Curlew Cottage Self catering accommodation at Lands End

NATURE AND BEACHES

Natural wonders abound in the West Penwith and it is impossible not to be overawed by the rugged beauty of this peninsula. For nature lovers, walkers, surfers, bird watchers and archeologists it is "as good as it gets". Certainly in Cornwall and probably in this country.

Coastline nr Lands End

Trevescan is half a mile from Lands End and one mile from Sennen Cove and its white sandy bay. The Cove is renowned for its surfing and is a fantastic beach for families with safe bathing for children. Surf school together with equipment hire is available on the beach, underneath the great Beach cafe .

If you want a 'get away from the madding crowds' beach, Nanjizal (or Mill Bay) is a mile or so walk from the cottage across farmland. It can only be reached on foot and is, unsurprisingly, far quieter than Sennen.

Nanjizal Beach in Summer

And if you are really adventurous and happy to do a little bit of climbing, the best beach in the area is Ped-n-Vounder...between the Minack and Logan's Rock. Be warned though...it is an unofficial nudist beach.

Ped-n-Vounder Beach

The Atlantic Ocean current splits at the dramatic Cape Cornwall providing (in effect) a North and South coast and, so the theory goes, different weather patterns and surf within a few miles of each other.

Sunset at Cape Cornwall

For birdwatchers, the area between Porthgwarra and Lands End is famed for rare bird sightings including the alder flycatcher in 2008 at Nanjizal. And for nature lovers generally the opportunities for seeing seals, dolphins, sharks from the rugged coastline walks or perhaps out on a boat trip are not uncommon.

MAN MADE ATTRACTIONS

There are many attractions both on the doorstep and further afield. National Trust properties are plentiful including St Michael's Mount at Marazion. There are also plenty of lush sub-tropical gardens to visit such as Trewidden and Trengwainton .

There is a thriving Arts and Craft scene in the area. Most notably, of course, are the galleries and museums at St Ives including the Tate and the inspiring Barbara Hepworth Museum . Nearby Newlyn and Mousehole also have a reputation locally their galleries and studios.

And if ancient history is of interest, there are dozens of Bronze Age, Iron Age and Neolithic sites dotted around the West Penwith including Carn Euny and Men-an-Tol. More recent history is also within easy reach in the form of the Porthcurno Telegraph Museum and Geevor Tin Mine to mention but two.

But perhaps the best local attraction of all is the stunning Minack Theatre - the open air theatre, built into the cliffs at Porthcurno. Although the theatre's performance schedule only runs from May to September, the Minack is open all the year round for tea and admiration.

FOR CHILDREN

When the beach is not quite enough or it rains (known locally as liquid sunshine!) there are a number of child friendly places to go locally including the Paradise Bird park at Hayle, Lands End Experience (with Dr Who!) and Flambards at Helston.

FURTHER AFIELD

The more adventurous may choose to travel further afield and Lands End airport is ten minutes away providing plane (and soon) helicopter flights to the Scilly Isles , which should not be missed if time permits.

And then there is the world famous Eden Project - about an hour and a quarter drive in what is likely to be the general direction of home!

PRACTICALITIES

There is a small post office and shop near the church at Sennen, but only really useful for newpapers, milk and croissants etc. (Though whisper has it that cream teas are coming in the summer!)

The nearest small town is St Just, which is 15 minutes away, and offers a bakers, grocers, butchers, fruit and veg, cash point, post office, excellent second hand book store, deli, coffee shops and numerous galleries and craft shops.

Penzance, about a 20 minute drive, has many more shops including Tescos and Morrisons. It also has some fantastic fine dining, including the Navy Inn and the Bay Restaurant at Hotel Penzance.

There is a regular bus service (from right outside the drive) around the peninsula with some of the most scenic routes in England (always useful if you are planning a linear walk).

And for those of you bringing your dogs, many of the beaches around Penwith are dog friendly even throughout the main tourist season.

Playing on the beach

AND FINALLY...

We hope this website will help you plan your holiday..but rest assured you will find many more leaflets, up-to-date what to do guides, tide timetables, bus timetables etc at the cottage.

And if you want to get a fictional flavour of the local area before you arrive we would highly recommend "Notes from an Exhibition" by local author Patrick Gale .

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