Mullion Cove Harbour Cornwall
A picturesque, historic fishing harbour on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula, offering dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and stunning coastal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Mullion Cove Harbour Cornwall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque, historic fishing harbour on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula, offering dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and stunning coastal views.
"A small but beautiful working harbour with amazing views, perfect for exploring caves and spotting wildlife."
🚗 Parking & Access
Park at Porthmellin car park; a donation is appreciated. Be ready for steep walks. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Tide Awareness
Check tide times before exploring caves; getting cut off is a real risk. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Working Harbour
Mullion Cove
A picturesque, historic fishing harbour nestled between dramatic cliffs.
Hidden Sea Caves
At low tide
Explore narrow caves leading to secluded coves – but mind the tide!
Coastal Path Views
Clifftops surrounding the cove
Breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
Cornish Chough Spotting
Around the cliffs
Keep an eye out for these rare and beautiful native birds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Access and Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking & Access
Park at Porthmellin car park; a donation is appreciated. Be ready for steep walks. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Tide Awareness
Check tide times before exploring caves; getting cut off is a real risk. :warning:
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delicious food, ice cream, and cream teas at the harbour cafe. :ice_cream:
🥾 Coastal Walks
Explore the stunning South West Coast Path for incredible vistas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking & Access
Park at Porthmellin car park; a donation is appreciated. Be ready for steep walks. :athletic_shoe:
🌊 Tide Awareness
Check tide times before exploring caves; getting cut off is a real risk. :warning:
☕ Cafe Delights
Enjoy delicious food, ice cream, and cream teas at the harbour cafe. :ice_cream:
🥾 Coastal Walks
Explore the stunning South West Coast Path for incredible vistas.
📸 Photography Hotspot
Capture dramatic landscapes and the charming harbour.
🛶 Adventure Kayaking
Lizard Adventure offers kayaking sessions directly from the harbour. :kayak:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mullion Cove is celebrated as a beautiful, working harbour with stunning coastal views and unique natural features like sea caves. Visitors appreciate the charming cafe and the chance to spot rare wildlife. However, access can be challenging due to steep paths, and caution is advised during bad weather.
"A small but beautiful working harbour that can be visited by either walking down from Mullion village, or along the coastal path. Amazing views both down at the harbour and also upon the cliffs, especially on a sunny day! Can be a little difficult to access due to the steepness, but shouldn’t be too much trouble for most people"
Moon Bear
"A beautiful little harbour. Crystal clear water on a calm day. There's a small rocky beach within the harbour at low tide, and you can walk through a long, dark and narrow cave in the cliff at low tide through to a beautiful secluded cove on the other side - be careful as there is no other access/egress so make sure you don't get cut off by the incoming tide! There's a lovely little cafe at the foot of the road leading to the harbour which does great food, ice-cream etc. We were also lucky enough to see several Cornish Choughs when we visited, it was great to see these rare birds as we sat eating our ice creams!"
Thomas Wallace
"Old fishing cove nestled in the rocks. Lovely cafe with friendly staff. Food is lovely. My partner had a crab sandwich and I had a lovely cream tea. One word of warning, you have to park the car out of the cove which is a 5 to 10 mins walk up or down a steep hill. As my partner has trouble walking i drive him down, then took the car back up and walked down. Same on the return."
sue sullivan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mullion Cove is located on the Lizard Peninsula in South Cornwall. You can drive to the nearby village of Mullion and then walk down to the harbour, or access it via the South West Coast Path.
While direct public transport to the cove itself can be limited, local bus services may run to Mullion village, from where you can walk down. Checking local bus timetables is recommended.
Many visitors walk down from Mullion village or along the coastal path. Be aware that the paths can be steep.
The primary parking is at Porthmellin car park, which operates on a donation basis.
Due to the steep terrain and uneven paths, Mullion Cove may be challenging for wheelchair users. Access to the harbour itself is difficult.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mullion Cove itself is a natural harbour and does not have an entrance fee. Parking at Porthmellin car park operates on a donation system.
Mullion Cove is accessible at all times, as it is an open natural harbour. However, access to certain areas like caves is dependent on tide times.
