The Lizard and Kynance Cove
The Lizard and Kynance Cove
4.5
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
18 within 5 kms
Attractions
23 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Samantha47 contributionsBreathtakingBreathtaking views and we saw seals. Bit steep in places and the sea mist rolled in. Can hear the lighthouse warning sailors. Car park was cheap. Walks were plentiful. Simply stunningVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 October 2023
- algublerDundee, United Kingdom47 contributionsWear proper shoes!!We spent the entire day here back in May and pictures really don't do the place justice. The water is absolutely stunning, and looks as though you're abroad in a sunnier place than England! The views from up by the cafe are also amazing, my only word of advice would be to wear proper footwear as you have to climb over rocks to get to the water itself and it's quite a trek!Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 January 2024
- settingsun29Kendal, United Kingdom14 contributionsAmazing sceneryBeautiful rugged cove with some great little caves. Take heed of the tides before going down. We ate Pasties at the cafe which was really atmospheric. Bit of a tricky access down to the beach due to boulders and stones but there is an accessible path over the top. Toilets in the National trust car park.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 April 2024
- Samantha P11 contributionsWorth the effortKynance cove car park can get busy, we had difficulty paying parking fee due to poor phone connection and only had enough cash for hour stay. Very steep foot path down to rocky beach, with flat sand visible at low tide. I did not see any wheelchair access to beach and not suitable for people who are unsteady on their feet. Nice views, great area for walkersVisited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 May 2024
- Danny WCarharrack, United Kingdom81 contributionsStunning place wear good walking shoesBeen In cornwall 34 years and never been down this way, Father’s Day treat. We are national trust members so the car parks are free, I would Suggest this as there are many places In cornwall and Devon to get good value. Anyway kynance cove, pretty place to get to the beach is fairly steep via the direction route and not advisable for anyone with disabilities. They is a longer route and to be honest we came back that way back to the car park and it was a nice walk without the risk of falling over plus you don’t have to worry about walking h across the seaweed covered rocks on the beach. There Is a little cafe where you can get a drink etc and sit on the benches or deck chairs… stunning view but better was to come. There is a very steep path up the hill which leads to what can only be described as putting green area which would be lovely for a bbq or picnic. Please note dogs and young children must be watch near the cliff edges. The view is breathtaking and well worth the hike. Like I said we walked back the easy way which was a lot easier. We then went to lizard point again national trust car park took a walk down to the old life boat station as the light house station was closed, nice walk coupe of cafes again stunning view. National trust viewing point and nature watch few long range viewers assume these were the national trust. Got a nice ice cream and read the history on the lifeboat station. We were out and about for a few hours and saw a stunning bit out south Cornwall well worth trip, hindsight take a sandwich flask or own drink as prices are steep. There are 4 walks ranging from 1-2 miles to 4-5 miles for various routes. Good footwear is a must, forget flip flops heals etc. push chairs difficult to push on the paths. Dogs on a lead and pick your dog $**t up too. Is you have binoculars they would Be handy, saw a drone flying around pretty cool if you have one to use.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 17 June 2024
- AdrianS2403Enfield, United Kingdom709 contributionsA lovely cove great waves.A shortish walk to the cove is well worth it. A lovely sandy cove at low tide with two beaches. Beware when tide comes in as you could easily get cut off on western beach area. The sea was clean and free from seaweed. Cafe and toilets above the cove.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 June 2024
- Stewart CChatham, United Kingdom1,106 contributionsIt would be nice to see it on a sunny day with a lower tide.We visited Kynance Cove on a Saturday afternoon in May during a weeklong visit to Cornwall and whilst on a visit to Lizard Point. We drove here and parked in the National Trust car park which is free to members, there are also public toilets here. There are two ways of reaching Kynance Cove from the car park, the most direct is quite steep and along an unmade path but gives the best views of the cove as you approach. There is a second pathway which is easier to navigate and this will bring the visitor out by the café building at the cove. Taking the first route we approached the cove from height and got some nice photos. The tide was quite high as we arrived and so most of the beach area was covered by the sea but we could still make out the rocks and cliffs surrounding this area. Reaching the beach, we descended a short flight of steps onto a pebbly beach area and made our way across towards the café. The weather on the day of our visit was a bit windy and with showery rain, but the cove was still, reasonably busy although the limited available beach area at high tide tended to compress people into a smaller area and across the exposed rocks. Having made it to the café which appeared to be closing, we returned to the car park via the longer but easier to travel path which goes around behind the back of the cove. To be fair the combination of the weather and the high tide means that we did not see Kynance Cove at its best and it would be nice to see it on a sunny day with a lower tide.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 July 2024
