Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most iconic beaches, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Tourists flock to the cove’s stunning turquoise seas, delightful local café and stunning coastal views. In winter, it’s a more peaceful place and is dog friendly after 1st October. Woody and I decided to make the most of this and paid a visit to the famous cove.
Kynance Cove is situated on the Lizard Peninsula, in south Cornwall. It’s dog friendly from 1st September to 30th June each year. Between 1st July and 31st August there is a dog ban in place between 10am and 6pm. There is a National Trust carpark nearby, which is free for members or a few pounds for non-members.
It’s a gentle stroll from the beach to Kynance Cove, following a well maintained gravel path. Thick gorse lines the route, with a small stream flowing nearby. There are signposts directing you towards the coast path, however the route down to Kynance Cove is fairly straight forward. Unfortunately it gets less stable the closer you walk to the cove. It’s not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs and you’ll have to negotiate some steep steps down to the beach.
The beach at Kynance Cove is tidal and only available at low water. It’s well worth a visit, although you will have to clamber over boulders and plenty of rocks (it just adds to the adventure!) If you find yourselves caught short at high water, there’s an alternative route back to the car park via the café. It’s a little longer than the main path but will save you from getting soggy feet!
Kynance Cove is situated on the Lizard Heritage Coast, which stretches from Porthleven to Enys Head. This particular stretch of coastline boasts spectacular views, along with exposed serpentine rock, which is unique to Cornwall. It’s a great place to explore in all weathers, so long as you remember your raincoat, as it can be quite exposed!
There are plenty of great walks surrounding Kynance Cove. Woody and I highly recommend the 2 mile walk to Lizard Point. The old lifeboat station still stands at the Point and you can read all about the incredible RNLI shouts. If you fancy a longer walk, pay a visit to Mullion Cove, which is just over 5 miles away from Kynance Cove.
Kynance Cove comes alive in summer, though unfortunately dogs are banned from the beach between 1st July and 31st August during the hours of 10am to 6pm. There is ample parking, with overflow facilities at peak times manned by the National Trust. There are seasonal toilet facilities available in the car park, along with a local café (National Trust approved) overlooking the cove. In winter, these facilities aren’t open, however The Lizard village is just a short drive away. Here you’ll find a variety of pubs, cafés and restaurants that are open throughout the year.
Woody loves exploring the many caves and crevices when we visit in winter. He’s become slightly obsessed with picking up stones in his mouth and parading them around the beach (much to my dismay…) It’s a peaceful place in winter. The beach is enclosed and well away from busy roads and I’m happy to let Woody roam freely. There are some steep cliff drops as you near the beach, so be sure to keep your dog’s lead to hand!
Have you visited Kynance Cove with your dog? What did you enjoy most about your trip?
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My family used to vacation in Cadgwith. I’d love to bring my dog to the Lizard some day!
Definitely do, we love exploring this part of Cornwall. So many stunning views and beautiful coastal walks! 🙂
I love Kynance, we took my old dog there a few times too. Woody looks like he’s having a ball! I heard there were issues with too many visitors so restrictions of some kind are being considered?
Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most popular places, it’s been promoted a lot on social media in recent years. It caused overcrowding during last summer, along with Porthcurno near Land’s End. It’s a side effect of the tourism industry unfortunately! There are so many beautiful beaches in Cornwall, so as long as tourism companies broaden their focus, I don’t see why there’d be a need for restrictions! (In winter it’s super quiet and peaceful too, it’s only on hot days during summer/high season that it gets a bit crazy!)
Sounds lovely and a place I often hear mentioned, not too far from us in Devon either. #outdoorbloggers
It’s definitely worth a visit but can be particularly busy during the high season!