Jenny’s Guidebook

Jenny
Jenny’s Guidebook

Beaches

Our closest beach, a 5-minute drive. One of our favourites. Drive up to the A394, turn left towards Helston and take the first right signposted to Praa Sands if you want the ‘busy’ end of the beach (pub, car park(s), surf shop, toilets etc) or the second right for the Post Office and the less busy end. Praa Sands is lifeguarded (not the quieter Hendra end).
55 locals recommend
Praa Sands
55 locals recommend
Our closest beach, a 5-minute drive. One of our favourites. Drive up to the A394, turn left towards Helston and take the first right signposted to Praa Sands if you want the ‘busy’ end of the beach (pub, car park(s), surf shop, toilets etc) or the second right for the Post Office and the less busy end. Praa Sands is lifeguarded (not the quieter Hendra end).
(Betsy’s Cove and Kenneggy Beach)— Also very close by. Turn right when you get to the A394 and take the left in Rosudgeon (signposted ‘pottery’ and Prussia Cove). Stunning, small and secluded rocky coves. Excellent for snorkeling. Great little bakery (with limited opening hours) just before car park. Dog friendly all year round. No lifeguard. Betsys Cove: There is no sandy beach at high tide and no facilities. No lifeguard. Famous as the home of the Carters, a family of smugglers in the 18th century, one of whom was known as the King of Prussia. Access is walking down from the National trust cliff top car park. Go right where path forks, then left down to beach Kenneggy Beach – Our favourite but only accessible by foot 2 hours either side of low tide so take your tide times and take care not to get cut off. (If you kayak round from Praa Sands you can stay as long as you like!) Carry on round the Coast Path (turn left at fork instead of dropping down to Betsy’s Cove) through Acton Castle, and take a right turn just past the little bridge onto the small beach. Then scramble over the 100m of rocks to the stunning beach. Dogs allowed all year round. No lifeguard.
54 locals recommend
Prussia Cove
South West Coast Path
54 locals recommend
(Betsy’s Cove and Kenneggy Beach)— Also very close by. Turn right when you get to the A394 and take the left in Rosudgeon (signposted ‘pottery’ and Prussia Cove). Stunning, small and secluded rocky coves. Excellent for snorkeling. Great little bakery (with limited opening hours) just before car park. Dog friendly all year round. No lifeguard. Betsys Cove: There is no sandy beach at high tide and no facilities. No lifeguard. Famous as the home of the Carters, a family of smugglers in the 18th century, one of whom was known as the King of Prussia. Access is walking down from the National trust cliff top car park. Go right where path forks, then left down to beach Kenneggy Beach – Our favourite but only accessible by foot 2 hours either side of low tide so take your tide times and take care not to get cut off. (If you kayak round from Praa Sands you can stay as long as you like!) Carry on round the Coast Path (turn left at fork instead of dropping down to Betsy’s Cove) through Acton Castle, and take a right turn just past the little bridge onto the small beach. Then scramble over the 100m of rocks to the stunning beach. Dogs allowed all year round. No lifeguard.
A 5-10 minute drive. We like it because it is family friendly with nice rock pools, two great cafes and just a short coast walk around to wonderful views of St Michael's Mount. Seasonal life guard cover. However there is no sand 2 hours either side of high tide. No dogs in high season.
43 locals recommend
Perranuthnoe
43 locals recommend
A 5-10 minute drive. We like it because it is family friendly with nice rock pools, two great cafes and just a short coast walk around to wonderful views of St Michael's Mount. Seasonal life guard cover. However there is no sand 2 hours either side of high tide. No dogs in high season.
Only accessible at low tide but a stunning, small, quiet beach with lots of flat(ish!) rocks to sunbathe on. A 10-minute drive. Head on the A394 into Ashton and take the right turn to Rinsey just before the pub, then right again. Park in the donations car park and take the rugged path down to the beach. Also a great start to a walk to Porthleven.
16 locals recommend
Rinsey
16 locals recommend
Only accessible at low tide but a stunning, small, quiet beach with lots of flat(ish!) rocks to sunbathe on. A 10-minute drive. Head on the A394 into Ashton and take the right turn to Rinsey just before the pub, then right again. Park in the donations car park and take the rugged path down to the beach. Also a great start to a walk to Porthleven.
