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Poldhu Cove
A sandy sheltered beach on the west coast of the Lizard. A favourite amongst locals and visitors, surfers and wildlife watchers.
Poldhu Cove, Mullion, near Helston, Cornwall, TR12 7JB
Opening times for 3 December 2023
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Poldhu Beach Cafe (not National Trust). Call 01326 240530 for more information.
Dogs
Council enforced seasonal ban 1 July - 31 August 10am - 6pm
Car park
Council run car park
Fairly even terrain from car park to beach, approx 300 yards. Council enforced dog ban in operation on the beach 10am - 6pm from 1 July - 31 August, but dogs permitted on the footpaths around the beach.
Steps/uneven terrain
By road
Take the A3083 south from Helston passing RNAS Culdrose. Continue over the roundabout on the A3083 towards Lizard, take the first right (sign posted Poldhu Cove). The car park is run by Cornwall Council with pay and display machines (coins only).
Parking: nearest 300 yards (not National Trust)
Sat Nav: Use postcode TR12 7JB for SatNav
On foot
Poldhu is on the South West Coast Path approx 1.5 miles north of Mullion Cove.
By bus
Buses from Helston that go to Poldhu are: 37, 230 and the 251.
Planning your visit
Article
Visiting Poldhu Cove with your dog
Discover the sandy beach of Poldhu Cove where dogs can enjoy the beach for ten months of the year and the nearby footpaths all year round.
Highlights
Beach
A small sandy sheltered beach on the west coast of the Lizard, surrounded by dunes and popular with families.
South West Coast Path
The public footpath traces the outline of the Lizard peninsula and passes along Poldhu's sandy dunes. S
Marconi Centre
Set on the cliff top south of Poldhu Cove and run by volunteers of Poldhu Radio Amateur Club, the location is famous for the first transatlantic radio signal.
Poldhu Beach Cafe (not National Trust)
Views overlooking the beach and serving breakfast, hot and cold lunches, cake and ice cream.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do at Poldhu Cove
Tucked away on the west side of the Lizard in Cornwall, Poldhu Cove is a favourite beach for families and surfers alike.
Places to stay
Winnianton Farmhouse
A newly refurbished farmhouse situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with views of Church Cove and surrounding farmland
Townplace
A quiet retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Cadgwith Cove village and beach.
Cadgwith Elm
High on the cliffs of Cadgwith Cove, you’ll have sweeping sea-views on your doorstep.
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.
Inglewidden Vean
A cliff-top cottage just a short walk to the village and beach of Cadgwith Cove.
About Poldhu Cove
Poldhu is an unspoilt, sheltered and sandy beach on the popluar west coast of the Lizard peninsula. A favourite amongst locals and visitors to the area the beach offers a surf school and cafe as well as dunes and reedbeds rich in wildlife. The cove features in the pages of the history books as being the site of some of Marconi's groundbreaking experiments, a monument and a museum are dedicated to his work at Poldhu Point.
Our work
Article
South West Coast Path: creating a year-round economic asset in Cornwall
Thanks to funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, places in Cornwall have started improvements to help make the South West Coast Path a year-round experience. Find out where has benefited.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Poldhu Cove.