Zennor Head Cornwall
Experience the rugged beauty of Cornwall's coastline at Zennor Head, offering dramatic cliffs, vibrant seas, and a charming village.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Zennor Head Cornwall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the rugged beauty of Cornwall's coastline at Zennor Head, offering dramatic cliffs, vibrant seas, and a charming village.
"Words can't describe Zennor Head, so I won't even try! I was in my element here, stunning views, crashing waves."
🚗 Parking Advice
Arrive early to secure parking in Zennor village, as spots fill up quickly. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The terrain is very up and down; wear good walking shoes for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Zennor Head Coastal Views
Zennor Head
Breathtaking coastal vistas with stunning green seas and rugged cliffs. Perfect for nature lovers and artists.
Zennor Village Charm
Zennor Village
A quaint and picturesque village with narrow streets and charming shops. A delightful stop after a coastal walk.
South West Coast Path
St Ives to Zennor stretch
An iconic walking route offering dramatic scenery, from golden sands to rugged cliffs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Advice
Arrive early to secure parking in Zennor village, as spots fill up quickly. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The terrain is very up and down; wear good walking shoes for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
Carry plenty of water, especially for longer walks. Some small streams offer fresh water along the path. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Views
The coastal scenery is stunning, especially at sunset. Don't forget your camera!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Advice
Arrive early to secure parking in Zennor village, as spots fill up quickly. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Needed
The terrain is very up and down; wear good walking shoes for comfort and safety. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water
Carry plenty of water, especially for longer walks. Some small streams offer fresh water along the path. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Views
The coastal scenery is stunning, especially at sunset. Don't forget your camera!
☕ Post-Walk Treat
Enjoy a well-earned pint at The Tinners Arms in Zennor after your walk.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the absolutely stunning and breathtaking views from Zennor Head, describing it as a place to enjoy nature away from crowds. The challenging terrain is noted, but the beautiful coastal scenery and charming village make it well worth the effort for many.
"Stunning walk leading from st Ives into Zennor village. Beautiful views of the coast and you’ll reach new heights that will take your breath away. Definitely take a drink to do this walk and be careful as the terrain is very up and down."
Mary
"We did the hiking from st Ives to Zenor head, and it was very beautiful. So many beautiful views. On the way you find lots of small streams where you can drink fresh water. When you arrive to Zenor Head, very cute village welcomes you."
Ulaş Yoldaş
"Zennor Head walk certainly has a brilliant view. The colours of flora and fauna are beautiful. I would highly recommend this place for someone who likes to enjoy nature away from the crowd."
Santanu Ray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Zennor Head by car, with parking available in Zennor village. Alternatively, the South West Coast Path offers a scenic walking route from St Ives, approximately 6 miles.
Yes, local buses serve Zennor village. For car-free travelers, it's possible to combine train travel to St Ives with bus services or walking routes.
Driving to Zennor Head involves navigating narrow Cornish lanes. Parking is available in Zennor village, but it's advisable to arrive early as it fills up quickly.
Yes, the walk from Zennor to Gurnard's Head is a popular and beautiful section of the South West Coast Path, offering stunning coastal scenery.
Parking is available in Zennor village, often at a daily rate. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during peak season, as spaces are limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Zennor Head is a natural coastal area and part of the South West Coast Path, so there are no admission tickets required to access the views and walking trails.
Parking in Zennor village typically incurs a fee, which can vary. The Island car park near St Ives, for example, cost around £8.20 per day.
Zennor Head is accessible at all times as it's an open natural landscape. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoying the views.
While the National Trust manages significant portions of the Cornish coastline, Zennor Head itself is a natural landmark accessible to all.
Yes, Zennor Head can be visited year-round. However, spring and fall are recommended for fewer crowds and more pleasant walking conditions.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The terrain is described as strenuous, with significant ups and downs. It's a challenging but rewarding walk with fantastic views.
