Cornwall, the stunning county in South West England, continues to deliver remarkable experiences. Featuring magnificent locations, each more beautiful than the previous, this county hosts some of Britain’s most exceptional and spectacular vistas.

Encircled by sapphire seas and striking panoramas stretching endlessly, Cornwall overflows with remarkable scenery. Among these treasures sits a diminutive coastal settlement in West Cornwall, positioned approximately nine miles from the thriving seaside resort of Penzance by vehicle.

With the South West Coast Path winding through this charming seaside hamlet, the destination’s beauty speaks for itself. This small Cornish settlement lies merely two miles by vehicle and one mile on foot from Cornwall’s renowned Land’s End.

While not technically a cove in the strictest geological definition, the settlement of Sennen Cove maintains some permanent inhabitants, though a substantial proportion of properties serve as holiday rentals and seasonal residences.

Sennen Cove fulfils an essential function for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) as the location of a critical lifeboat station. A modest collection of working fishing vessels can be discovered moored in the cove, alongside recreational angling craft, reports Cornwall Live.

Things to do in Sennen Cove

The views from the headland and observation point, Pedn-men-du, are incomparable and justify the brief walk from the coastal settlement’s centre.

Delightful boutiques, art galleries including the distinctive circular Roundhouse and Capstan Gallery, plus an excellent selection of places to eat establish Sennen Cove as an essential British destination.

Sennen Cove features one principal village pub, Old Success Inn, which proves tremendously popular amongst both residents and tourists. The charming 17th-century fisherman’s establishment radiates character and appeal, positioned at an enviable location overlooking the golden shoreline of Sennen Cove Beach – arguably the village’s primary, if not paramount, draw.

Providing visitors with generous outdoor seating areas boasting breathtaking vistas and an inviting interior space complete with roaring fire, Old Success Inn represents the perfect spot during any Sennen Cove visit, with lodgings also offered for travellers.

Praise for the iconic pub at Sennen Cove’s centre proves endless, with one Tripadvisor review stating: “A recent visit on the back of a trip nearby was excellent.

“The location, of course, cannot be beaten – even stormy weather is great to view from here – unmatched to be honest. What’s great is the service and personnel which is brilliant no matter who sees to you.

“You are charmed and looked after as soon as you walk in and that’s what we loved the most. Of course the excellent food to match also helps. You can come here any time you want (it’s ALWAYS open) and it doesn’t matter.”

The Blue Lagoon and Shantys Fish Bar (in the main village of Sennen) are obvious choices for an excellent serving of fish and chips. Sennen Cove Cafe, adjacent to the lifeboat station, proves ideal for a swift meal whilst enjoying watersports, swimming, or simply relaxing beside the shore.

The historic First and Last Inn (also in mainland Sennen) offers another fine option to enjoy some food and a refreshing pint.

One of Cornwall’s best beaches

Sennen Cove Beach, commonly known as Whitesands Bay, has frequently been celebrated as amongst Cornwall’s most stunning and picturesque beaches, thanks to its mile-long white sands and spectacular vistas.

A premier surfing location for both locals and visitors, Sennen Cove Beach is widely recognised as a surfing paradise famed for its near-perfect surf conditions. The surfing schools and centres provide excellent opportunities for instruction, whilst surf equipment can be rented independently at the beach, close to the café and car park.

Sennen Cove Beach is also notable for once being the professional territory of Britain’s first qualified lifeguard dog, Bilbo. The 14-stone Newfoundland could regularly be spotted patrolling the beach’s immaculate sands in his red and yellow jacket, often on the rear of a lifeguard’s quad bike.

Bilbo received training from his owner, head RNLI lifeguard Steve Jamieson, and became an active lifesaver as well as the ambassador for beach safety at Sennen Cove Beach. He died in 2015, aged 12.

Visitors are constantly impressed by the immaculate condition and upkeep of this beach, even during peak periods, with one writing on Tripadvisor: “This is a truly lovely beach, spotlessly clean with excellent safety standards.

“Even though it was extremely busy as it was a lovely hot Cornwall day there was enough room for everyone. A lovely wide, family friendly beach where after swimming all day you could get a fantastic hand made pizza from a pizza truck. A wonderful experience to remember from a family holiday.”

The spectacular ‘castle on the cliff’

Merely half a mile from Sennen Cove on foot, Maen Cliff Castle stands as an ancient Iron Age hill fort perched on Mayon Cliff, situated between Land’s End and Sennen Cove. It’s essential viewing for anyone exploring the region, offering breathtaking vistas and fascinating heritage that transports visitors centuries into the past.

Earthworks and ramparts represent all that remains of the ancient fortification, alongside two standing gate stones marking the entrance. Dating to approximately 500 BC, it ranks amongst Cornwall’s earliest datable Cliff Castles, enriching its historical significance further.

As one of merely two fortified locations in Cornwall where early Iron Age pottery has been unearthed, Maen Cliff Castle stands as a genuine highlight of the locale.

Pottery fragments spanning the era from 400 BC to 400 AD have been recovered at the location, enhancing its intrigue and layered history. In fact, legend suggests the castle was formerly inhabited by the giant Myen Du, though the promontory fort more probably served as a defensive retreat or observation point, a commercial trading station or a location for significant ceremonial gatherings.