9 Things to Know About Visiting Stunning Poldhu Cove Cornwall
Poldhu Cove Beach is one of the more easily accessible and popular beaches in Cornwall. It’s beautiful, there are great facilities, and it’s a lovely place for a family to spend the day or to go surfing in Cornwall.
If you’re planning to visit Cornwall with family or your surfboard, Poldhu Cove should be at the top of your list!
Let’s go over everything you need to know before you go.
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Getting to Poldhu Cove, Cornwall
Poldhu Cove Beach is on the Northwestern side of the Lizard Peninsula, one of the most epic coastlines in the UK.
Getting to Cornwall from London is easiest if you. have a car for at least the latter part of the journey.
Driving down the A3083 is the best way to get to Poldhu Cove, though there are bus stops for the #34 or M104 right near the car park.
The road down is narrow, so be prepared to reverse if you meet another car. There are also some blind corners, so drive with care.
The nearest town is Mullion, where there is a small SPAR convenience store and a small Co-op. You can stop for snacks, drinks, and a selection of beach toys.
There is no petrol station in Mullion, so it’s best to fill up before you reach the peninsula.
Parking at Poldhu Cove
There is a large parking lot at Poldhu Cove, and it’s pretty cheap at only £3.50 for all day. Best of all, the machines accept contactless payment. Be sure to pay and display your ticket; there are CCTV cameras that enforce parking rules.
The parking lot is just across the road from the beach. Be careful crossing as it’s a hilly corner.
You hit a sandy path after crossing the road, so using a buggy or wheelchair would not be easy. If you’re looking for a more accessible beach, try Kennack Sands, just on the other side of the Lizard Peninsula.
Is Poldhu Beach Dog Friendly?
Poldhu Beach is dog friendly, but not during July and August.
I did see several dogs there when I went in July, so I was a bit confused. Signage claims there are significant fines for having your dogs on the beach, but most people seem to ignore that and bring their dogs anyway. I don’t recommend this as you don’t want to get slapped with a fine.
I did go earlier in the morning, around 10am, so the beach was not yet crowded at all and I doubt anyone would be enforcing the rules that early.
If you want a beach in Cornwall where dogs are allowed year-round, try Kennack Sands.
Facilities at Poldhu Cove
The toilets were under renovation when I went, but they had substitute port-a-loos in the parking lot, which worked just fine. Hopefully the new toilets will be open soon; it’s annoying not to have running water or a place to change nappies away from the sand.
There is also a small beach shop next to the cafe which sells beach toys, suncream, wetsuits, and boogie boards. It’s very convenient if you’ve forgotten something and can just quickly purchase it right at the beach.
Poldhu Beach Cafe
There is one cafe at the beach which serves a wide variety of food, coffee, ice cream, and treats. I got an iced latte, which was actually really good for a remote beach cafe!
The cafe gets very busy, so be prepared to wait a bit at peak times.
Can You Swim at Poldhu Cove?
Yes! Swimming and surfing are the best activities at Poldhu Cove.
The water is cold, even in the summer. If you’ll be in the water a long time (as with surfing), it’s best to rent a wetsuit.
Lifeguards are on duty, and make sure to obey the flags and stay aware.
Surfing in Cornwall: Poldhu Cove
Poldhu Cove is one of the more popular beaches for surfing in Cornwall; they even have surfing lessons! Surfing is best at low tide. You can rent boards and wetsuits – or take lessons – from the Surf School right on the beach.
Lifeguards are on patrol from 10am daily, and surfing and swimming is not allowed during red flag times. Check the flags when you arrive so you know where it is safe to swim and surf.
Tide Times at Poldhu Cove
It’s important to check the tide times before you go, especially if you want to swim or surf. The beach is accessible at any tide, but there’s much more beach available and easier swimming when the tide is out.
As with any beach, the tide times shift daily. Check the local tide times before you leave.
Poldhu Cove: One of the Best Family Beaches in Cornwall
I think Poldhu is one of the best family beaches in Cornwall, and I desperately want to return with my whole family. Here’s why it’s one of the best family beaches in Cornwall:
- It’s mostly sand! So many of the beaches in Cornwall are rocky. This one is smooth and easy to navigate for little feet.
- It’s easy to get to. You can park right near the beach!
- It has great facilities and amenities: toilets, showers, an excellent cafe, a small shop, and a great surf school.
- At low tide the tide there are endless tide pools and stretches of sand for kids to explore. Kids will have a great time hunting for sea creatures (don’t worry, the common moon jellyfish doesn’t sting).
- It’s huge. Even during the crowded summer months, there is a lot of space to spread out. At low tide, this beach is absolutely massive.
Accommodation At Poldhu Cove
You have a few choices for where to stay near the cove. Let’s look at some of the best options:
- Polurrian on the Lizard, Lizard: A lovely beachside family hotel, just a short drive from Poldhu Beach Cornwall. Polurrian is great for families as it has a games room, pool, cinema, and large family suites.
- Mullion Cove Hotel and Spa, Mullion: A beautiful and posh getaway for couples, Mullion features an elegant bar, bespoke spa treatments, luxurious beds & an outdoor pool.
- The Top House Inn, Lizard: A cozy inn with full breakfast in a great location for access to all the Lizard Peninsula beaches.
- Cadgwith Cove Inn, Cadgwith: A lovely little inn with family rooms and breakfast, a short drive from all the beaches on the Lizard.
Camping Near Poldhu Cove
Overnight camping is not allowed on the beach or on any National Trust property on the Lizard, but there are a few choices for camping within a short drive to the cove. Henry’s Campsite has great facilities and a small shop. Kynance Camping is great for both families and dogs with lots of amenities and fees from only £10 per night.
More on Visiting Cornwall
10 Important Things to Know About Visiting Kynance Cove
How to Get to Cornwall from London: 3 Easy Ways for Every Budget
Kennack Sands Beach: Is it the Best Beach in Cornwall for Kids?
