RachelKynance Cove is a breathtaking natural wonder located on the south coast of Cornwall, England. Known for its turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and dramatic cliff formations, Kynance Cove is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning a visit to Cornwall, the most southerly point of mainland Britain here’s everything you need to know about Kynance Cove.
The History of Kynance Cove
Kynance (meaning ravine in Cornish) Cove has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when it became a popular destination for artists and poets who were inspired by its natural beauty. Among the famous visitors in the early Victorian era, were Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. The poet Alfred Lord Tennyson and painter J.M.W. Turner, both captured the beauty of the cove in their works.
The cove was once a thriving fishing village, but due to the decline in the fish population, it is now primarily used for tourism.
Kynance Cove Beach
Kynance Cove is home to two beautiful beaches: the main beach and the white sands beach. The main beach is a mixture of sand and rocks, while the white sand beach is a stunning stretch of white sand. Both beaches are surrounded by dramatic cliffs, which provide a stunning backdrop to the turquoise waters. The cliffs are made up of serpentine rock, which gives them their distinctive green and red colour.
Are Dogs Allowed at Kynance Cove?
There is a Council enforced seasonal dog ban in operation on the beach, 1st July – 31st August 10 am – 6 pm. But you can still walk your dogs on the footpaths around the beach.
Wildlife and Nature
Kynance Cove is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds. The cove is also home to a variety of plant life, including wildflowers and heather. The area is protected by the National Trust, which helps to preserve the natural beauty of the cove.
Getting to Kynance Cove
Kynance Cove is located on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, and the easiest way to get there is by car. There is a car park located a short walk away from the cove, but it can get busy during peak season. Alternatively, you can take public transport or a taxi from nearby towns such as Helston. If you’re driving, take the A3083 towards Lizard Point, and then follow the signs to Kynance Cove.
Car Parking at Kynance Cove
The main car park at Kynance Cove is a National Trust car park and has over 200 car parking spaces. It’s free parking if you are a National Trust Member, or £2-£10 depending on how long you need to stay if not. You can use the postcode TR12 7PJ for your SavNav to this parking lot.
Are There Toilets at Kynance Cove?
Yes, there are toilet facilities here, one set is in the beach car park at the top and the other public toilets are by the Kynance Cove Café at the bottom of the cove. They are maintained by the National Trust and are free to use and are obviously busy during high season!
Kynance Cove Cafe
There is a wonderful cafe to visit at Kynance Cove. It is open 7 days a week from the beginning of March until November. Half-term and Christmas holidays and possibly weekends from January onwards depending on the weather. The family-run beach cafe serves Cornish Pasties, sandwiches, burgers, salads, homemade cakes, local beers, coffee, hot chocolates, milkshakes, ice cream and even cream teas! It’s a beautiful place to visit and the perfect place for a snack!
Things to do at Kynance Cove at a glance
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Kynance Cove, including snorkelling, sunbathing and photography. The cove is also a popular spot for hiking, with several trails offering stunning views of the coastline. The South West Coast Path passes through Kynance Cove, providing access to other beautiful spots along the coast.
Kynance Cove offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do:
- Beach activities: The cove has white sand beaches, which are perfect for walking, sunbathing, and beach games.
- Coastal walks: There are several scenic walks that start from Kynance Cove and offer stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and ocean.
- Explore the caves – please keep an eye on the tide times as you can get cut off. There is no high tide route out.
- Wildlife watching: Kynance Cove is home to a variety of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and rare birds such as the Cornish chough.
Things To Spot!
- Two types of serpentine rock – bastite and tremolite. In fact, Kynacne Cove is the best place to find serpentine rocks in Cornwall! The walk from Lizard Point lighthouse along the cliffs to Kynance is the walk to find these rocks.
- The four largest sea stacks looking from left to right are Bishop’s Rock, Gull Rock, Asparagus Island (a small island) and Steeple Rock.
- Mermaid Pool and surrounding rock pools.
Swimming at Kynance Cove
There are no lifeguards stationed at Kynance Cove. It’s a very remote area with strong currents, so I would advise against swimming in my personal opinion no matter the water temperature and how inviting it looks. If you really must have a swim, beware of riptides and don’t get out of your depth.
Best time of year to visit Kynance Cove
The best time to visit Kynance Cove is during the summer season, from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny with crystal clear waters. However, it can get extremely busy during this time, so if you prefer a quieter experience, it is best to visit during the coldest months and a weekday and the seasons of spring and autumn to get a full serene experience with fewer people around. However, I wouldn’t advise visiting on a wet and windy day as it can get very rough!
What time of day is best to visit Kynance Cove?
Before 10 am. Kynance Cove is a popular tourist destination, and during peak season, it can get crowded. If you prefer a quieter experience, it’s best to avoid visiting during peak hours. You can easily spend 2-3 hours there tide depending.
It’s worth noting that the sandy beach is inaccessible during high tide. The water comes right up to the cliffs and large rocks. The coastal path is still available during high tide for a wander and a look at the incredible views.
Is Kynance Cove Accessible?
The cove is accessed via a steep walk and uneven footpath from the National Trust car park. The footpath can be challenging for those with mobility issues. It’s not accessible with a wheelchair.
Walks around Kynance Cove
You can walk to Kynance Cove from the Lizard Village, which takes around 45 mins. I recommend picking up an Ann’s Pasty from the small village for your walk! It’s also possible to walk to Kynance Cove from the Lizard Point or Mullion Cove by following the South West Coast Path.
Tips for visiting Kynance Cove
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit to Kynance Cove:
- Wear comfortable shoes: The cove can be accessed via a steep and uneven path, so comfortable footwear is essential.
- Bring sunscreen: The sun can be strong in Cornwall, so it is important to protect your skin with sunscreen.
- Respect the environment: Kynance Cove is a protected area, so it is important to take care not to damage the fragile ecosystem.
- Check the tide times: The beach is only accessible during low tide, so it is important to check the tide times before visiting.
Why You Should Visit Kynance Cove
There are several reasons why you should consider visiting Kynance Cove:
- Scenic beauty: Kynance Cove is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, beautiful scenery epic sunsets and sandy beaches, which make for some stunning views and good times. The beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs, heather and rock formations, creating a dramatic and picturesque landscape that is perfect for photography and exploring. It’s worth noting the molten rock formations and the smooth serpentinite rocks of Kynance Cove are simply stunning. You can see why this cove is a site of special scientific interest and host to one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall!
- Outdoor activities: There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in and around Kynance Cove, including swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and rock climbing. The area is also known for its excellent surfing conditions, with some of the best waves in Cornwall.
- Wildlife: Kynance Cove is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds. Visitors can take a boat tour or go snorkelling to get a closer look at marine life.
- History and culture: Kynance Cove has a rich history and is associated with several local legends and myths. The area is also steeped in Cornish culture, and visitors can explore the local towns and villages to learn more about the area’s heritage.
Kynance Cove is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Cornwall. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse range of activities, it is sure to be a highlight of your trip. It’s truly worth visiting and one for the bucket list!