Take a trip to this vast National Trust beach on the north coast. Walk up to see the Lighthouse (visible from St Ives) and go for a surf. Make sure you visit the wonderful Godrevy Cafe whilst you are over there. Just remember it can get very busy in the height of season! Seasonal lifeguard cover. You can view seals down below at a haul out cove from the cliff above if you follow the coast path North. Best to keep dogs on leads along the cliff path.
90 locals recommend
Godrevy Lighthouse
90 locals recommend
Take a trip to this vast National Trust beach on the north coast. Walk up to see the Lighthouse (visible from St Ives) and go for a surf. Make sure you visit the wonderful Godrevy Cafe whilst you are over there. Just remember it can get very busy in the height of season! Seasonal lifeguard cover. You can view seals down below at a haul out cove from the cliff above if you follow the coast path North. Best to keep dogs on leads along the cliff path.
About a 40 minute drive to this stunning, white sand cove. You can often hear music from the performances at the Minack Theatre up above. Great for families and great for swimming. Seasonal lifeguard cover. Also hosts the fascinating Telegraph museum.
144 locals recommend
Porthcurno
144 locals recommend
About a 40 minute drive to this stunning, white sand cove. You can often hear music from the performances at the Minack Theatre up above. Great for families and great for swimming. Seasonal lifeguard cover. Also hosts the fascinating Telegraph museum.
On the North coast near Sennen. A steep set of steps down to this beach but it is great for escaping the crowds and surfing. Seasonal lifeguard cover.
29 locals recommend
Gwynver Beach
South West Coast Path
29 locals recommend
On the North coast near Sennen. A steep set of steps down to this beach but it is great for escaping the crowds and surfing. Seasonal lifeguard cover.
A ‘secret beach’ close to Lands End with no direct road access. Not frequented by many as you must walk to it. Considered by many to be the finest beach in Penwith. Most visitors are those who are walking the coast path. There are no lifeguards. The views are stunning and the water is clear. The beach is lovely and sandy.
42 locals recommend
Nanjizal Beach; Song Of The Sea Cave
42 locals recommend
A ‘secret beach’ close to Lands End with no direct road access. Not frequented by many as you must walk to it. Considered by many to be the finest beach in Penwith. Most visitors are those who are walking the coast path. There are no lifeguards. The views are stunning and the water is clear. The beach is lovely and sandy.
A beautiful beach on the South Coast just down from St Just covered in beautiful giant boulders. Annual swimming race out to the outcrop of rocks known as The Brisons.
13 locals recommend
Porth Nanven
13 locals recommend
A beautiful beach on the South Coast just down from St Just covered in beautiful giant boulders. Annual swimming race out to the outcrop of rocks known as The Brisons.
St Ives. A large beach. Lifeguards in season. Great for surf. You can hire boards here and also get lessons from St Ives Surf School. There is a small shop and two take away shops. Porthmeor Cafe overlooks the beach. There are toilets and a small car park which fills up early. A great family beach.
Porthmeor Cove
St Ives. A large beach. Lifeguards in season. Great for surf. You can hire boards here and also get lessons from St Ives Surf School. There is a small shop and two take away shops. Porthmeor Cafe overlooks the beach. There are toilets and a small car park which fills up early. A great family beach.
on the outskirts of St Ives. Lifeguards in season. Parking is right next to the beach but it is limited so try to arrive early. Lovely tranquil waters and very family friendly. There is a shop and a take away. There are toilets. Here you can also hire various watersports equipment.
55 locals recommend
Carbis Bay Beach
Beach Road
55 locals recommend
on the outskirts of St Ives. Lifeguards in season. Parking is right next to the beach but it is limited so try to arrive early. Lovely tranquil waters and very family friendly. There is a shop and a take away. There are toilets. Here you can also hire various watersports equipment.
A local's favourite. Park on the road/layby by Lelant church and walk down onto the beach.
54 locals recommend
Porthkidney Beach
Church Road
54 locals recommend
A local's favourite. Park on the road/layby by Lelant church and walk down onto the beach.
A stunning, out of the way beach which is reached via a moderately strenuous walk and scramble. Be careful of the currents, they can be strong. No lifeguard cover.
36 locals recommend
Portheras Cove
36 locals recommend
A stunning, out of the way beach which is reached via a moderately strenuous walk and scramble. Be careful of the currents, they can be strong. No lifeguard cover.

