Kynance Cove - The Lizard and Falmouth
Cornwall Beaches > The Lizard and Falmouth > Kynance Cove
Popular since Victorian times, the brilliant turquoise water and white sand, with islands, caves and unexpected views are still a powerful draw today.
Located less than 2 miles from The Lizard and once remote and difficult to get to, The National Trust built a new toll road to a large car park on the downs above the cove.
The beach's defining features are the serpentine rock formations with a disnctive pinnacle to the north of the beach.
All in all Kynance is one of the prettiest coves in Cornwall and as a result one of the most painted and photographed. It is now owned by the National Trust who have just carried out a two-year project using the latest technologies designed to harness renewable energy, improve bathing water quality and protect the environment.
directions: Drive down towards Lizard point, through Helston, past the Culdrose air base. When you pass 'Kynance garage' on the right, the turning to the cove is about 600 yards on the right, it's sign posted about one mile before the Lizard point. Drive down the lane, over the speed ramps and when there's a sign for the car park, turn left down the dirt track for 100 yards and park by the wooden posts. Walk 300 yards towards the ocean and you're over looking the break.
Kynance Cove map: Drag the map with your mouse to navigate and use the + and - buttons to zoom in and out.
parking: Large National Trust car park- about 10 minutes walk to beach
Surfing at Kynance Cove
Kynance is one of those last chance spots that when everywhere else is blown out and not working you may find a wave. It's also a long drive from anywhere so mostly not worth bothering about.
The conditions have to be spot on for Kynance to work - there needs to be a small south/south-west swell or a big north-west swell, low tide and north/north-west winds. If any of the other South coast spots are working don't bother as it may well be too big for the banks here.
When it's good here it can be real good. A short, hollow and powerful wave that gets refracted into some interesting bowls ideal for launching into airs!
Dogs: No dogs (Easter to October)
facilities: Beach cafe, toilets
Nearest town: Lizard