Situated along the Cornwall coastline, this old-school fishing village has become a hub for intrepid surfers and anyone looking to relax on the beach
Stretching for over 400 miles, Cornwall’s coastline offers a plethora of world-class beaches and coves to explore.
The region has become the go-to destination for UK staycationers seeking sun and high-quality surf. And while the secret is out on Cornwall’s largest beach, Falmouth, and other popular spots like Gyllyngvase beach, there is one village that has its own brand of coastal magic. Just north of Land’s End—the beloved headland in western Cornwall—sits Sennen Cove: a mile-long cove with breathtaking views of the sea.
The village of Sennen which is home to the cove is about 8 miles west of Penzance, where you will find the nearest train station and can catch a bus straight to Sennen Cove. The village also lies at the midpoint of Penwith Heritage Coast, where hikers can take the South West Coast Path to access Gwynver Beach (a favourite among surfers).
The village of Sennen maintains the atmosphere of an old fishing village. In fact, the Sennen Cove Harbour still supports a small fleet of commercial fishing boats as well as pleasure-fishing boats.
The main attraction of Sennen Cove is, unsurprisingly, its award-winning beach. The mile-long sandy beach is warmed by south-westerly breezes from the Azores and offers views of the crystalline sea. Travellers can reach the white sands by heading straight down the hill from the village. The beach is a haven for sunbathers and lazing families, but also offers a unique experience for avid surfers. The high-quality waves that head towards the shore are what make Sennen Cornwall’s most westerly surf destination. Surf centres can be found along the main stretch of beach and RNLI lifeguards monitor the surf conditions and map out safe swimming areas during peak season (between April and October).
Sennen Cove beach was also recognized with a 2024 Seaside Award for its commitment to protecting the environment, water quality and safety of the beach. So whether you’re swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking or bodyboarding—all options available at Sennen Cove beach—you can do so with peace of mind. But what about the infamous Sennen Cove mermaids?
Sadly, this is just an old village tale. The reported mermaids turned out to be dolphins, but these incredible creatures can still be glimpsed occasionally from shore at certain times of the year.
Beyond the beach, there is more to explore at Sennen Cove including the Roundhouse and Capstan art gallery selling Cornish crafts and the National Trust’s Mayon Cliff Old Coastguard Lookout. And of course, the famous Land’s End is definitely worth a visit and easily accessible.