The Lizard Peninsula is comparable to a tropical paradise, with its turquoise seas, white sands and lush vegetation. Situated in the south of Cornwall it is the most south-westerly point of the British mainland.
It makes for an ideal getaway with its picturesque villages, unique landscape, unusual geography, rich marine biodiversity and stunning views.
Not only is the Lizard Peninsula an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but there are also eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest to protect wildlife and geology.
Other reasons to visit this incredible location include, the many activities it offers, incredible beaches, top-notch restaurants where you can dine on delicious food, and endless traditional pubs, it certainly has something for everyone.
Whilst here in the Lizard peninsula you can enjoy the following:
Walk along amazing coastal pathways
The Lizard Peninsula is a located in an area of astounding natural beauty and you could easily spend several hours simply taking in the sea views and exploring the coastline. The Lizard is right on the South West Coast path so offers the perfect means to explore the stretches of coast that extend each way from the Lizard Peninsula. Walkers are spoilt for choice here with a choice of gentle or more strenuous walks.
The coastal path extends for miles along the cliff tops and takes you past a range of sights, across its varied landscape, along the dramatic coast with its enticing caves and bays. From this vantage point you can also try to spot the wonderful local wildlife that occupies this area. It is not unusual to see dolphins, porpoises, sharks and seals off the coast. Make sure to check the skies for a great range of sea and land birds, the Lizard is also home to the famous Cornish Chough.
Discover amazing Sandy Beaches and Hidden Coves
The region is home to some of the most beautiful beaches with many tucked away off the beaten track in the many hidden coves and bays that are dotted along this winding coastline.
Most of these incredible beaches boast soft white or golden sands and glittering turquoise waters, it is not heard to imagine you are in some faraway place. Amongst these hidden gems, Kyance Cove is deemed to be the most popular.
Make sure to take time out to soak up the tranquil atmosphere and serene beauty of this picturesque cove you can take a dip in the refreshing waters; at low tide there are a number of caves, stone stacks and unusual rock formations to explore.
Did someone say Ice Cream ?
Roskilly’s Farm are located here on the Lizard Peninsula; this delightful real working organic farm is a treat for all ages. During a visit you not only get to sample some delicious and unusual ice cream flavours, but meet the animals, watch the cows been milked, learn how ice cream is made and stroll around the pretty meadows and old Withy Woods.
Although best known for its incredible cream and ice cream they also produce, fudge and homemade chutneys, mustards, jams and marmalades using traditional family recipes. All their products are produced here on the farm. With more than 30 flavours of ice cream, sorbet and frozen yoghurt on offer you are spoilt for choice. You might want to return again to try another of their unique flavours.
If you are feeling hungry or fancy something savoury the Croust House Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch, where you can look forward to tasty homemade food with pretty much everything homemade here on the farm.
There is plenty of outdoor seating available. Or in colder weather you can sit by the fire.
The farm is fun to visit whatever the weather and is open all year round, apart from Christmas. Throughout the year they usually host a number of fun events and live music evenings, so keep an eye out for these.
Enjoy a delicious cream tea at the most southerly café in England.
At the mostly southerly point in Britain, you will find the delightful Polpeor Café. It is an ideal spot to have a break if exploring the local area and coastal paths. Also, should the weather take a turn for the worse you can take shelter here.
The extensive and varied menu features a choice of tasty traditional homemade dishes. It is their delicious cream teas though that they are well known for. The staff are also incredibly friendly.
It really is the ideal spot with amazing food and the views from the terrace overlooking the Lizard Peninsula are breath-taking. You could easily while away several hours in the delightful and relaxed surroundings, gazing out to sea and spotting wildlife. A great spot to catch a sunset.
Climb the Lizard Lighthouse.
If you are ready to burn off some of those calories that you might have eaten then make your way to the only lighthouse in all of Cornwall that you can climb. With its distinctive twin towers, it marks the most southerly point of mainland Britain. Climb the steps to the top of the Lizard Lighthouse and take in the amazing views of the coast and expansive sea that stretches out before you.
