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Things to see and do at Cape Cornwall

A brick chimney stack at Cape Cornwall with the sea behind it
'The Sentinel' chimney stack at Cape Cornwall | © National Trust Images/John Miller

Cape Cornwall is one of only two capes in Britain. Often referred to as the connoisseur's Land's End, the iconic chimney stack and Brisons Rocks make this site a must-see. Enjoy views over the Atlantic year-round, nature and wildlife across the changing seasons and a sea of bluebells which take over in late spring.

Exploring the Cape

Cape Cornwall marks the spot where the Atlantic currents divide. It was bought by Heinz for the nation as part of their centenary celebrations, and presented to the National Trust in 1987. Look out for the distinctive plaque at the summit to mark this gift.

The chimney stack dates back to 1894, when Cape Cornwall Mine was in operation, extracting tin and copper from out under the sea. Now, the site is part of the Tin Coast and Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

Brisons Rocks

Known as 'General de Gaulle in his bath', the Brisons Rocks have caused many shipwrecks in their time. They are said to have once been home to a prison, but now are an important breeding ground for seabirds. Flying around them you may see gannets, fulmars or migrants such as storm-petrels.

Priest's Cove

For centuries, the cove has been a landing place for local fisherman and continues to be so to this day.

Dog restrictions at Priest's Cove

Please be aware that there's a seasonal ban from taking dogs on to Priest's Cove between Easter and October as it is a working slipway.

Three people walking uphill with the sea in the background
Enjoy a coastal walk around the Cape | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Walking at Cape Cornwall

From Cape Cornwall there are lots of great walks to discover. Head to Sennen Cove in the south or north on the coast path through the Tin Coast to the Pendeen Lighthouse, with sea views to soak up along the way.

Walking safely at Cape Cornwall

Please stay on the main footpaths. This was once a mining area and there are many mine shafts and adits along the coast from Cape Cornwall.

Bluebells at Cape Cornwall

During April and May, the sea of blue at Cape Cornwall doesn’t simply stop at the cliffs. As the waves of the Atlantic crashes into the Tin Coast, bluebells overtake the fields and clifftops above, creating a springtime spectacle. Easily accessible from the nearby car park, you won’t need to search for long before you see the sea of blue swaying up ahead.

Where to see bluebells

Parking at Botallack (TR19 7QQ) and taking a short walk along the cliffs from into the Kenidjack Valley gives the best opportunity to enjoy the bluebells on the Tin Coast.

A close up of some bluebells in the rain
See a sea of bluebells at Cape Cornwall | © National Trust Images / Hilary Daniel
The coast at Cape Cornwall with the area's distinctive 'hump' rock visible

Discover more at Cape Cornwall

Find out how to get to Cape Cornwall, where to park, the things to see and do and more.

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