- Nelgumford905 contributionsWe parked on the greenWe parked on the green and walked to the lighthouse, to the point and to the cove. The green is handy for the toilets but all three of the places that we walked to had parking of their own. I love that I was able to get a Mr Whippy on the green. Classier ice-creams are good too but I can have them out of the freezer at home. Mr Whippy is a holiday treat.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 July 2024
- Holly MunnGlasgow, United Kingdom304 contributionsBeautiful beaches with some of the most spectacular views in CornwallWorth the drive down to them. Both absolutely beautiful beaches with some of the most breathtakingly beautiful views in Cornwall. Entrance fee is £7.50 each and there is parking available at both. Both offer paved walkways down to the beach and both have step free options too. The cafes at both are just lovely too. Kynance definitely has more going on but the walk from Lizard to the town is just lovely.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 23 July 2024
- Holly DollyLondon, United Kingdom555 contributionsOne of the most stunning places I’ve ever visited.We were in Cornwall for the week and it was recommended by friends that we visit here and I am so so so pleased we did. Kynance Cove is by far one of the most beautiful places I have visited, the walks, the geography, the beaches and the water are absolutely stunning. Parking is good value, there are so many walk around the park and the maps which are dotted around clearly explain to you how to reach the beach. There are easy routes and some more difficult routes. At the beach there is a cafe which sells sandwiches, jackets potatoes and cakes/biscuits. Hot and cold drinks are also available. The cafe was very clean, staff friendly and prices reasonable. There are plenty of tables to sit at and a few deckchairs available to sit in and soak up the sun and admire the wonderful views. The walk down was enjoyable, the walk up a little harder because of how steep it was but I would do that walk hundred over to see those views again. I highly recommend that if you in this part of Cornwall you must see this Cove.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
2,058 reviews
Excellent
1,673
Very good
299
Average
56
Poor
14
Terrible
16
mosesh324
Staines, UK218 contributions
Aug 2020
This is one of the must-do walks in the UK. We parked our car (@ 9am) in Lizard village carpark, and followed the sign to Kynance Cove, where we spent half an hour including a lovely cappuccino. Then, just as the horde was arriving from the KC carpark, before social distancing was getting impossible in this small beautiful cove, we tracked our way along the coast towards Lizard point. We passed gorgeous landscapes, along the southern most part of Britain, as the fog lifted and sun shone, to the sound of fog horn coming from Lizard lighthouse in a distance. Took lots of photos including wild flower meadow.
We stopped over for fish platter lunch, downed with cold pear cider at the Polpeor Cafe (Britain's southernmost cafe), before continuing past Lizard lighthouse and Housel cove, before turning back to Lizard (@2pm).
Altogether an exhilarating walk - thoroughly recommended.
We stopped over for fish platter lunch, downed with cold pear cider at the Polpeor Cafe (Britain's southernmost cafe), before continuing past Lizard lighthouse and Housel cove, before turning back to Lizard (@2pm).
Altogether an exhilarating walk - thoroughly recommended.
Written 11 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carole C
Greater London, UK29 contributions
Aug 2020
Parked at the Lizard village (donation to the parish council - what a fantastic approach) and the most beautiful and relaxing stroll down the the lizard lighthouse and down to Lizard Point on what was a very hot and sunny day in August 2020. People very much respected social distance measures and it felt ‘relaxed and safe’.
Kynance cove was ‘full ‘ as we passed but open as we left the lizard is was back open. Called in for a quick mooch... but at £7 to park (and it was quite late for us to go to the beach’ we chatted to the attendent and left... maybe next time.., but ge5 there early.
A beautiful village and would certainly go back.
Kynance cove was ‘full ‘ as we passed but open as we left the lizard is was back open. Called in for a quick mooch... but at £7 to park (and it was quite late for us to go to the beach’ we chatted to the attendent and left... maybe next time.., but ge5 there early.
A beautiful village and would certainly go back.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tracey G
Halesowen, UK2,222 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Having visited The Lizard we then drove to here. Well organised NT car park. Free for member. We are so join!
Two routes down to cove. One with steps. One easy access
A beautiful secluded cove. Sheltered so very warm. Would think it would be horrendous in the summer months as it was popular in late September
Stunning on a sunny day
Didn’t go the cafe but it looked very busy
No life guard so imagine swimming could be quite dangerous depending on the tides
Amazingly so people walking down in flip flops. Wouldn’t recommend this as it’s quite slippery in places with loose stones. Some people are really st…..d!