As this point of land extends out so far, it is a continuous danger to passing ships and a lighthouse is essential here. The surrounding waters are littered with wrecks of ships. For the past 250 years, Lizard Lighthouse has provided a welcoming landfall light to passing ships.
There is an interactive learning centre in the Engine room, where you can get an insight into the history of the lighthouse, learn the workings of the Lizard Lighthouse, listen to old lightkeepers stories, learn about living and working in a lighthouse, as well as see lots of photos and displays, its old engines and historical artefacts. You can also take a fascinating tour, that really brings the place to life. There are strict safety instructions if taking the full tour so make sure to check them out first.
Seal Spotting
Although you may see the occasional seal in the surrounding waters from the South West Coastal Path the best place to observe these curious creatures is at the Seal Sanctuary.
It is located on the banks of the Helford River, next to the village of Gweek, to the northwest of the peninsula and is definitely worth a visit. The sanctuary is set amongst 40 acres of lovely countryside and offers lots to see and do. They take in sick, injured, malnourished and abandoned seals from beaches across Britain, they offer a lifeline to seals in need. They rescue and rehabilitate the seals and then release them back into the wild if possible. You can read about each seal that has been rescued by the team here.
There are many other animals to see here including, goats, ponies, sheep and also beavers, sea lions and Humboldt penguins. You can also see the animals being fed, and hear talks from the various keepers. Children will enjoy letting off steam at the Discovery Cove playground and there are lovely woodland walks and a nature trail. There is a pleasant café or plenty of places to have a picnic should you get hungry whilst visiting.
There are steep sections, so it might not be suited to everyone however, there is the use of a wheelchair, or you can park down by the pools to avoid the steep climbs.
Sub-Tropical Gardens
The landscape on and around the Lizard Peninsula is really quite varied and special. One of the best places to explore this unique and diverse landscape is at Trebah Gardens. A historic estate situated on a hillside here on the Lizard Peninsula, near the River Helford.
There are 26-acres of sub-tropical gardens to explore with a stunning coastal backdrop. There are pleasure gardens to the south of the main house, and they contain the highest point in the gardens and the whole of the Lizard.
The three walled gardens, each has a number of interesting and unique features, with lots of secret corners to be discovered. Four miles of winding paths descend through the sub-tropical gardens that are a riot of colour when in full bloom. Keep an eye open to spot the wildlife.
A natural spring cascades down the ravine to the water garden, where you will find exotic water plants and enormous koi carp. There is also an idyllic secluded pebble beach at the bottom of the gardens. Take time to admire the expansive views that stretch out to the open sea. The Boathouse Cafe situated on the beach is open from March to September and serves fresh coffee, tea and Cornwall's famous Roskilly's ice cream.
Dotted about the grounds are a number of outbuildings that have been converted for a number of uses. Within them you will find Trebah Kitchen, a restaurant serving locally sourced food that caters to all dietary requirements; a garden shop and a local craft display centre.
Younger visitors will enjoy the three adventure play areas and children’s trails, as well as the host of events they put on each year. There is even an amphitheatre to catch some great outdoor theatre, check the website to see what performances are scheduled. In addition, they run a number of workshops and unique family events so make sure to look out for these.
It is a steep valley garden and the route is not suitable for wheelchair users. However, they do have Tramper mobility vehicles available to hire.
The gardens are open Saturday to Wednesday throughout the year.
Outdoor Adventure
If you are looking for outdoor adventure then you won’t be disappointed here in the Lizard Peninsula. Lizard Adventure offers all you need for outdoor pursuits.
They offer a choice of activities including sea kayaking, paddle boarding, coasteering and rock climbing. Whether you are a beginner or looking for an adrenalin rush they cater to all abilities. All under the watchful eye of qualified instructors.
A great way to immerse yourself in nature and see the wonderful Cornwall coastline from a different perspective. Explore caves and coves. See seals, sharks and dolphins when on the waters. Also, the guides have a vast knowledge of the local are that they are happy to share, it really makes the experience all that more special. You will get so much out of an activity.
They are open 7 days a week, all year round.
As you can see there is no shortage of things to see and do in this incredible area, it is a wonderful place to spend a holiday.