While beautiful, the strenuous nature of the terrain might be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues. Shorter strolls around Zennor village are more manageable.
Visitors have reported seeing Choughs and other birdlife. The diverse flora and fauna contribute to the beautiful natural colors of the area.
Yes, Moomaids of Zennor cafe is located near the Zennor Village Carpark, perfect for an ice cream or refreshment. The Tinners Arms pub in Zennor is also a popular spot.
Pack sturdy walking shoes, water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. A camera is essential to capture the stunning scenery.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset offers magical light over Zennor Head, creating a truly special atmosphere.
Expect dramatic coastal landscapes, crashing waves, vibrant flora, and panoramic sea views. The rugged cliffs and changing sea colors are particularly photogenic.
The entire stretch of the South West Coast Path around Zennor Head offers numerous viewpoints. The headland itself provides expansive vistas.
Absolutely. The dramatic cliffs, expansive sea, and unique coastal flora make Zennor Head a prime location for landscape photographers.
Yes, with patience, you might spot local birdlife like Choughs. The natural environment is rich with opportunities for wildlife photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
A short, easy stroll from the village car park towards the coast can offer a taste of the scenery without the demanding climbs. Consider a visit to Moomaids of Zennor cafe for an ice cream treat, which is always a hit with kids. For a more manageable family outing, focus on exploring the village itself, its quaint streets, and perhaps a picnic in a more accessible spot. The legend of the Zennor Mermaid might also spark their imagination.
🚶 Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
Expect dramatic elevation changes and unparalleled views of the Cornish coastline. Nature lovers will be captivated by the rich biodiversity. Keep an eye out for local birdlife, including Choughs, and admire the vibrant coastal flora.
🎨 Artists and Photographers
+2 Many artists find the rugged beauty and the sense of wildness here particularly compelling for their work. Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting conditions.
+1 The unique textures of the landscape, from the rocky outcrops to the windswept vegetation, offer fantastic opportunities for both landscape and detail photography. Don't forget your camera or sketchbook to capture the essence of this magical place. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The South West Coast Path Experience
The path is well-maintained but can be challenging, with steep ascents and descents that reward hikers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Many visitors choose to walk from St Ives to Zennor, a journey of about six miles. This walk is not just about the destination but the journey itself, with opportunities to discover hidden coves, observe diverse flora and fauna, and experience the raw beauty of the Cornish coastline.
It's a popular route for both day-trippers and serious hikers, offering a true immersion in nature. For those looking for a shorter experience, starting the walk from Zennor village itself provides access to the most dramatic cliff scenery. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry water, as the terrain can be demanding.
Zennor Village: A Coastal Gem
The village is a perfect starting or ending point for exploring the surrounding area, with amenities like the Moomaids of Zennor cafe providing a welcome respite. Historically, Zennor is known for its folklore, most famously the legend of the Zennor Mermaid. While you might not encounter mythical creatures, the village's atmosphere is steeped in local lore and a peaceful, rural charm.
Visiting Zennor village offers a chance to experience a quieter side of Cornwall, away from the busier tourist hubs. It’s an ideal spot to relax, enjoy a local cream tea, and prepare for or recover from a bracing coastal walk.
Photography Opportunities
+1 The interplay of light, especially during sunrise and sunset, can transform the landscape into something truly magical, making it a prime spot for capturing breathtaking images. +1Beyond the grand coastal vistas, the area is rich in natural details. The vibrant hues of gorse and bracken in bloom, the textures of the rock formations, and the potential sightings of local birdlife like Choughs add further layers of photographic interest.
Photographers can find inspiration in both sweeping panoramic shots and intimate close-ups of the natural environment. For the best photographic results, consider visiting during the 'golden hours' of early morning or late afternoon. The softer light at these times can enhance the textures and colors of the landscape, creating more evocative images.
Remember to pack a wide-angle lens for those expansive coastal views and a telephoto lens if you hope to capture any distant wildlife. 
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