Poldhu Cove
- info
- weather & tides
Poldhu Cove is one of the most popular beaches on the Lizard Peninsula. Partly because it is less remote than many, but also because it is fantastic, sandy family beach.
The cove sits in a quite a deep inlet flanked by cliffs to either side. To the back of the beach are low sand dunes and a reedbeds which are something of a haven to wildlife.
The name means "Black Pool" - not to be confused with the popular northern seaside town!
Being west facing means Poldhu is quite exposed to the wind and the waves. This is good news for surfers and there can be great waves here. It is also a great place to learn to surf with a school run by local legend Dan "Mole" Joel offering lessons throughout the summer.
Poldhu is probably most famous as the place from where Guglielmo Marconi sent the first Transatlantic radio signal in 1901. Perched on the cliffs of Bass Point, above the cove, was the Lizard Wireless Telegraph Station - a pair of simple wooden huts from which modern radio was born. Today the National Trust operate a museum from the huts dedicated to Marconi's groundbreaking work at Poldhu.
The Lizard Peninsula is popular with walkers and there are lovely coastal walks with spectacular views around the cove.
Type of beach
Sandy
Lifeguard service
RNLI lifeguard Summer cover daily from 19 May to 30 September
Dogs friendly beach?
Seasonal dog ban. 1st July to 31st August / 10am to 6pm
Disabled access
Easy level access from the car park situated to the back of the beach
Postcode
TR12 7JB
OS grid ref.
SW 6660 1990
Facilities
Café at beach and toilets open seasonally
Parking
Large car park by beach.
Poldhu Cove Reviews (1)
Wonderful beach out of season
Marty P
Nov 29th 2020A great beach with a wonderful cafe and staff. It gets very busy in the summer, to be expected, but when out of the tourist season it is just devine and so easy to get to.