Sennen: Beach, Walking Trails and Surf Lessons

This can help you decide whether the beach, walking, surfing or village life should shape your stay.

Beach and parking

Sennen Cove Beach is a large sandy beach. North of Sennen Cove lies Gwynver Beach, a secluded stretch of beach with golden sand. The two beaches therefore differ in their described character: one is notable for the size of its sandy beach, the other for its secluded setting.

There are two car parks at the bottom of the slope by Sennen Cove Beach, as well as a large field car park at the upper access point to the cove. As parking arrangements may change, check the situation locally before travelling. This lets you plan your journey without relying on a particular car park or assuming availability.

Walking and routes to the cove

The “Sennen Cove & Land's End” walk is moderate, 3.3 miles long and starts at the Sennen Cove car park. It can end at either Sennen Cove or Land's End. Surfaces and access may change temporarily; check conditions before setting out.

Another route description leads from Pendeen to Sennen Cove. The route follows rugged paths along the Granite Coast to the golden sands of Sennen Cove. Along the way, there are opportunities to spot seals and seabirds; depending on the season, pink thrift and purple heather can be seen between the viewing areas. Wildlife and flowering are seasonal. In contrast to the 3.3-mile walk with its named endpoints, this route focuses on rugged terrain and seasonal nature-watching.

An alternative return route for the “Sennen Cove & Land's End” walk uses a section of National Cycleway Route 3. This section is mostly well surfaced and level enough for wheelchair use. Weather or temporary maintenance work may affect access to this section. Stonechair Lane is designated as an accessible route to Sennen Cove and avoids roads and steps.

The First & Last Trail passes through Sennen and Mousehole, offers views of Mount Bay and ends at Land's End. Alongside routes that start or finish in Sennen, this gives you the option of a trail with views across the bay and a named endpoint at Land's End.

Surf lessons and the beach

Sennen Surfing Centre is right on Sennen's golden sandy beach and offers a range of surf lessons. Beginner lessons start with beach safety and equipment, then move on to paddling and catching waves. All equipment is included in every lesson package. This outline of the learning process gives you a specific point of reference when considering what a beginner lesson covers.

Village life, culture and other things to see

On Sennen's seafront, you can use a free two-level telescope. It was designed for safe use by children and wheelchair users. St Sennen is the “First and Last” church on mainland Britain. The regular launches of the historic lifeboat are an important feature of life in Sennen and support the regional tourism economy.

At The Iconic Signpost, visitors can have a photo taken and collect it later that day from Penwith House – The Signpost Shop. Greeb Farm is a restored 200-year-old Cornish farm. Visitors can meet sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs, miniature ponies and ferrets there. In the traditional Cornish craft workshops, you can watch a local silversmith and a potter at work. The craftspeople may have different opening hours; if visiting the workshops is important to you, check in advance.

Getting to Sennen

From Penzance, follow the signs for “Land's End” and take the A30 for 9 miles to the village of Sennen. When choosing a hotel, you can use the beach, walking and surfing interests mentioned above to help plan your stay.

Discover more destinations: Gulval, St Keverne, Saint Cleer, Tintagel, Trelash, Marhamchurch, Lostwithiel, Phillack

For the main travel overview: Cornwall.