No booking is required to visit Mullion Cove. It's a public area for exploration.
Visitors are advised to be cautious during bad weather, especially on the harbour wall, and to be mindful of tide times when exploring caves.
Yes, Mullion Cove is owned and protected by the National Trust.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic harbour, walk the coastal paths, discover sea caves at low tide, spot wildlife like Cornish Choughs, and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Swimming is possible in the clear waters, especially on calm days. Some visitors enjoy cold water dips and paddleboarding. +1
There is a lovely cafe at the foot of the harbour road that serves food and ice cream. Some local crafts might be available seasonally.
Absolutely! Mullion Cove offers dramatic coastal landscapes, a picturesque harbour, and beautiful light, making it a photographer's dream.
Visitors have reported seeing rare Cornish Choughs around the cliffs. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a popular cafe located at the foot of the road leading to the harbour, offering food, ice cream, and cream teas.
The cafe typically serves light meals, sandwiches (like crab sandwiches), and classic Cornish treats such as cream teas.
Yes, picnicking is a great option. You can bring your own food and enjoy the scenic views from the cliffs or harbour area.
The Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa has dining options, but these are separate from the public cafe at the harbour.
Specific dietary options can vary. It's best to check with the cafe directly upon arrival for their current menu.
📸 📸 Photography
The harbour itself, the dramatic cliff faces, the sea caves at low tide, and panoramic views from the coastal path offer fantastic photographic opportunities.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide beautiful, soft light for photography. Sunset can also be spectacular.
Drone usage may be subject to local regulations and National Trust guidelines. It's advisable to check these before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
While not widely advertised, local photography guides or workshops might occasionally cover Mullion Cove.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the paths can be steep, many families find it manageable for short walks.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Coastal Path Enthusiasts
+1 You can incorporate a visit to the cove as part of a longer hike or use it as a destination for a shorter, scenic walk. The terrain can be challenging in places, so ensure you have appropriate footwear and are prepared for ascents and descents. Don't miss the chance to explore the coastline beyond the immediate harbour area. The paths lead to other beautiful coves and viewpoints, offering a true taste of Cornwall's wild beauty.
Remember to carry water and snacks, and always check weather conditions before setting out. 📸 Photographers and Artists
+1 Capture the raw power of the Atlantic, the tranquility of the harbour on a calm day, or the vibrant colours of a sunset. Experiment with different angles and times of day to capture the cove's mood. Early mornings and late afternoons often yield the most dramatic light.
The sea caves at low tide also offer unique photographic opportunities, but always prioritize safety. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Charm of Mullion Cove Harbour
+1 This historic charm is still palpable today, with the harbour providing shelter for local fishing boats. The picturesque setting, nestled between steep, wildlife-rich cliffs, makes it a captivating spot for visitors. It's a place where you can truly feel the connection to Cornwall's maritime heritage. The harbour's construction was a significant undertaking, designed to withstand the powerful Atlantic storms.
Today, it's owned by the National Trust, ensuring its preservation for future generations. +1 The area around the cove offers opportunities for exploration, from walking the coastal paths to discovering hidden sea caves at low tide. Visitors often describe Mullion Cove as a 'hidden gem' and a 'paradise on a beautiful early morning.'
The combination of its historical significance, natural beauty, and the active fishing community creates a unique and memorable experience. Exploring the Natural Wonders: Caves and Coastline
The South West Coast Path winds its way along the clifftops, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Cornish coastline and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
+1 These elevated viewpoints offer a different perspective of the cove and its dramatic surroundings. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; the area is known for its birdlife, including the rare Cornish Chough. For those seeking a more active experience, kayaking sessions are available from the harbour, allowing you to explore the coastline from the water.
Accommodation and Local Stays
+1 Other holiday parks like Parkdean Resorts' Lizard Point Holiday Park and Sea Acres Holiday Park are also nearby, offering family-friendly stays. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, the Mullion Cove Hotel & Spa is situated overlooking the harbour, offering stunning views and spa facilities.
When choosing your accommodation, consider its proximity to Mullion Cove itself and the amenities you desire, whether it's self-catering convenience, spa treatments, or family-focused facilities.
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