The Greenbank’s Insider Guide: 24 Hours in The Lizard
things to do in the lizard – our 24 hour guide
The most southerly part of the UK, The Lizard is a peninsula full of staggering views, a handful of lovely local shops and pubs, and home to famous beauty spot – Kynance Cove. Delve into all the fantastic things to do in The Lizard with our jam-packed itinerary for spending 24 hours in this Cornish village and coastline.
8:30AM – 10:30AM: tuck into a greenbank breakfast
If you’re staying with us, rise and shine with a Greenbank breakfast. Whether you’re in the mood for smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, a full English or one of our chef’s fruity granola pots, start the day right with hearty breakfast options. The Lizard is a 45 minute drive from The Greenbank.
10:30am – midday: wALK AROUND THE OLD LIZARD HEAD
Once you’ve arrived at The Lizard, we strongly recommend heading straight to the coastline. Dramatic clifftop vistas, secluded beaches and crystal clear waters await. Start your walk from Church Cove, a picturesque road home to thatched roof cottages, a charming church and bewitching cemetery.
Hike around the undulating coastal path that hugs the English Channel. Pause along the way to visit the historic wireless station, where Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi received radio transmissions from over 180 miles away, proving scientists at the time wrong and paving the way for the future of communications. You’ll pass hidden coves and the RNLI lifeboat station, before arriving at the Lizard lighthouse.
: Polpeor Cafe
12pm – 2pm: stop for a cream tea at britain’s most southerly cafe
Once you arrive at the lighthouse from your walk, head down to the cliff edge to find Polpeor Cafe. Named Britain’s most southerly cafe, tuck into a cream tea, a spot of lunch or a hot drink with unbeatable views of the ocean. There are also a couple of petite boutiques selling local art, crafts and souvenirs to check out.
2pm – 3pm: explore the lizard’s quirky shops and iconic bakery
Head back up to the village in the afternoon and have a mosey around the shops. Browse independent stores with jewellery, fudge, local tipples, gifts and homeware on offer. The Lizard also has a fish and chip shop and plenty of cafes. If you aren’t too full from your cream tea, make sure you pay Ann a visit at her flagship bakery, painted brightly in the statement Cornish colours; black and gold.
3pm – 6pm: explore kynance cove
You can’t go to The Lizard and not visit Kynance Cove. Arguably one of Cornwall’s most popular, natural beauty spots, it is not difficult to see why. The unique rock formations, silky soft sand and ‘off the beaten track’ location make Kynance feel like your own private paradise. For TV buffs, scenes from the Cornish-inspired series Poldark were filmed at this stunning location too. It is the perfect place to pause, soak in the views, munch on a pasty or watch the sunset over the cliffs.
: The Witch Ball
6pm – 10pm: dig into pub grub and local tipples at the witch ball
You’ve visited the most southerly cafe, so now it’s time to spend the evening in the most southerly pub. The Witch Ball is a proper cosy Cornish pub with a fantastic beer garden. If you’re visiting in the summer months, nothing beats a chilled pint in the sunshine, and in winter you can fill your boots with hearty winter warmers on the menu.
: Henry’s Campsite
10pm – 8:30pm: crash for the night at henry’s campsite
After an evening of getting to know the locals at the pub and a few tipples, why not make a night of it and camp out under the stars at Henry’s Campsite? The quirky and vibrant campsite has plenty of seaview pitches, making this a breath-taking camping experience by the coast. Or, if you’re more of a luxury-seeker, head back to The Greenbank for four silver star service!
