Poldhu Cove Cornwall
Poldhu Cove: A picturesque sandy beach on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula, perfect for families, surfers, and coastal walkers, with a famous cafe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lifeguards on duty, calmer seas
Poldhu Cove Cornwall
Best Time
Lifeguards on duty, calmer seas
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Poldhu Cove: A picturesque sandy beach on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula, perfect for families, surfers, and coastal walkers, with a famous cafe.
"This is heaven - a beautiful sandy beach with stunning views and a great cafe!"
🚗 Parking App Woes
Download the parking app beforehand and check signal strength. Be patient with the payment process.
☕ Cafe Hot Chocolate Heaven
Don't miss the highly-rated hot chocolates at Poldhu Beach Cafe, especially unique flavors!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Poldhu Beach Cafe Delights
Poldhu Cove
Indulge in famous hot chocolates, especially the mini egg variety, with stunning ocean views. A must-visit for a sweet treat.
Family-Friendly Sandy Shores
Poldhu Cove
A picturesque sandy beach with rock pools at low tide, perfect for exploring with children and dogs.
South West Coast Path Views
Coastal path from Poldhu Cove
Embark on a scenic walk offering epic sea views, ancient history, and access to nearby coves like Gunwalloe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Hassles & App Woes
Lifeguards & Dog Policies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking App Woes
Download the parking app beforehand and check signal strength. Be patient with the payment process.
☕ Cafe Hot Chocolate Heaven
Don't miss the highly-rated hot chocolates at Poldhu Beach Cafe, especially unique flavors!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Times
Dogs are welcome outside of peak summer hours (July-Aug, 10 am-6 pm).
🌊 Surf & Swim Ready
Poldhu is great for surfing and swimming, with a surf school available. Lifeguards patrol May-Sept.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking App Woes
Download the parking app beforehand and check signal strength. Be patient with the payment process.
☕ Cafe Hot Chocolate Heaven
Don't miss the highly-rated hot chocolates at Poldhu Beach Cafe, especially unique flavors!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Times
Dogs are welcome outside of peak summer hours (July-Aug, 10 am-6 pm).
🌊 Surf & Swim Ready
Poldhu is great for surfing and swimming, with a surf school available. Lifeguards patrol May-Sept.
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Adventures
Explore the stunning South West Coast Path for breathtaking views and access to other coves.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Poldhu Cove is a beautiful and accessible sandy beach, praised for its family-friendly atmosphere, scenic coastal walks, and the popular Poldhu Beach Cafe. While parking can be a hassle due to app reliance and signal issues, the natural beauty and activities like swimming and surfing make it a worthwhile destination.
"Stopped to visit the beach. Car park required an app and no phone signal. Promises cafe with facilities. No toilets at the beach cafe and no disabled access. Took nearly 30 minutes to get the app and try to pay for parking. App asks for proof of age as if you have to be over 18 to use car parks so be aware."
Andy Ward
"Beautiful easily accessible beach with parking. Cafe/shop on the beach as well. Also has portable toilets in the car park."
Sam S.
"Poldhu Cove is typical of many beaches on the Lizard Peninsula with rugged cliffs on either side of a large sandy and shingle beach. For your safety and peace of mind RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach from May to September.
Suitable for swimming, surfing and paddle boarding the beach is enjoyed by those of all ages all year round. When the tides out there are rock pools, mainly on the right hand side of the beach, to explore 🦀
Just to let you know that dogs are welcome on the beach except between 1st July - 31st August (10am to 6pm).
In addition to the spacious car park (Pay & Display) and toilets there’s the very popular Poldhu Cafe, which is open 363 days of the year, and last but not least the Dan Joel Surf School 🏄🏼♂️"
Clive Agate
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Poldhu Cove is located on the western coast of the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, near Mullion. It's accessible by car, with a spacious car park available. The South West Coast Path also runs nearby, making it a great destination for walkers.
Yes, there is a spacious Pay & Display car park adjacent to the beach. However, payment is often required via a mobile app, which can be challenging due to signal issues.
Absolutely! Poldhu Cove is a popular stop on the South West Coast Path. You can enjoy scenic walks from nearby locations like Gunwalloe or Mullion.
