How to spend a day in Coverack on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula

Discover one of Cornwall's hidden gems

Tucked away in a quiet corner of West Cornwall is Coverack: a little picturesque fishing village with pick and mix pastel houses, panoramic views of the ocean, and ever-present bobbing boats in the harbour. Known for being an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, The Lizard Peninsula is a haven for coastal walks, spectacular sea views and off-the-beaten track beaches. With Kynance Cove, Kennack Sands and the Helford River sitting just around the coast to Coverack, a day trip to the village is a must while you’re in this part of Kernow. 

Though you may not have heard of Coverack before, we’ve got plenty of recommendations for you to get up to while you’re visiting. Pick up handmade sandwiches from a local café before heading to the beach, explore the hidden sculpture gardens and sample delicious local ice cream at nearby Roskilly’s Farm. However you spend your time in Coverack, there's plenty to make you fall in love.

Pack a picnic

With brilliant independent businesses dotted throughout Coverack, you can find delicious local treats and fresh produce in Coverack Village Stores. As you walk in, you’ll be greeted by the smell of hot coffees and freshly baked sausage rolls. Whether you’re looking to fill your picnic basket with Cornish cheese and chutneys or cooking up a barbeque feast come evening, you’ll find the very best local produce on every shelf. Make this your first stop before setting out on a coastal walk to Kennack Sands - lunch is best enjoyed with a view, after all. 

Or pick up lunch and frothy coffees from Archie’s Loft on your way down to the beach. You’ll be able to spot the small white café with its beautifully decorated chalk boards propped up against the walls, sitting just above the harbour. Inside lies a whole host of delights, including smoked mackerel baguettes, toasted cheese sandwiches and fresh-from-the-oven fruit scones. 

Take to the water

Sitting on the south coast, Coverack’s turquoise waters are calm and gentle - meaning you can leave the surfboard at home and instead take to the water in kayaks and SUPs. Or if you’re feeling extra adventurous, ride the water with an afternoon of windsurfing. Coverack Windsurfing Centre offers lessons for beginners and budding sailors, with instructors Robin and Chris on hand to provide a range of equipment to hire. You may even be lucky enough to spot a seal in the harbour as you paddle out!

Slip on your walking boots

Image by ARD_Flickr

For those with four-legged friends in tow, take a walk along the picturesque foot path from Coverack to Kennack Sands. Beginning in Coverack Harbour, the eight-mile walk winds around the village, past The Terence Coventry Sculpture Park, and through luscious green ‘tunnels’ to deliver you onto the beautiful white sandy beach. On sunny days you can take a dip in the calm waters and refuel with a picnic before heading back to Coverack via the pretty coastal path.

Or explore the coast path to the north of Coverack, with a circular five-mile walk to St Keverne. From the footpath, you can spot the mysterious Manacles Reef or 'the grave of 1000 ships' - a set of treacherous rocks just off the shore. Enjoy far-reaching sea views as the walk stretches around the coast and through the historical village of St Keverne. Take a wander through the 15th-century church before heading to Roskilly's Cornish Dairy Farm for a mid-walk treat to see you back to Coverack nicely.

Cool off with a sweet treat

A day trip to the coast isn’t complete without a traditional Cornish ice cream come mid-afternoon, and there’s no better place than Roskilly’s Cornish Dairy Farm. A working family-run farm in nearby St Keverne, Roskilly’s is an all-round family favourite. Spot the resident cows in the fields and learn how the delicious organic ice cream is made, and don’t forget to say hello to the menagerie of animals that little visitors are sure to love.

Choose from one of 30 mouthwatering flavours before heading home – whether it’s banoffee and lemon ripple or traditional strawberry and creamy vanilla, a scoop or two of Roskilly’s never goes amiss.

Discover sculptures amongst the wildflowers

A short walk from Coverack Harbour brings you to the most beautiful clifftop gardens with spectacular sea views and mesmerising sculptures. Take a slow walk through the meadows of Terence Coventry Sculpture Park, where a whole animal kingdom awaits. With around 25 steel sculptures to discover, keep an eye out for the magnificent birds of prey and elegant dancers dotted amongst the greenery. Away from the bustling village, the sculpture park is a haven of tranquility and perfect for an early evening stroll.

Round off the day with dinner

After a day on the water, exploring or walking, a relaxing evening is in order. And one of our favourite things to recommend is a typical seaside supper on the harbour wall - a cherished tradition amongst locals. Order freshly cooked fish and chips with tartare sauce a-plenty from The Lifeboat House and a pint of local draught beer from the Paris Hotel opposite. Then find a spot next to the bobbing boats and enjoy your food as the sun sets over the water. 

Where to stay nearby

Above: Compass Point. 

Just a short walk from Coverack Beach, Compass Point radiates elegance and luxury from every corner. With sensational ocean views, a beachside garden and a sunken cedar hot tub, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the first coffee of the day before heading out to explore the village.

Speak to our Concierge Team to start planning your Cornish staycation: 01208 895 570

Image credits: Kennack Sands image by ARD_Flickr | Screenshots taken from Coverack Village Stores, Archie's Loft and Terence Coventry Sculpture Park | All other images are our own or from Pexels, Unsplash and Pixabay.