The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Cornwall AONB

along the Mayon cliff

If you follow the coastal path on the east side of the Lizard peninsula, you will reach the picturesque Church Cove. This small, sheltered bay owes its name to the historic church of St. Wynwallow, which is almost hidden among the green hills and lies close to the beach. From the path, you look out over a beautiful contrast: the calm, sheltered sandy beach below, enclosed by traditional cottages with thatched roofs, and the rugged, dark rocks that protect the cove from the open sea. It is a wonderfully peaceful place to take a break. The relaxed atmosphere, the sound of the babbling creek, and the unique view of the ancient church on the coast make Church Cove one of the most beautiful hidden gems on the route.

Walking along the south coast of The Lizard, you will pass the breathtaking viewpoint at Housel Bay. This sheltered bay is hidden between high, steep cliffs and is known for its clear, turquoise water and the small white sandy beach below. From the coastal path, you look straight into the deep valley where the Atlantic Ocean rolls in calmly. At the top of the cliff, the iconic Housel Bay Hotel has a prime spot, making it a very classic English coastal picture. It is the ideal place to pause and enjoy the peace. The combination of the green cliff edges, the deep blue sea, and the screeching seabirds makes this view an absolute recommendation on the route.

When we walk along the coastal path of the Lizard peninsula, we arrive at the atmospheric Caerthillian Cove. This narrow, sheltered cove is surrounded by steep cliffs and is known for its special geology, where the rare serpentine rocks are beautifully visible. The view over the coastline is absolutely impressive here. Down in the bay, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean break on the rocky bottom, while the path leads us past colorful coastal vegetation and unique plant species that thrive in this wind-swept location. It is a wonderfully peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the power of nature. From the height, we look out over the vast coastline of Cornwall, where the fresh sea air and the continuous sound of the surf give the hike an extra dynamic character.

When walking along the coastal path at Lizard Point, we cannot miss the imposing white towers of the Lizard Lighthouse. This historic beacon has marked the dangerous passage along the south coast of Cornwall since 1619, warning mariners of the treacherous rocks offshore. A little further along the cliff edge stands the monumental foghorn, one of the most recognisable parts of the complex. In dense fog, this gigantic double horn produced a bellowing sound that could be heard for miles across the rough Atlantic Ocean, keeping ships safely away from the cliffs. From the path near the lighthouse and the foghorn building, we have a magnificent view of the interplay between the architecture and the rugged coastal landscape. It is an impressive place to reflect on the region's rich maritime history and enjoy the sweeping ocean views.

When we follow the coastal paths around The Lizard peninsula, we are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of Kynance Cove. The contrast between the clear, turquoise water, the white sand, and the dark serpentine rock islets makes this one of Cornwall's most iconic spots. From the cliff path, we look out over the characteristic rock formations rising from the ocean, such as Asparagus Island and Gull Rock. The colour variations of the rocks, ranging from red to deep green, are particularly striking when the sun shines on the water. This viewpoint forms a perfect resting point during our hike. We can stop here for a moment to enjoy the rugged beauty of the English south coast and the spectacular interplay between the Atlantic Ocean and the steep cliffs.

an absolute must for any Cornwall visitor

The church of St. Levan is somewhat hidden away from the coast. When we visited it was open and we were able to look at it from the outside and inside. Here too, the church has a rather mystical feel due to its architectural style and especially the cemetery.