11 Nov Exploring Cornwall – St Michael’s Mount, Kynance Cove and Lizard Point
Exploring Cornwall – St Michael’s Mount, Kynance Cove and Lizard Point
I wanted to start this post by saying that that day was a long day.
But when I think about it, all my days in Cornwall were like that.
Long.
And beautiful.
Maybe it is a phase of life, maybe it comes with age, but lately I find myself searching more and more for landscapes. I look for tall mountains, endless seas, small creeks and high waterfalls.
I find myself looking for strange rock formations and empty beaches.
For small streets, forgotten bays and old fishing villages.
And Cornwall has almost all of these.
St Michael’s Mount
Early in the morning I drove from St Ives to Marazion, where I parked close to the place I wanted to see so badly:
St Michael’s Mount.
While Mont Saint-Michel in France is famous around the world, this place is still relatively unknown to many visitors travelling through England.
And that is a shame, because it is truly beautiful.
St Michael’s Mount
The small island can be visited depending on the tide schedule, and in my opinion it is a must-see location in Cornwall.
The cobbled road leading to the island, the tide slowly returning, the clouds moving across the sky — all of this creates one of the most beautiful sights of the entire region.
I actually visited this place twice: once early in the morning and once again the next day at sunset.
Both moments were equally memorable.
Mullion Harbor
From St Michael’s Mount I drove to Mullion Harbor.
Parking was about 500 meters away and instead of a ticket machine there was simply a box where visitors could leave money.
While some people might skip it, I happily left a small contribution.
It felt like the least I could do after witnessing such beautiful scenery.
Mullion Harbor
Mullion Harbor is small.
Very small.
But also perfect.
A quiet harbor, a few painters sketching the scenery, a golden retriever running on the beach and almost no one else around.
Simplicity at its best.
Kynance Cove
My next stop was Kynance Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in Cornwall.
Kynance Cove
Before continuing I must mention two things.
First, it might seem like I move quickly between locations. The truth is that photos rarely capture the full emotion of visiting a place.
Second, Cornwall is extremely photogenic.
For photographers it is truly a dream destination.
Kynance Cove is the type of place where you simply sit down and relax.
You take off your shoes, walk along the sand and listen to the waves.
Kynance Cove
It is the kind of place that leaves a big smile on your face.
Lizard Point
From Kynance Cove I continued towards Lizard Point, the southernmost point of mainland United Kingdom.
It is a beautiful place with many things to see: the lighthouse, coastal walking paths, wildlife and birds, the famous Lizard Point café.
Lizard Point
Many people walk the coastal path between Kynance Cove and Lizard Point, but since I was short on time I chose to drive between locations.
If you have more time, walking the path is definitely worth it.
The views are spectacular.
Cadgwith
My next stop was Cadgwith, a small fishing village that quickly became one of my favorite places in Cornwall.
Cadgwith
Cadgwith is tiny.
A few fishing boats resting on the beach, small cottages and a quiet harbor.
People move slowly between the few local shops and pubs.
It is a lovely place to spend an hour just relaxing and enjoying the atmosphere.
Godrevy Lighthouse
My final stop of the day was Godrevy, home to the famous Godrevy Lighthouse.
Godrevy Lighthouse
This place is perfect for ending a day in Cornwall.
You have: a huge sandy beach, a beautiful lighthouse, and plenty of surfers riding the waves.
Even though it was late September, dozens of people were still surfing.
Watching them while the sun slowly moved towards the horizon was the perfect ending for the day.
Final Thoughts
That was my first full day exploring Cornwall.
It was long.
It was beautiful.
And it reminded me that travelling is not only about rushing from one attraction to another.
Sometimes it is about slowing down.
Enjoying the view.
Feeling the wind from the sea.
And simply being present in the moment.
My next post will be slightly different.
I will talk about the places I saw during my first photography tour in Cornwall with a professional photographer.
Until next time — take care!
Parking Prices in Cornwall (Quick Update)
Before finishing this article I wanted to include a small update about the parking prices I paid during my Cornwall trip. Prices may change of course, but this should give you an idea about what to expect when driving around the area.
Cadgwith – £2 (parked at 14:35 and it was valid until 10:00 the next morning)
Godrevy Point – £3 for 2 hours
Mullion Harbor – £1 placed in the honesty box
Kynance Cove – around £4.50 for about 2 hours (from what I remember)
Lizard Point – around £3 for about 2 hours
Marazion (St Michael’s Mount) – £4.50
During my trip most parking places in Cornwall operated on a pay and display system, so make sure to place the ticket clearly inside your car window after paying.
While the costs may seem small individually, they can add up if you visit many places in one day.
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