Two routes down to cove. One with steps. One easy access
A beautiful secluded cove. Sheltered so very warm. Would think it would be horrendous in the summer months as it was popular in late September
Stunning on a sunny day
Didn’t go the cafe but it looked very busy
No life guard so imagine swimming could be quite dangerous depending on the tides
Amazingly so people walking down in flip flops. Wouldn’t recommend this as it’s quite slippery in places with loose stones. Some people are really st…..d!
Written 26 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amie T
7 contributions
July 2023 • Family
Kynance cove is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. We arrived really early to the car park at 9am which worked well as there were only a few cars there.
The car park is charges at £5 for four hours or £10 for over four hours. This is paid on a machine or via a app so take cash or download the app before you get there.
There are two routes to get down to the cove. The shortest walk involves alot of steep steps with no barries and from a high height( we didn't personally do this). We chose the route that was suitable for prams with my 6 and 3 year old. I would not recommend taking a pram Down as its very steep and almost like gravel so it would be hard to get it back up.
Once down there we waited for the tide to go out and then walked round the the other side. It's absolutely beautiful but I wouldn't bother taking beach towels as the sand was so wet that they were soaked through all the time) y
This is obviously because the tide constantly goes in and out covering the sand so make your jorumeys lighter and don't bother with the towels.
There is a reasonably priced cafe at the bottom and toilets around the corner.
The car park is charges at £5 for four hours or £10 for over four hours. This is paid on a machine or via a app so take cash or download the app before you get there.
There are two routes to get down to the cove. The shortest walk involves alot of steep steps with no barries and from a high height( we didn't personally do this). We chose the route that was suitable for prams with my 6 and 3 year old. I would not recommend taking a pram Down as its very steep and almost like gravel so it would be hard to get it back up.
Once down there we waited for the tide to go out and then walked round the the other side. It's absolutely beautiful but I wouldn't bother taking beach towels as the sand was so wet that they were soaked through all the time) y
This is obviously because the tide constantly goes in and out covering the sand so make your jorumeys lighter and don't bother with the towels.
There is a reasonably priced cafe at the bottom and toilets around the corner.
Written 25 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Phill B
3 contributions
July 2022 • Friends
First things first: download the ‘PayByPhone’ App before setting off. This will get you all day parking for £4 as opposed to £10
Then you can use that £6 to buy a warm bottle of Korev from the expensive and poorly laid out cafe.
It’s a good job the beach itself is out of this world. What a stunning location, beautiful crystal clear water. Unreal.
Then you can use that £6 to buy a warm bottle of Korev from the expensive and poorly laid out cafe.
It’s a good job the beach itself is out of this world. What a stunning location, beautiful crystal clear water. Unreal.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie G
gloucestershire235 contributions
Aug 2021
This place was a beautiful find. We had heard about it before our trip to Cornwall and decided to go and have a look. It didnt disappoint. On a sunny day you feel like you are abroad.
It has lovely views from the top but i do recommend going down to the cove and enjoying it from there too although the walk down is a bit tricky and there are steps and steps etc. There is a cafe at the bottem.
If you have the cafe infront of you on the left there is a hill to walk up that takes you back to the car park, we did that on the way back as it was easier than trying to get back up the steps. You could go down that way too if you struggle with the terrain of the steps.
Def worth a visit.
It has lovely views from the top but i do recommend going down to the cove and enjoying it from there too although the walk down is a bit tricky and there are steps and steps etc. There is a cafe at the bottem.
If you have the cafe infront of you on the left there is a hill to walk up that takes you back to the car park, we did that on the way back as it was easier than trying to get back up the steps. You could go down that way too if you struggle with the terrain of the steps.
Def worth a visit.
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hilary53g
97 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Parking is easy at Kynance.There are different routes to the cove depending on physical ability.Views as you wander down are really super.If the tide is in there is an alternative route to get down.The cafe on the headland occupies a stunning location.
The Lizard was busier than Kynance and if you park in the village and walk down not everyone believed in social distancing. At the point where the cafe is it was too busy for us and we left quickly.
There is however a lovely bistro in Lizard village which has an excellent outside seating area.
The Lizard was busier than Kynance and if you park in the village and walk down not everyone believed in social distancing. At the point where the cafe is it was too busy for us and we left quickly.
There is however a lovely bistro in Lizard village which has an excellent outside seating area.
