The Lizard — Cornwall, England
Lizard Peninsula is located at the most southern part of Cornwall, with Lizard Point and its lighthouse situated at the tip of the peninsula.
The geology of the Lizard is unique, with beautiful dark serpentine stone richly veined with red and white visible at the Point. This ancient area is of great interest not only for its geologic composition, but also for its botanical growth and subtropical vegetation that is home to fifteen of Britain's rarest plant species.
The landscape is dotted with thatched and whitewashed cottages, clustered around small fishing harbors. In the valley of the River Helford you can experience this beautiful landscape, the tree covered lanes and quaint cottages exuding an aura of times past. The Lizard also has many creeks and inlets including the well known Frenchman's Creek, inspiration for a tale of smuggling and romance written by Daphne du Maurier.
The shoreline around the peninsula offers many lovely coves, some of which are reputed to have lost treasure, such as Kennack Cove with its legendary buried treasure deemed to have been buried by the buccaneer Avery; or Church Cove where two treasure ships were lost in 1526 and 1785 respectively.
This area is rich in history with museums throughout the peninsula that document the people and events, whether relating to smuggling, the slavery trade, or events like the first transatlantic radio message sent by Marconi in 1901 from Poldhu Cove.
There are many beaches along the coastline that are safe for swimming, as well as coves that are hidden from view by the towering cliffs. At Kynance Cove the numerous interconnected caves can be explored at low tide, but exploration during high tide is treacherous. Water sports abound all along the coast; you can go windsurfing at Coverack, sailing from several coastal ports or just watch for dolphins and other sea animals.
Attractions are abundant, such as the Goonhilly Earth Station with the largest satellite tracking system in Europe. Or visit one of the many gardens like Trebah Garden Trust, with 26 acres of ravine garden, and a unique collection of rare and exotic plants; or historic Trevarno Estate Gardens & National Museum of Gardening with gardens, grounds and walks that date back to 1246. Or visit the National Seal Sanctuary, started in 1958 at St Agnes with one baby seal. It now includes a nursery, convalescent and resident pools, and a specially designed hospital.
For entertainment visit The Flambards Experience which has something for everyone, including rides for children and a hands on Exploratorium. Or visit Helston during May for the famous Floral Dance festival, with its carnival atmosphere from dawn to well into the night. If you venture out onto the downs at Croft Pascoe Pool, not far from Helston, you may also see the ghostly ship which is alleged to be present.
Where is The Lizard?The Lizard is located at the most southern point of England in the county of Cornwall. The village can be accessed from the A3083 road which branches off the A394 road at Helston.
Have you ever visited The Lizard?Is The Lizard your favourite place to stay during the holidays? Should The Lizard be on everyone's list of must-see travel destinations? Tell us why, we're interested. Let us know what you think about The Lizard — your comments may be published on this website.
