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Tucked away between Mousehole and Penberth if you follow the Cornish Coast Path is a scenic little corner called Lamorna Cove. While it is mostly Rocky Mountains, at low tide, it reveals itself as a cove beach. Nearby is a small cafe, some shops, viewing terrace, outdoor dining area and parking.
It did not take us long to get to Lamorna Cove from Mousehole. With some ups and downs and single track road in the car, we got there eventually. We were greeted by hills on both sides and the edge of the sea with its waves crashing on boulders and the rocky beach upon arrival. The cove is a perfect as a stop for a break before you head on with your journey in Cornwall.
Hunting for Hidden Escapes
Some places ask you to slow down long before you arrive. Lamorna Cove is one of them.
This is not our first visit and we’ve returned in 2023 because it left such a lasting impression. Hidden away on Cornwall’s rugged south coast, reaching Lamorna Cove is an adventure in itself. Leave the B3315 and you’ll find yourself following a narrow country lane that twists gently downhill through woodland and granite walls before finally revealing one of Cornwall’s most picturesque little coves.
It isn’t the quickest journey. It isn’t the easiest drive. But the destination will reward you.
Once you arrive, however, you’ll understand why so many walkers, artists and visitors have been making the trip for generations.
The Reward at the End of the Lane
The first thing that struck us was how close the car park is to the beach.
Unlike many Cornish coves where you still have a lengthy walk after parking, Lamorna Cove offers one of the easiest arrivals we’ve experienced.
If you’re fortunate enough to find a space at the front of the car park, you can step out of your car and be standing beside the beach within seconds.
Street View by Google
The concrete-surfaced car park keeps everything clean and practical, making it easy to unload picnic bags, cameras or walking gear before setting off.
Behind the café lies a second parking area that many first-time visitors may overlook. Access is via the narrow lane between The Terrace and the café building. This additional parking is especially useful during busy periods and also provides convenient access to the South West Coast Path.
Street View by Google
A Small Cove with Big Character
Lamorna Cove isn’t a wide sandy beach. Its beauty comes from the combination of granite cliffs, rounded pebbles, patches of sand revealed by the tide and the constantly changing sea.
During our visit, waves rolled gently onto the shore before crashing dramatically against the rocks further out. The water changed colour throughout the afternoon, shifting from deep blue to shimmering turquoise as the sunlight reflected across the cove.
The surrounding granite cliffs give Lamorna its distinctive character and create a sheltered atmosphere that feels wonderfully peaceful. Photographers will quickly discover that every angle offers something different.
Rock formations.
Fishing boats.
Sea reflections.
Clifftop views.
Even the changing tide creates entirely new compositions throughout the day.
The Terrace – One of the Best Seats in Cornwall
Instead of immediately heading off for a coastal walk, we found ourselves drawn towards The Terrace overlooking the cove. This became one of our favourite places to simply sit and enjoy the surroundings.
The seating area is split across two levels, each providing uninterrupted views across Lamorna Cove. Wooden pergolas offer welcome shade on sunny days, while clear windbreak screens help shelter visitors without spoiling the sea views.
It is the sort of place where time seems to disappear. People chatted quietly over lunch. Walkers rested their legs. Others simply watched the waves.
Looking back through our photographs, some of our favourite images were taken from these seats. The elevated position gives a wonderful perspective across the entire cove.
Lunch at Lamorna Cove Café
Our reward for the drive was lunch at Lamorna Cove Café. The café has become something of an institution among walkers, cyclists and visitors exploring this part of Cornwall.
The menu offers light lunches, refreshments, cakes and hot drinks, making it an ideal place to pause before or after exploring the coastline.
Our choice was easy. Crab sandwiches.
Fresh Cornish crab always feels like the right choice by the sea, and enjoying lunch while overlooking the cove made the experience even more memorable.
Good ingredients. Fresh sea air. Beautiful scenery. That combination is difficult to beat.
A Gateway to the South West Coast Path
One reason Lamorna remains popular is its connection to the South West Coast Path. From the second car park, walkers can join one of Britain’s most spectacular long-distance trails.
Heading south leads towards Porthcurno, Logan Rock and eventually Land’s End, passing dramatic granite cliffs, hidden coves and some of Cornwall’s finest coastal scenery.
Northbound, the path heads towards Mousehole, another charming fishing village where we came from albeit via the road. Mousehole is well worth exploring. You can read about our previous visit here, Mousehouse, Penzance Seaside Views.
Back to the South West Coast Path, we chose not to tackle the walk this time.
Our Yorkshire Terrier would probably have enjoyed it, but the sunshine, sea breeze and comfortable terrace convinced us to stay exactly where we were. There will always be another opportunity.
A Favourite Among Artists
Lamorna has inspired artists for well over a century. In the early twentieth century, the area became home to the famous Lamorna Colony, a community of painters attracted by the exceptional quality of light, dramatic granite landscapes and constantly changing sea.
Artists including Samuel John “Lamorna” Birch (open in Wikipedia) helped establish the cove as one of Cornwall’s important artistic centres.
Even today, it isn’t difficult to understand why. The scenery changes almost by the minute. Every shift in light creates a different painting. Or photograph.
Wildlife and Coastal Scenery
Although we spent most of our visit relaxing, Lamorna Cove also rewards anyone who enjoys wildlife.
Depending on the season, visitors may spot:
- Gulls soaring above the cliffs.
- Cormorants drying their wings on offshore rocks.
- Fulmars gliding effortlessly on coastal winds.
- Seals resting on the rocks or swimming just offshore.
- Colourful wildflowers carpeting the cliff tops during spring and early summer.
View our Coastal and Seaside Bird T-shirts Collection over at our Store.
The combination of rugged coastline and abundant wildlife makes Lamorna feel wonderfully unspoilt.
Planning Your Visit
Looking back, here’s what we’d recommend for anyone planning their own visit.
- Drive carefully along the narrow approach road, taking your time and using passing places when needed.
- Arrive earlier during summer, as parking spaces closest to the beach fill quickly.
- Don’t miss the second car park behind the café, especially if you’re planning to walk the South West Coast Path.
- Spend time on The Terrace, where the elevated views across the cove are some of the best you’ll find.
- Bring a camera with both wide-angle and zoom lenses. The changing light makes Lamorna particularly rewarding for photographers.
- Allow time to simply relax. Lamorna isn’t somewhere to rush through.
- If you’re feeling energetic, continue along the South West Coast Path towards either Mousehole or Porthcurno for some of Cornwall’s finest coastal walking.
Why We’ll Keep Returning
Cornwall has no shortage of beautiful beaches. Lamorna Cove offers something slightly different.
It combines dramatic coastal scenery with a peaceful atmosphere, a welcoming café, excellent walking opportunities and the simple pleasure of sitting beside the sea with good food and nowhere else to be.
Our photographs bring back wonderful memories.
The sound of the waves.
The fresh sea air.
The view from The Terrace.
The taste of fresh crab overlooking the cove.
Sometimes a holiday isn’t about ticking off famous attractions. Sometimes it’s about discovering a place that encourages you to slow down and simply enjoy where you are. Lamorna Cove did exactly that for us, and we already know we’ll be back again.
Location Map
Address: Lamorna Cove, Lamorna, Penzance TR19 6XJ
Map: Open in Google
