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Gunwalloe
A site of archaeological importance surrounded by dunes, beaches, a medieval church and a reedbed rich in wildlife.
Gunwalloe, near Helston, Cornwall, TR12 7QE
Opening times for 11 December 2023
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£2 for 1 hours, £4 for 4 hours, £8 for over 4 hours.
Kiosk
Currently closed for winter. Open for the week from Wednesday 27 December to Monday 1 January 11am - 3pm. It will then close for the remainder of winter & open for the season on Monday 18 March 10am - 5pm.
Dogs
Church Cove council enforced seasonal ban 10am - 6pm, 1 July - 31 August. Dollar Cove dog friendly all year
Toilet
Pushchair and wheelchair accessible beaches. Toilets are open all year round. Car park gets busy during peak season. Dollar Cove is dog friendly all year round. There is a council enforced seasonal dog ban on Church Cove 1 July - 31 August 10am - 6pm.
Accessible toilet
Level access to food outlet
Slight gradient to kiosk
Designated parking
Steps/uneven terrain
Induction loop
By road
From Helston take the A3083 south towards Lizard. After the bridge Gunwalloe is signposted on the right (before the roundabout). Continue for 3.3 miles along this road and park in the National Trust car park.
Parking: National Trust pay and display car park at Gunwalloe.
Sat Nav: Input post code TR12 7QE
On foot
Gunwalloe is on the South West Coast Path between Poldhu and Penrose. (Approx 3 miles from Porthleven).
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Gunwalloe with your dog
Discover the sandy beaches of Church Cove and Dollar Cove at Gunwalloe along the west coast of the Lizard peninsula, where your four legged companions can run free and explore.
Highlights
Beaches
Dollar Cove and Church Cove, plus a medieval church and site of archaeological interest nestled in the mound between the two, surrounded by sandy dunes and a reedbed rich in wildlife.
Gunwalloe Kiosk
Take away hot drinks, light snacks and ice cream, currently open every day 10am - 3pm.
Winwaloe Church & graveyard
Also called the Church of the Storms, a grade I listed church built around the thirteenth century, graves of shipwrecked sailors and a German WW2 pilot can be found in the church yard.
Countryside
Sand dunes, farmland, marshes and the South West Coast Path all form the scenery around Gunwalloe, home for many native species of plant and wildlife.
Eating
Eating at Gunwalloe
The kiosk at Gunwalloe is currently closed for winter. The team will reopen for the week from Wednesday 27 December to Monday 1 January 10am - 3pm. It will then close for the remainder of winter & open for the season on Monday 18 March 10am - 5pm.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at Gunwalloe
Discover stories of Spanish shipwrecks and pre-historic settlements, as well as hidden coves, rare wildlife and walking trails.
Places to stay
Townplace
A quiet retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Cadgwith Cove village and beach.
Wireless Cottage
A cliff-top cabin with a whole lot of history, just metres from the coastal path.
Degibna Lower Pentire Barn
A sophisticated barn conversion with a timber-frame ceiling and views over Carminowe Creek.
Penarvon Cabin
A romantic little wood cabin, perching above the secret beach of Penarvon Cove.
Serpentine
With a sea-view garden and a cosy interior, this converted barn makes for a relaxing stay.
Ruan
A cliff-top cottage with mesmerising views, just above Cadgwith Cove.
Carne Cottage
A fine example of a traditional cob cottage, set on a winding creek off the Helford River.
Whitstone Cottage
A traditional white-washed cottage with a thatched roof and a country rustic interior.
About Gunwalloe
A site of archaeological importance surrounded by dunes, beaches, a medieval church and a reedbed rich in wildlife.
Our work
News
Cornwall set to bloom as major grassland creation project begins
Clifftops and fields across Cornwall are set to be transformed into thriving wildflower meadows, thanks to a new three-year conservation project.
Project
Project
The project to restore Winnianton Farm
Find out more about the progress of our Winnianton Farm restoration project, now restoring the surrounding farmland and outbuildings, with wildlife and nature as a priority.
Article
Poldark’s filming locations
Many National Trust places helped bring the BAFTA award-winning Poldark series to life, including lots of coast and countryside rich in mining and Cornish history.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Gunwalloe.