While it’s no secret that  Cornwall is absolutely packed to the brim with stunning villages, each lovelier than the last, there’s one hidden gem that stands out even among the loftiest Cornish standards. This charming fishing village, situated in the Lizard Peninsula between The Lizard and Coverack, is a postcard-perfect hamlet that is sheltered by a beautiful shingle cove with origins dating back to medieval times when it was merely a collection of fish cellars.

Renowned for its quaint and historic vibe, it gives the impression of being “lost in time” — an archetypal fishing village where not much has changed over the years. It boasts picturesque clusters of thatched cottages and a small but mighty fleet of colourful and vibrant fishing boats that are winched up on its shingle beach and still in active service.

History of this coastal gem

The village’s name has been derived from the Cornish word for “a thicket” and literally translates to “battle of trees”, most likely due to the valley its situated in being densely wooded.

It was originally called Porthcaswydh, which eventually became Por Cadjwydh and in present times, this gorgeous fishing hamlet is known as Cadgwith.

Evolving from its humble fish cellar origins, the 16th century saw Cadgwith gaining permanent residents while fishing remained the inhabitants’ main occupation.

Houses, cellars, lofts, and capstan houses were eventually built from local stone and cob walls, while the trademark thatched roofs were constructed along the beach and on the sides of the valley, giving Cadgwith its quintessential “Cornish fishing village” appearance.

Unique landscape and geography

Lying within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), rebranded in 2023 as National Landscapes, Cadgwith actually has two beaches separated by a headland called The Todden which you can walk on. The shingle beach, the larger one of the two, is situated to the north-east and is famously called Cadgwith Cove — all the fishermen are known to actively work from this beach.

The second beach, a mixture of large boulders and sand, lies to the south-west and is known as Little Cove or Little Beach — a pristine haven popular with locals and holidaygoers for swimming, snorkelling, rock pooling and diving.

So stunning are Cadgwith’s coastal vistas that they appeared in the 2003 film Ladies in Lavender starring Dame Judi Dench and Dame Maggie Smith. More recently, it was announced that HBO’s new Harry Potter TV series will be filming scenes on Cadgwith Beach and its local pub, Cadgwith Cove Inn, in October 2025.

Things to do in this coastal paradise

Cadgwith Cove Inn, the village’s popular local pub is a must-visit on any trip to this picturesque hamlet. Boasting a warm and cosy atmosphere, the 300-year-old Cadgwith Cove Inn hosts folk music nights — the Cadgwith Singers are a regular feature here — and is the perfect pitstop for travellers looking for a hearty Cornish meal and a crisp pint. 

Serving fresh seafood (no surprise there), this beloved joint has earned rave reviews on Tripadvisor, with one happy patron writing: “Cadgwith has a special magic about it, and its heart is the Cadgwith Cove Inn. I guess you’d call us regulars – we try to get here a couple of times every year, and have done for the last six years or so. If only it could be more often! Cadgwith has a special ability to make the troubles of life melt away when you drive down the hill into the village, and the Inn is truly special at the heart of that magic.

“Fridays see the Cadgwith Singers do their things with their sea shanties, and it is truly the best start to a week down here. But any day of the week this place has a special blend of people and place which is truly unique. The beer is great, and the food is better. What more could you ask for?”

Another must-visit Cadgwith joint is The Old Cellars Restaurant, described as “a true Cornish treasure” that’s nestled right on the fishing beach of the village. The family-run café also serves alcoholic drinks and is known for its brilliant seafood delicacies, namely prawn sandwiches, locally caught crab, fresh lobster, and hot paninis.

Featuring a charming cobbled courtyard that boasts stunning sea views, The Old Cellars Restaurant is a community-favourite. One review of the establishment says: “What an absolutely beautiful little gem in a stunning village, we had a traditional cream tea and it was delicious, lovely courtyard seating and friendly and welcoming staff, well worth a visit.”

Cadgwith is popular in the summer months with visitors, its swimming beach serving as the ideal spot for a refreshing dip while the fishing beach is perfect for watching fishermen live in action as they bring home the catch of the day. It’s worth noting that while dog-friendly for the majority of the year, canines are banned from Little Cove between July 1 and August 31 from 10am to 6pm.

The South West Coast Path passes through Cadgwith and just a little further north from the hamlet is The Devil’s Frying Pan — a gigantic 100-metre deep hollow in the cliffs that was formed as a result of a sea cave’s roof collapsing, leaving behind the awe-inspiring rocky arch in the sea. While this spectacular coastal wonder is worth the trip to Cadgwith alone — it certainly helps that the village is choc-a-bloc with countless other attractions.

Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.