Poldhu Cove is a small cove with golden sand, situated between Mullion and Gunwalloe on the west coast of The Lizard Peninsula. The cove has a relaxed but intimate atmosphere, and in summer its sandy beach is popular with surfers, swimmers and sandcastle builders and for those wanting to explore rock pools and caves at low tide. In winter it is a popular venue for locals and visitors who, with or without their dogs, want to take a bracing walk in the sunshine or experience the magnificent waves on a stormy day. Whatever the time of year a beachside café provides a range of snacks and drinks.
The Marconi Centre
The Cove has plenty of other things to see and do: a popular surf school operates from the beach in summertime, whilst the sand dunes, reed beds and stream are important wildlife habitats all year round and attract a range of wildlife. The Marconi Centre, built near the site of the Poldhu Wireless Station at nearby Angrouse Cliffs, celebrates the achievements of communications pioneer Guglielmo Marconi. History was made here in 1901 when Marconi’s engineers transmitted the first trans-Atlantic wireless signal. For more information and opening times: http://www.marconi-centre-poldhu.org.uk/
Photo: The Marconi Centre at Poldhu ©National Trust Images/David Sellman
Facilities
- Car parking: A large council-run car park is open all year round. It is Pay and Display Monday to Sunday, 9am–5pm from 1stApril –31st October. Free at other times.
- RNLI lifeguards: From mid-May until late September, 10am–6pm daily. For exact dates please visit the RNLI website.
- Bus service: The 34 service runs between Redruth and Lizard Village. For all stops and times: https://bustimes.org/services/34-pool-college-redruth-helston
- Public toilets: Only open during the summer season.
- Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the beach 10am to 6pm from 1stJuly to 31stAugust; they are very welcome at all other times and on surrounding footpaths at any time of year. Please remember to scoop that poop. For more info click here.
- Café: Poldhu Beach Café is open all year except Christmas Day and Flora Day (8thMay) for snacks and hot and cold drinks, to eat in or take-away.
- Activities: Swimming, surfing and paddling (please take notice of Lifeguards’ flags), beach games, walking, birdwatching, painting, sketching and fishing.
- Dan Joel Surf School is located by the café and open throughout summer (must be over 8 yrs and able to swim 50 m). All equipment provided. Contact 07974 941 575 or check out the website.
- Mullion Golf Club, the scenic and most southerly golf club in the UK is just under 1 km away. Open for members and visitors. For more information and booking go to the Golf Club website.
- For those wishing to spend a few hours walking from Poldhu Cove, follow the South West Coast Path (SWCP) north from the cove towards Gunwalloe Church Cove, or south towards Mullion Cove.
- Don’t forget to take all your rubbish home with you and recycle what you can.