Best Sea Views in Cornwall
The vibrant landscapes, quaint sea shore towns and stunning coastlines synonymous with Cornwall make it undoubtedly a beautiful county. The views from the cliffs and sandy beaches look out to calm Atlantic waves and sometimes rough seas with high waves crashing into the rock. Cornwall is indeed a paradise for sea lovers and the contrast between land and sea makes it a great destination for travelers and visitors. Below we shall delve into the many opportunities offered by the landscape to have some of the most amazing views of the sea from Cornwall shores.
St Michaels Mount
St Michaels Mount offers one of the best views from within the sea on high tide. The tidal island is closer to shore and one can walk to the island at low tide. Care is to be taken however as the incoming tide might catch you out at sea and is dangerous. On high tide, the island is surrounded by water and the views over the Atlantic are picturesque with nothing else on view for miles. During the morning, however, the view of the island from the shore is amazing with the mist surrounding the island with the sound of the waves crashing below.
The Rumps
Around the corner from the popular beach town of Polzeath is one of the most impressive headlands in the county. The amusing name refers to the two bumps on the land connected to the Pentire head by a strip of land. This made it an ideal location for a very defensive fort in the 2nd Century. Views of the Tintagel castle to the east and Pentire point and Camel Estuary just a few minutes west. With the Atlantic Ocean surrounding the protruding land, one can gaze out at the waves crashing below and when very lucky get to witness dolphins and basking sharks in the early days of summer.
Kynance Cove
This spectacular part of Cornwall’s south coast can leave anyone speechless. The red and green sea stacks combined with blue ocean water and the coves preserved white sandy beach create one of the most amazing naturally beautiful locations. A few minutes walk from the car park and one arrives above this magical location. During low tide, walking on the sandy beaches below gives one access to the coves and islands that are accessible while watching out for the returning tide. Exploring the cove from both sides of the cliffs provides contrasting views of the cove and cliffs.
Lands End
Lands End is the most westerly point of England and offers dramatic views of the land ending and the water beginning. The coastline is ragged and rocks jut out in spectacular angles with the waves beating on them all year round. The Long ship Lighthouse and Wolf rock Lighthouse are visible from the viewpoint together with the aptly named “Armored Knight”, a giant rock arch. Clear weather brings into view the Scillies in the distance. Lands End and John O’Groats in Scotland are the endpoint and start point of the grueling “End to End” challenge for running or cycling.
Mullion Cove
Some 8km from Kynance cove, Mullion Cove stands pristine above the turquoise waterline. The harbor is a great location for storm chasers to watch the waves crash over the harbor walls from the Atlantic Ocean swells. There are various caves to explore at low tide from the beach and some of the rock formations and islands become visible. Walking uphill on whichever side of the harbor provides rewarding views of the cove and harbor itself with the sea glistening in the sunlight.
Bedruthan Steps
Another mystical and historic location on the Cornwall shoreline is the Bedruthan Steps. Said to be placed by Bedruthan, a giant, to cross the bay, the dramatic volcanic rocks rise above the waves to provide stunning views. The Carnewas cliffs have become a popular spot for visitors with Newquay gaining popularity in recent years.
Tintagel
The fantastic coastal scenery from the dramatic cliffs of the village of Tintagel in North Cornwall makes for fantastic ocean views. The castle of Tintagel associated with the Arthurian Legend together with his Knights provides a historic and mythical connection to the location. The awe-inspiring views of islands and rock formations atop the high cliffs paired with the sound of the waves crashing below are wonderful. There are caves and a waterfall to explore and satisfy the adventurous type. The sun setting above the ocean provides a picture-perfect moment later in the day.
Bodmin Moore
Miles and miles of rolling moorland dotted with dramatic wind eroded granite rock jutting from the land in weird formations forming the highest points of the county. It is part of the designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a true wilderness. The views from the highest point across the land toward the sea are stunning. Historical bronze age stones, The Hurlers Stone Circle can be found here. Relatively a flat place, the best views are from the top of Stowe’s hill and the incredibly named Minions village.
Porthcurno
Lovers of theatre can enjoy performances above the seat at the open-air amphitheater that is Minack Theatre. The best views of the bay, the beach and the Lizard peninsula farther along the coast are from the steps of the theatre. The beautiful white sandy beach below and high cliffs accent the amphitheater. The beach and ocean are a paradise to all that visit.