Land's End
PenwithIt's the end of the world as we know it...
Land's End is mainland Britain’s most south-westerly point and one of the country’s most famous landmarks. From the 200 foot high granite cliffs that rise out of the Atlantic Ocean you can gaze across to the Longships Lighthouse, and on a good day, the Isles of Scilly.
Things to do
Whether it happens to be storm watching as the seas crash over the top of the Longships Lighthouse, or taking in the awe-inspiring views from the First and Last Point, Land’s End is alive with possibility.
Children will love the 'theme park' atmosphere, whilst many adults might prefer to avoid it and head out along the South West Coast Path, a short walk to Sennen Cove or a more demanding hike south to Gwennep Head and Porthgwarra Cove.
Don't forget your camera to get that 'Instagramable' photo or you can have a picture taken at the famous signpost. Grab a meal while taking in the view or pop along to the nearby 'farm' and feed the animals.
Land's End is so much more than just the end of the world, it offers everybody a chance to experience it ‘their way’.
A bird's eye view
It's not all about the visitor complex, the surrounding countryside and sea provides an ever-changing vista as the light changes throughout the seasons, and sometimes each hour!
If you have binoculars, don’t forget to bring them along because Land’s End is a legendary place for birdwatching. Keep an eye open for Gannets, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Shags, Razorbills and even the Chough, once extinct in Cornwall but now making a welcome return and often seen pecking at the grass atop of the surrounding cliffs. The Cornwall RSPB have a Discovery Centre between the main complex and the First and Last House, stocked with powerful telescopes, information and a blackboard with the day's recorded sightings.
If you’re lucky, you may catch sight of grey seals, basking sharks and even dolphins in the waters below the high cliffs, and on very rare occasions, whales!
Land's End names
Many of the rock formations around Land's End have been given names over the years.
The rocky island just to the south of the main headland is called Enys Dodnan, Enys meaning island in Cornish. Beyond it, further out to sea, is a ridge of rocks known as the Armed Knight. The hotel complex sits on a headland known as Carn Kez, carn being the Cornish name for rock.
The westernmost headland at Land's End is known as Dr Syntax's Head, after a character invented by the author William Combe in the early 1800s. He took the micky out of artists and writers who celebrated the rugged landscape of the British Isles.
Nearby, another promontory is named Dr Johnson's Head after the writer Samuel Johnson, who wrote about a Cornish declaration of independence in the late 1700s.
The reef with the lighthouse on is known as Longships, the lighthouse sitting on a rock known as Carn Bras, the big rock!
You have reached the most south-westerly point of the British mainland, the setting off point, and finishing point of many a journey to John O‘Groats.
Things to do at Land's End
Geevor Tin Mine
Geevor Tin Mine is set in the wide open spaces of the Land's End peninsula on the dramatic Atlantic coast.
Land's End, St Just in PenwithRead morePlan your trip
Everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Land's End
From the M5 at Exeter, follow the A30 all the way down through Cornwall to Penzance. From here you need to continue on the A30 following the signs to Land's End. Parking can be booked online in advance. Local pass holders can park for free.
National Express serves Cornwall from destinations throughout the UK. Connecting services to Cornwall are available from Bristol, Birmingham and London. The coach drop off point isat Penzance, where local bus connections can be picked up. One of the UK’s most spectacular open top bus rides, showcasing rugged coastlines, mining heritage sites, harbour towns and Land’s End itself.
Great Western Railways operate high speed services from London Paddington, South Wales and the Cotswolds to Cornwall, including sleeper services from London Paddington. Cross Country Trains (Arriva Trains) operate services into Cornwall from the Midlands, the North and Scotland. The nearest train station to Land's End is Penzance, where local connections can be picked up. One of the UK’s most spectacular open top bus rides, showcasing rugged coastlines, mining heritage sites, harbour towns and Land’s End itself.
Land's End is the legendary Cornish destination that has inspired people since ancient Greek times when it was referred to as 'Belerion' – Place of the Sun. It's one of Britain's best loved landmarks, famous for its unique location and beautiful scenery and the finishing/starting point of many trips from/to John O Groats.
Lizard Point is the most southerly point of mainland Britain, however Land's End is the furthest point from John O Groats in distance, hence it tends to be the place most journeyed to.
Neither is Land's End the most westerly point on mainland Britain, that honour falls to Ardnamurchan Point in the Scotish highlands.
For marketing purposes Visit Cornwall class everything down the north coast from St Agnes westward as being in West Cornwall, and on the south coast from Porthleven. The main destinations are St Ives and Penzance but it also includes areas like Mount's Bay, Sennen Cove and Land's End.
It doesn't cost anything to get into Land's End, you can just walk into the main entrance or pass through on the South West Coast Path. However, you will need to pay to park and if you wish to visit any of the attractions in the complex. The prices can all be found on the Land's End website.
Your weekly dose of Cornish cheer!
When you can’t be in your favourite place all the time, catch up on the latest stories, upcoming events, holiday ideas, and offers with a newsletter straight to your inbox. Terms and Conditions / GDPR compliance: by providing personally identifiable information Visit Cornwall will use it to provide you with ongoing information about their products and services. No one from Visit Cornwall will rent, sell or lease this personally identifiable information to other companies or individuals.
Stay connected
Find us on socials and stay connected with the Cornwall you love.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads and to analyse our traffic. You consent to our cookies if you continue to use our website. (Privacy Policy)