have not been there but have always wanted to.
180 locals recommend
The Minack Theatre
180 locals recommend
Although you would get back late (unless you go to a matinee), it is well worth it to experience a performance at this amazing open-air clifftop amphitheatre. Book well in advance to get the performance and the seating position that you want. Many people have a picnic before the show or you could book an early-evening dinner at The Logan Rock Inn (book in advance) which is nearby. And to make it the perfect long day out, spend the afternoon on the beautiful Porthcurno beach, plus, on the way there, call in to Mousehole which is the tiny quaint fishing village in the picture in the main bedroom at the cottage. (The painting was commissioned from the artist by Nick's father in the 1960s.) If you want to add one more stop to your day, try calling in to Polgoon Vineyard and cider orchards which you will be passing on the A30 near Penzance. We have not been there but have always wanted to.
A great day out to visit the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. (And of course the beaches are beautiful and the town has loads of interesting shops, galleries and cafes.) Get to St Ives early in the day to get a parking place.
610 locals recommend
St Ives
610 locals recommend
A great day out to visit the Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden. (And of course the beaches are beautiful and the town has loads of interesting shops, galleries and cafes.) Get to St Ives early in the day to get a parking place.
We have not visited yet but they have restored a maze that looks good. This is a National Trust property and could be combined with visiting the Helford River area.
160 locals recommend
Glendurgan Garden
160 locals recommend
We have not visited yet but they have restored a maze that looks good. This is a National Trust property and could be combined with visiting the Helford River area.
We have not visited this yet but it could be good to combine with Glendurgan and exploring the Helford River area. However you might find the admission cost off-putting. In 2023 it was at least £15 per adult.
252 locals recommend
Trebah Garden
252 locals recommend
We have not visited this yet but it could be good to combine with Glendurgan and exploring the Helford River area. However you might find the admission cost off-putting. In 2023 it was at least £15 per adult.
Home of the wonderful Gwella ice cream that you can buy at Tregullas Farm Shop. This might be a good place to call in to if you are visiting the Helford River area.
Gwella Dairy
Home of the wonderful Gwella ice cream that you can buy at Tregullas Farm Shop. This might be a good place to call in to if you are visiting the Helford River area.
The Helford River is the northern edge of The Lizard Peninsula and is great for boating and kayaking. Sailaway St Anthony provides a range of craft for you to hire.
7 locals recommend
Sailaway St Anthony Ltd
7 locals recommend
The Helford River is the northern edge of The Lizard Peninsula and is great for boating and kayaking. Sailaway St Anthony provides a range of craft for you to hire.
Home of the award-winning pasty. Get there in good time as they often sell out by 2.00pm. Have a look at their website for more details and to see the family's story. This would be a good lunch option when visiting the Helford River area.
16 locals recommend
Gear Farm Pasty Company
16 locals recommend
Home of the award-winning pasty. Get there in good time as they often sell out by 2.00pm. Have a look at their website for more details and to see the family's story. This would be a good lunch option when visiting the Helford River area.
We've not had lessons with Dan ourselves but we have often been on Poldhu beach when the lessons have been in progress and they seem to be well-run and enjoyed by those taking part.
10 locals recommend
Dan Joel Surf School
Poldhu Road
10 locals recommend
We've not had lessons with Dan ourselves but we have often been on Poldhu beach when the lessons have been in progress and they seem to be well-run and enjoyed by those taking part.
If you fancy doing something exciting you could try kayaking, coasteering or climbing organised by Lizard Adventure based in the village.
11 locals recommend
Lizard Adventure
Lizard Head Lane
11 locals recommend
If you fancy doing something exciting you could try kayaking, coasteering or climbing organised by Lizard Adventure based in the village.
Local riding stables providing trecking along routes that include the beach.
Newton Livery Equestrian & Leisure Centre
Local riding stables providing trecking along routes that include the beach.