Food scene

Good food in a beautiful setting right next to the beach. Great roast on a Sunday but book in advance. Tel 01736 763516
24 locals recommend
Sandbar
24 locals recommend
Good food in a beautiful setting right next to the beach. Great roast on a Sunday but book in advance. Tel 01736 763516
Just down the road inPerranuthnoe, TR2O 9NP. Great food, lovely traditional pub
52 locals recommend
Victoria Inn
52 locals recommend
Just down the road inPerranuthnoe, TR2O 9NP. Great food, lovely traditional pub
Beautiful food. Highly recommended by all locals. Open 7 days a week. Tel. 01326 573911
36 locals recommend
The Square At Porthleven
7 Fore St
36 locals recommend
Beautiful food. Highly recommended by all locals. Open 7 days a week. Tel. 01326 573911
Marazion. Stunning views of St Michaels Mount.
107 locals recommend
Godolphin Arms
West End
107 locals recommend
Marazion. Stunning views of St Michaels Mount.
Great spot, great burgers.
63 locals recommend
Salt Kitchen Bar
25 Foundry Square
63 locals recommend
Great spot, great burgers.
Really wonderful food. Fine dining
54 locals recommend
Kota Restaurant
HELSTON
54 locals recommend
Really wonderful food. Fine dining
Great food and service in a fabulous spot overlooking Porthleven harbour
67 locals recommend
Kota Kai Kitchen Bar
The Shipyard
67 locals recommend
Great food and service in a fabulous spot overlooking Porthleven harbour
Great food in a stunning location
70 locals recommend
Godrevy Cafe
Godrevy Towans
70 locals recommend
Great food in a stunning location
Divine dining with an emphasis on seafood
76 locals recommend
The Old Coastguard
The Parade
76 locals recommend
Divine dining with an emphasis on seafood
Trevaskis Farm Pick Your Own - great day out for the family. You can pick different fruit and veg at different times of year. There are also a few farm animals for children to see (including sheep, a Shetland pony and often pigs with their piglets). There is also a wonderful shop and a restaurant serving the largest cake/dessert portions you have ever seen.
105 locals recommend
Trevaskis Farm
Gwinear Road
105 locals recommend
Trevaskis Farm Pick Your Own - great day out for the family. You can pick different fruit and veg at different times of year. There are also a few farm animals for children to see (including sheep, a Shetland pony and often pigs with their piglets). There is also a wonderful shop and a restaurant serving the largest cake/dessert portions you have ever seen.
Delicious ice-cream at both ends of Hayle
35 locals recommend
Mr B's
10 Fore St
35 locals recommend
Delicious ice-cream at both ends of Hayle
Highly recommended. They only sell vanilla but it is the best!
35 locals recommend
Jelbert's
9 New Rd
35 locals recommend
Highly recommended. They only sell vanilla but it is the best!
American- themed burger bar in Helstom
41 locals recommend
Boo Koos
32 Meneage St
41 locals recommend
American- themed burger bar in Helstom

