Things to do at Poldhu Cove

Sculpture on beach at Poldhu Cove, Cornwall — Sculpture on beach at Poldhu Cove | © National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

Tucked away on the west side of the Lizard in Cornwall, Poldhu is a favourite spot for visitors to the area and local families alike. With its large sandy beach, it has plenty of space for fun and games along the cove no matter what the season. Watch surfers catching a wave or two, or maybe join the surf school yourself.

Explore Poldhu Cove

Poldhu means 'black pool' in Cornish and the cove is situated on the west coast of the Lizard, about a mile north of Mullion. Poldhu’s large sandy beach offers lots of space for a fun day on the coast, complete with plenty of rocks to explore during low tide.

Backed by dunes

The beach is backed by sand dunes, which have grown since parking on the beach was stopped during the 1970s. A stream trickles across the cove.

Surfing lesson at Poldhu Beach, Cornwall — Visitors getting ready for the surf lesson at Poldhu Cove, Cornwall | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Surf's up at Poldhu

Poldhu is popular with surfers and there is a small surfing school in the area. Former professional surfer Dan Joel offers lessons for adults and children with a donation from each booking going straight back to helping with our conservation work in the cove.

Refreshments while you watch

If you’d rather watch rather than take part yourself, there is a small café run locally and offering drinks and snacks to enjoy as you sit and watch from the beach.

A visitor and their dog stand on the edge of the coast enjoying the view at Poldhu Cove, Cornwall — Dog walking around Poldhu Cove | © National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

Visiting Poldhu Cove with your dog

There's a council-enforced dog ban in operation on the beach from 1 July to 31 August, 10am-6pm, but you can still walk your dogs on the footpaths around the beach.

Find out more about which beaches are dog friendly in the Cornwall Beach Guide.