The nearest village is Mullion, which offers amenities and accommodation. The Lizard Peninsula is also close by, offering further exploration opportunities. +1
The beach itself is generally considered easily accessible from the car park, though some reviews mention potential app issues for parking payment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Poldhu Cove beach is free. However, there is a charge for parking in the adjacent car park, typically paid via a mobile app.
Poldhu Cove beach is accessible at all times. The Poldhu Beach Cafe is open 363 days a year, but specific hours can vary seasonally.
Portable toilets are available in the car park. The beach cafe may not have public toilet facilities.
Yes, RNLI lifeguards patrol Poldhu Cove from May to September, ensuring safety for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.
Yes, the Dan Joel Surf School operates at Poldhu Cove and is a great option for learning to surf.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Poldhu Cove is ideal for swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, and exploring rock pools at low tide. Coastal walks are also very popular.
Yes, it's a picturesque sandy beach with a freshwater stream running into it, making it fun for children and dogs. Lifeguards are present during summer.
Dogs are welcome at Poldhu Cove, but there are restrictions during peak summer months (July 1st - August 31st, 10 am to 6 pm). They are generally allowed outside these times.
Nearby attractions include Mullion Cove, Gunwalloe Church Cove (famous from Poldark), and the wider Lizard Peninsula with its dramatic coastline. 
Yes, particularly on the right-hand side of the beach when the tide is out, offering opportunities to discover marine life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the popular Poldhu Beach Cafe is located right on the beach and is open most of the year, serving hot drinks and snacks.
The cafe is famous for its delicious hot chocolates, including unique options like mini egg hot chocolate.
The nearby village of Mullion offers several pubs and restaurants for a wider range of dining choices.
Some visitors find the cafe's offerings to be a bit pricey, but the views and quality are often considered worth it.
The Poldhu Beach Cafe offers takeaway options, perfect for enjoying on the beach.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the sweeping sandy beach, dramatic cliffs, and the iconic Poldhu Beach Cafe. The South West Coast Path offers stunning vantage points.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Midday can be bright but still offers clear views of the blue waters.
Drone footage of Poldhu Cove and the surrounding coastline is popular, showcasing the dramatic scenery from above. Always check local drone regulations. +1
Poldhu Cove is excellent for landscape, seascape, and coastal photography. It's also a great spot for capturing wildlife, like the murmuration of starlings.
The area has remnants of Bronze Age settlements and an Iron Age fort along the coast path, offering historical context for your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
The path is well-maintained, though some sections can be steep. Poldhu Cove itself is a perfect starting or ending point for a coastal trek, with the Poldhu Beach Cafe providing a welcome refreshment stop. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Poldhu Cove Coastline
The South West Coast Path offers incredible opportunities to explore the dramatic coastline surrounding Poldhu Cove. A popular route is the walk to Gunwalloe Church Cove, a picturesque spot famous for its appearance in the Poldark series. This walk not only provides stunning sea views but also passes by ancient historical sites, including Bronze Age settlements and an Iron Age fort, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your coastal adventure.
For those seeking a unique experience, paddleboarding around Mullion Cove, near Poldhu, is a fantastic way to appreciate the coastline from a different perspective, especially during a calm summer evening. The clear waters and stunning scenery make it a memorable activity.
The Poldhu Beach Cafe Experience
While the cafe is a highlight, some visitors note that prices can be on the higher side. However, the combination of delicious treats, friendly service, and the unparalleled ocean views often makes it a worthwhile splurge. The cafe is open year-round, serving as a reliable spot for refreshments and a cozy atmosphere, even on cooler days.
Beyond the famous hot chocolates, the cafe offers a range of other snacks and drinks, catering to various tastes. It's a central hub for visitors, providing a place to rest, refuel, and soak in the Poldhu Cove atmosphere.
History and Nature at Poldhu Cove
The natural environment around Poldhu Cove is equally captivating. The South West Coast Path offers a chance to observe diverse flora and fauna. Birdwatchers might be lucky enough to witness a murmuration of starlings, a breathtaking natural spectacle that has been observed at Poldhu Cove.
Conservation efforts are also evident, with events like beach cleans taking place, highlighting the community's commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Poldhu Cove. These initiatives, often involving organizations like the National Trust, help protect the marine environment from pollution.
Social
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