Sightseeing

Just down the road in St Hilary. https://www.guysbutterflyhouse.com A private butterfly house now open to the public housing amazing tropical butterflies. Also on Facebook
11 locals recommend
Guy's Butterfly House
11 locals recommend
Just down the road in St Hilary. https://www.guysbutterflyhouse.com A private butterfly house now open to the public housing amazing tropical butterflies. Also on Facebook
Penrose Estate to Porthleven Walk – a lovely family day out whether walking or cycling. Walk/cycle through the beautiful estate, past the lake and woodlands to the stunning sea view at Loe Bar beach – but DO NOT go in the sea here, it is unsafe. Follow the coast path to Porthleven for an ice cream at Naughty But Ice and back to your car through the village. A great day out!
8 locals recommend
PenroseEstate:GunwalloeandLoePool
8 locals recommend
Penrose Estate to Porthleven Walk – a lovely family day out whether walking or cycling. Walk/cycle through the beautiful estate, past the lake and woodlands to the stunning sea view at Loe Bar beach – but DO NOT go in the sea here, it is unsafe. Follow the coast path to Porthleven for an ice cream at Naughty But Ice and back to your car through the village. A great day out!
Seal Spotting - head up to Godrevy Lighthouse and just over the top of the hill if you look down there is a huge seal colony. If you are unsure how to find them, just ask the National Trust representatives based there or look to see where other people are pointing over the cliff edge! Keep dogs on leads on the cliff path.
22 locals recommend
Godrevy Point
South West Coast Path
22 locals recommend
Seal Spotting - head up to Godrevy Lighthouse and just over the top of the hill if you look down there is a huge seal colony. If you are unsure how to find them, just ask the National Trust representatives based there or look to see where other people are pointing over the cliff edge! Keep dogs on leads on the cliff path.
A bit further afield down on the Lizard but a must if seals are your thing! Tel: 01326 221361, https://www.visitsealife.com/gweek/
187 locals recommend
Cornish Seal Sanctuary
187 locals recommend
A bit further afield down on the Lizard but a must if seals are your thing! Tel: 01326 221361, https://www.visitsealife.com/gweek/
St Erth to St Ives by train - The small branch line runs from St Erth station to St Ives every 15 minutes in summer. The ride takes around 15 minutes and runs alongside the Hayle Estuary and the coast line, taking in some beautiful views. Gorgeous little trip and it saves trying to find parking in St Ives!
24 locals recommend
St Erth Station Park and Ride
Station Approach
24 locals recommend
St Erth to St Ives by train - The small branch line runs from St Erth station to St Ives every 15 minutes in summer. The ride takes around 15 minutes and runs alongside the Hayle Estuary and the coast line, taking in some beautiful views. Gorgeous little trip and it saves trying to find parking in St Ives!
One of the best places in the South West for bird watching. Its peninsula location means that rare migrants are often seen here. There is a RSPB hide just off the A30.
19 locals recommend
RSPB Hayle Estuary
19 locals recommend
One of the best places in the South West for bird watching. Its peninsula location means that rare migrants are often seen here. There is a RSPB hide just off the A30.
Most famous and influential studio pottery in the world. Worth a visit, www.leachpottery.com Tel. 01736 799 703
59 locals recommend
Leach Pottery
59 locals recommend
Most famous and influential studio pottery in the world. Worth a visit, www.leachpottery.com Tel. 01736 799 703
Always worth a visit
453 locals recommend
Tate St. Ives
453 locals recommend
Always worth a visit
Cornwall's top wildlife sanctuary. Amazing free-flying bird shows in the summer. Look out for discount vouchers online or in The Cornishman newspaper
134 locals recommend
Paradise Park
16 Trelissick Rd
134 locals recommend
Cornwall's top wildlife sanctuary. Amazing free-flying bird shows in the summer. Look out for discount vouchers online or in The Cornishman newspaper
Further away in St Austell but well worth visiting
1111 locals recommend
Eden Project
1111 locals recommend
Further away in St Austell but well worth visiting
Lovely little harbour with a great fish market.
37 locals recommend
Newlyn Harbour
37 locals recommend
Lovely little harbour with a great fish market.
We love this area. There are streams, bluebells, woods, fields, hills and Godolphin Estate itself.
9 locals recommend
National Trust - Godolphin
9 locals recommend
We love this area. There are streams, bluebells, woods, fields, hills and Godolphin Estate itself.
Utterly stunning. Watch a performance at this breath taking outdoor theatre, where dolphin sightings have been known to steal the show, then head down to Porthcurno beach for a picnic.
180 locals recommend
The Minack Theatre
180 locals recommend
Utterly stunning. Watch a performance at this breath taking outdoor theatre, where dolphin sightings have been known to steal the show, then head down to Porthcurno beach for a picnic.
Interesting bit of sightseeing and numerous beautiful beaches to explore down that way.
13 locals recommend
Lizard Lighthouse
3 Lighthouse Rd
13 locals recommend
Interesting bit of sightseeing and numerous beautiful beaches to explore down that way.

