Kynance Cove
Useful information
Kynance Cove The Lizard Cornwall TR12 7PJ There is no lifeguard service at Kynance Cove. Be aware of strong currents and the risks of getting cut off by the incoming tide. Parking is limited. If full, please return after 4pm.
One of Cornwall's most iconic locations, Kynance Cove is immediately recognisable for its white beach, rugged rock formations, and dark green and red serpentinite rock.
Explore Kynance
With famous visitors including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, as well as the poet Alfred Tennyson, there's a certain unique appeal to Kynance Cove that can only be experienced in person. The South West Coast Path fortunately provides ample opportunities to see Kynance from above in all its glory as it traverses past sheer cliffs and past strange rock formations. The trail carries on south to Lizard Point, mainland Britain's most southerly spot!
Experience Kynance
There's a wealth of activities to get involved in at Kynance, suiting everybody. At low tide, explore the caves along the beach or observe the marine creatures hanging about in the rock pools. If that's not quite your cup of tea, there's a great stretch of sand to sunbathe on at low tide. In the warmer months you an take a dip in the sea at Kynance, though we recommend swimming in pairs and not going too far out.
Kynance Cove recently made its way onto our TV screens in the fantasy series 'House of the Dragon.' Scarcely recognisable in the fog of war, Kynance stars as the battleground site on the Stepstones.
The Geology of Kynance
Kynance Cove is regarded as a spot of great significance to geologists, and indeed has been named as a Geological Conservation Review site. The rocks here were transformed from peridotite to serpentinite millions of years ago as they forced their way up towards the surface from underneath the Earth's crust.
There are two types of serpentinite at Kynance: bastite, coarse-grained with large crystals, found at the car park and southern cliffs; and tremolite, fine-grained and banded, and found at the islands and stacks within the cove itself. Breaking apart of the latter over time, and invasion of softer rocks, resulted in the forming of several stacks, including the Bishop, Gull Rock, Asparagus Island and Steeple Rock.
Visitors might be bewildered to hear a snorting sound at about half-tide. It's the sound of the Devil's bellows, a blowhole on Asparagus Island that was created by the sea tunnelling along a fault. Another blowhole, the Post Office, is so named because there is so much suction you can post a letter down it.
Touted as 'one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the South West,' a trip to Kynance makes for a truly breathtaking day, but try to coincide with the tide being out!
Plan your trip
Everything you need to know about getting to Kynance Cove.
Kynance Cove
The Lizard
Cornwall
TR12 7PJ
There is a pay and display car park on the cliffs just east of Kynance Cove. This is free for all National Trust members. However, it's not a big carpark and fills up early in the summer months and on sunny days. To avoid disappointment arrive early or walk from Lizard Town.
Kynance Cove is not a lifeguarded beach, and swimming should only be attempted by strong, confident swimmers. Be mindful of strong currents, especially at low tide, and follow the directions on signs on the beach.
There is a seasonal dog ban in place at Kynance Cove from the 1st of July to the 31st of August, between 10am and 6pm. Dogs are welcome at all other times.
Kynance Cove is famous for its white sands, rugged rock formations, and dark green and red Serpentinite cliffs. Kynance Cove has also made its way onto our TV screens, with appearances as a set location in Poldark and House of the Dragon.
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