Godrevy Cove, in Cornwall, is a relatively unknown beach that offers crystal clear waters for visitors to swim in all year round, as well as stunning diving spots with dozens of shipwrecks to explore
A hidden gem on England’s south coast, a relatively unknown beach, offers crystal clear waters for year-round swimming and stunning diving spots with dozens of shipwrecks to explore.
Tucked away in southern Cornwall on the Lizard Peninsula, this secluded sandy haven is a favourite among those in the know.
Godrevy Cove, not to be mistaken with Godrevy beach in nearby Hayle, is less crowded than the region’s more popular beaches due to its remote location.
The cove stretches around 300 metres to the neighbouring Leggan Cove beach and is nestled between Porthoustock and Dean quarries.
“Unlike many of the little-known beaches around the Cornish coast, there are no cliffs to climb down, you won’t get cut off when the tide comes in, and there is no particular reason why you shouldn’t go in the sea here,” says review site, Cornish-Beaches, which provides an in-depth analysis of over 150 of Cornwall’s beaches, reports the Express.
A flat grassy area with some marshland is located near the back of Godrevy, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including many species found at the Manacles Reef, on the Lizard peninsula.
It’s believed that approximately 100 shipwrecks lie beneath the waves along the reef, which was designated a Marine Conservation Zone in 2013.
“The coastal path near here is diverted around the quarry at Porthoustock, so it is best to walk down the footpath from Rosenithon rather than try and find alternatives,” advises Cornish-Beaches, adding “Rosenithon is just over half a mile east of St Keverne. From here, the footpath is the only exit towards the coast from the centre of the hamlet. After a left turn, the footpath follows a stream down through fields to Godrevy Cove.”
Visitors should note no amenities are provided at this secluded location, with no lifeguard supervision, whilst extremely restricted roadside parking is offered a 15-minute trek from the shoreline, in Rosenithon.
One holidaymaker commented: “Lovely quiet beach with coarse sand, had the whole beach to ourselves at 4pm in the school holidays! Never saw more than a dozen people in a couple of hours.”
Whilst Godrevy Cove continues to be amongst Cornwall’s more hidden gems, word has gradually reached increasing numbers of visitors throughout recent years, leading to concerns that it no longer offers the peaceful retreat it previously provided.
“Unfortunately, due to lots of advertising, this beach is no longer a secret,” another beachgoer added. “Plenty of people using and with no facilities, you can imagine what they are doing when needing the loo.
“Also not taking their rubbish with them when they leave, including the dog mess sometimes in plastic bags…..It is actually a private beach which is now being abused by people who dont appreciate what a special place it is.”