Activities

Based out of St Ives Bay Holiday Park and Godrevy Car Park. Recommended
7 locals recommend
Shore Surf School
Loggans Road
7 locals recommend
Based out of St Ives Bay Holiday Park and Godrevy Car Park. Recommended
Based at Porthmeor Beach, St Ives.
18 locals recommend
St Ives station
18 locals recommend
Based at Porthmeor Beach, St Ives.
Based out of the Sandsifter, Gwithian. Another great surf school
33 locals recommend
Gwithian Academy of Surfing
1 Godrevy Towans
33 locals recommend
Based out of the Sandsifter, Gwithian. Another great surf school
Super friendly crew and loads to do including a giant mega-sup
Ocean High Kiteboarding and SUP School
Super friendly crew and loads to do including a giant mega-sup
Take a trip out on Dolly P to Seal Island, Godrevy Lighthouse or Hell's Mouth. Purchase your tickets from Derek who is always outside the St Ives Lifeboat Station. Booking recommended
7 locals recommend
Dolly P Boat Trips, St Ives
Wharf Road
7 locals recommend
Take a trip out on Dolly P to Seal Island, Godrevy Lighthouse or Hell's Mouth. Purchase your tickets from Derek who is always outside the St Ives Lifeboat Station. Booking recommended
Based at St Erth, Hayle Coast 2 Coast comes highly recommended
22 locals recommend
Coast 2 Coast Karting
Chenhalls Road
22 locals recommend
Based at St Erth, Hayle Coast 2 Coast comes highly recommended
A new and exciting way to explore Cornwall! Based in Penzance. Hit the road on a cool super73 e-bike and feel the wind in your hair. Free-style or take a suggested tour. 01736 888777
Ride on E-bikes
Quay Street
A new and exciting way to explore Cornwall! Based in Penzance. Hit the road on a cool super73 e-bike and feel the wind in your hair. Free-style or take a suggested tour. 01736 888777
Badminton, squash, tennis, swimming, a gym, golf & croquet. Racquet sports equipment can be hired from reception. Tel. 01736 795 254
Tregenna Castle
Trelyon Avenue
Badminton, squash, tennis, swimming, a gym, golf & croquet. Racquet sports equipment can be hired from reception. Tel. 01736 795 254
Based out of the Eden Project, thrilling zip wire rides, drop-swings and more heart-in-your-mouth stuff!
17 locals recommend
Hangloose Adventure (Eden)
17 locals recommend
Based out of the Eden Project, thrilling zip wire rides, drop-swings and more heart-in-your-mouth stuff!
Horse riding. 10-15 mins drive away
Old Mill Riding Stables
Horse riding. 10-15 mins drive away
A small step up from Pitch and Putt with its 12 hole course and a great driving range for beginners and pros alike!
Hayle Golf
1 Wheal Alfred Rd
A small step up from Pitch and Putt with its 12 hole course and a great driving range for beginners and pros alike!

Food shopping

Goldsithney Stores is a great little shop with almost everything you could possibly need. The staff are super-friendly and helpful
9 locals recommend
Goldsithney Stores
Fore Street
9 locals recommend
Goldsithney Stores is a great little shop with almost everything you could possibly need. The staff are super-friendly and helpful
Great little Co-op 5 mins drive away
Rosudgeon Co-op
Main Road
Great little Co-op 5 mins drive away
10 mins drive. Milk, eggs, bread, meat and all sorts of other local produce.
The Farm Shop - Leedstown
10 mins drive. Milk, eggs, bread, meat and all sorts of other local produce.

Rainy Day Activities

Stylish little cinema housed in the old Pilchard Works in the bustling town of Newlyn
109 locals recommend
Newlyn Filmhouse
23-31 The Coombe
109 locals recommend
Stylish little cinema housed in the old Pilchard Works in the bustling town of Newlyn
Great little cinema on the pedestrianised Causeway Head
32 locals recommend
Savoy Penzance Cinema, Bar & Kitchen
16 Causewayhead
32 locals recommend
Great little cinema on the pedestrianised Causeway Head
Quirky old cinema with a lovely feel to it, tucked up a back street of Helston
10 locals recommend
Flora Cinema Helston
17 Wendron St
10 locals recommend
Quirky old cinema with a lovely feel to it, tucked up a back street of Helston
Great rainy day activity for families. Bowling, games and board games and a restaurant.
15 locals recommend
Country Skittles
Bunkers Hill
15 locals recommend
Great rainy day activity for families. Bowling, games and board games and a restaurant.
A little hidden gem with a quirky feel to it
26 locals recommend
Museum of Cornish Life, Helston
Market Place
26 locals recommend
A little hidden gem with a quirky feel to it
Really interesting museum explaining the dawn of wireless science in the former global hub of cable communications.
72 locals recommend
PK Porthcurno
72 locals recommend
Really interesting museum explaining the dawn of wireless science in the former global hub of cable communications.
Leisure centre in Penzance, with pool (flume slide open at restricted times) and gym
12 locals recommend
Penzance Leisure Centre
Saint Clare Street
12 locals recommend
Leisure centre in Penzance, with pool (flume slide open at restricted times) and gym
Leisure centre at the top of St Ives, with pool and gym (with amazing views).
15 locals recommend
St Ives Leisure Centre
15 locals recommend
Leisure centre at the top of St Ives, with pool and gym (with amazing views).
Serious fun!
9 locals recommend
Rollers Roller Rink
9 locals recommend
Serious fun!

Spa treatments

Complex with pool, sauna, hydrotherapy pool, crystal steam room and four treatment rooms.
55 locals recommend
St Ives Harbour Beach
Wharf Road
55 locals recommend
Complex with pool, sauna, hydrotherapy pool, crystal steam room and four treatment rooms.
Lovely spa in Falmouth
16 locals recommend
St Michaels Health Club
Stracey Road
16 locals recommend
Lovely spa in Falmouth