Groceries

In the village there is a deli/butcher (C&E Retallack) on Beacon Road and a farm shop (Tregullas Farm) on Lighthouse Road. About ten minutes' drive away, in Mullion, is a small but well-stocked Co-op. About twenty minutes' away, on the edge of Helston, is a large Sainsburys and other large supermarkets (including Tesco) are just a few minutes further into Helston. Both Sainsburys and Tesco deliver to the cottage but you need to book your slot well in advance because the slots book up quickly.
This deli sells high quality meat and groceries with a focus on local produce. They have a good range of interesting Cornish cheeses. Logs and kindling are also sold here.
Retallack C & E
This deli sells high quality meat and groceries with a focus on local produce. They have a good range of interesting Cornish cheeses. Logs and kindling are also sold here.
Just a few minutes' walk away on Lighthouse Road, the farm shop sells many of the basics. They also sell logs and kindling, as well as newspapers. The farm's land includes the fields in front of the cottage. Rhona, the farmer's wife, bakes bread and scones. She will also make you filled rolls which are great for a packed lunch for taking on walks or to the beach. They sell Gwella ice cream, which you should try because it is one of the two wonderful ice creams made on the Lizard (the other is Roskilly's). You may well see Neville, the farmer, working in the fields in front of the cottage (or their sons and daughters who now help run the farm).
Tregullas Farm Shop
Just a few minutes' walk away on Lighthouse Road, the farm shop sells many of the basics. They also sell logs and kindling, as well as newspapers. The farm's land includes the fields in front of the cottage. Rhona, the farmer's wife, bakes bread and scones. She will also make you filled rolls which are great for a packed lunch for taking on walks or to the beach. They sell Gwella ice cream, which you should try because it is one of the two wonderful ice creams made on the Lizard (the other is Roskilly's). You may well see Neville, the farmer, working in the fields in front of the cottage (or their sons and daughters who now help run the farm).
Fresh fish caught locally. The type of fish available depends on what the boats have brought in.
Lizard Shellfish
Fresh fish caught locally. The type of fish available depends on what the boats have brought in.
In the village square you'll find Triggs (the surname of the owners) which is an off-licence that sells Cornish ciders, beers and other beverages. It also sells a lot of Cornish fudge and other confectionary. A highlight is Treleaven's ice cream which is made in Cornwall. It is not actually made on the Lizard, as is Roskilly's and Gwella, but it is still very good.
Triggs R
In the village square you'll find Triggs (the surname of the owners) which is an off-licence that sells Cornish ciders, beers and other beverages. It also sells a lot of Cornish fudge and other confectionary. A highlight is Treleaven's ice cream which is made in Cornwall. It is not actually made on the Lizard, as is Roskilly's and Gwella, but it is still very good.
Very useful shop about ten minutes away which has all the essentials and is open until 11pm.
Co-operative
Nansmellyon Road
Very useful shop about ten minutes away which has all the essentials and is open until 11pm.
Large enough to have almost everything in stock, plus there is an Argos inside that can get far more non-food things usually within 24 hours. There is also a fuel station here if Kynance Garage is closed (just a mile or so from the village).
Sainsbury's
Large enough to have almost everything in stock, plus there is an Argos inside that can get far more non-food things usually within 24 hours. There is also a fuel station here if Kynance Garage is closed (just a mile or so from the village).

Medical

Useful pharmacy about ten minutes' away in Mullion.
Boots Pharmacy
Churchtown
Useful pharmacy about ten minutes' away in Mullion.
There is a minor injury unit here but you cannot just walk in. Access is via calling 111 first.
Helston Community Hospital
Meneage Road
There is a minor injury unit here but you cannot just walk in. Access is via calling 111 first.
There is a Health Centre with GPs at Mullion but there is also a part-time surgery in Lizard Village just on the edge of the green.
Mullion Health Centre
Willis Vean
There is a Health Centre with GPs at Mullion but there is also a part-time surgery in Lizard Village just on the edge of the green.

Seasonal experiences and local produce

This is a new section for 2023, so we will gradually add items through the year. These suggestions are things that might be happening when you are staying at the cottage, or local produce you might like to discover while you are on the Lizard Peninsula.
Held every year in early May (Friday 7th in 2023), this is one of Cornwall's most famous ancient traditions, featuring processional dances through the streets at certain times during the day plus a short outdoor play in the morning. Check the official website for details.
6 locals recommend
Helston Flora Day Association
117 Meneage St
6 locals recommend
Held every year in early May (Friday 7th in 2023), this is one of Cornwall's most famous ancient traditions, featuring processional dances through the streets at certain times during the day plus a short outdoor play in the morning. Check the official website for details.
We have not visited it ourselves but it seems an interesting opportunity to engage with a rather unique farming story. You can pre-book visits at certain times, and they have open days. Have a look at their website if you think this may be of interest to you.
Roskorwell Farm Cornish Lavender
We have not visited it ourselves but it seems an interesting opportunity to engage with a rather unique farming story. You can pre-book visits at certain times, and they have open days. Have a look at their website if you think this may be of interest to you.