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Whitehalltraveller
Pinner, UK406 contributions
June 2021
We visited Lizard Point and Kyance Cove which is well worth the walk and is stunning! You will need to do a lot of walking to experience this, so do bear this in mind. We parked in the village at Lizard where you leave a donation for parking (please do that). There are public toilets too (again leave a donation) and follow the signs down to the point. Best to wear walking boots as it is an uneven path all the way down. You can then follow the path to Kyance Cove and walk down to the beach. Well worth doing this walk. If you park at Kyance Cove car park, it is run by National Trust and can get very busy. So best to go early as there are only so many spaces which are chargeable (£2 for 1hr, £5 for 4 hrs, to do the walk from Kyance Cove to Lizard Point, you will need parking for 4hrs). There are places to eat in the village as well as gift shops. We then walked back to the village via the road until we saw another footpath across a field to the village. Fantastic views not to be missed!
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
7Narnas
103 contributions
July 2022 • Couples
After a fairly short walk from the car park we found ourselves in what seemed to be a Caribbean cove... pure turquoise waters, powdery sand and a lovely sailboat anchored in the bay. If only the water was Caribbean temperatures! Nevertheless, worth steeling yourself to get in the clear blue sea at Kynance, it really is another world.
Great cafe, we had cheese sandwiches ehich were VERY generously filled, followed by delicious Cornish ice creams.
Tip: the charge at the car park ticket meter was £10 but on the app was only £4!
Great cafe, we had cheese sandwiches ehich were VERY generously filled, followed by delicious Cornish ice creams.
Tip: the charge at the car park ticket meter was £10 but on the app was only £4!
Written 13 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natasha
1 contribution
Aug 2020 • Family
Kynance Cove used to be the BEST beach I've known in the UK. U forti lately for various reasons that is no longer the case. The parking - £7 in cash when no one is using cash dur ti covid - the alternative is the most useless pay to park system I've ever encountered whilst also contending with terrible signal there. Take the cash. Also it has been so publicised and the car park not sufficiently policed that it's horribly overcrowded to the point you can't enjoy everything that was once brilliant about it. It would be infinitely better to (if it's to be commercialised with parking for NT and in light of covid etc) be limited in visitor numbers as it now has the feel of a skegness as opposed to the beautiful site it once was.
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What parking app please —as I cannot see it on PayByPhone thanks
Written 6 June 2024
Am I able to do the path down from Kynance cove car park to the beach with a 3 and 5 year old (no buggy)? Or are they too young if the path is too rocky/steep? How many mins does it take to walk down to the beach through the short and long paths?
Written 4 August 2021
I have seen many children, even around 4-5 I would say, I think taking your time it's possible, just watch them out very carefully if you mean to walk on the coastal path before returning to the car park as there aren't railings on the cliffs, but the walk down to the beach is feasible. Maybe for the youngest help yourself with one of those safety leash and you should be fine.
Written 5 August 2021
Me and my daughter are electric biking it from trethvas lizard helston to kyance cove how long does it take please.
Written 11 July 2021
Connector28226464224
Helston, United Kingdom
The cafe at kynance cove is accessible by land-rover, why can't the National Trust lay on land-rover transport down to the cove for those less able bodied people for a small fee to cover costs .....
Written 8 August 2020
Definitely.. Time it right with low tide and there are dozens of rock pools and caves to explore.. We took our 8 and 5 year old there last week and they had a blast.. There were people there with even smaller children as well.. Warning.. it gets VERY busy..
Written 22 July 2020
After parking is it easy to know the way down to the beach?
Written 18 July 2020
Yes, it is signposted, it’s not easy though for anyone with a disability
Written 18 July 2020
What is the best time of the day to visit Kynance Cove? What time is high tide?
Written 28 June 2020
The tide tables for the Cornish coast are published online, it obviously changes with the moon cycle, at the moment low tide is around 2pm. I’d go +/- 3hrs of low tide.
Written 29 June 2020
But make sure you take all your rubbish back with you, quite a few dont
Written 18 July 2020
The bus service from Helston to Lizard passes the Kynance Cove turning, but its a good 1/2 mile then on to the car park/visitor area, and a good walk down to the Cove from there. A taxi from Lizard would probably be best. The Cove itself is beautiful, and there is a National Trust café too.
Written 31 May 2019
Can dogs go on the beach?
Written 12 April 2019
Not between 7am and 7pm from Easter Day until October
Written 24 April 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 33
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing