by Susan | Mar 9, 2020 | Out & About
Just over 10 miles from the Lizard you will find the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek. A fantastic charity, rehabilitation centre and education facility, the centre has played a fundamental role in the protection of seals for over 60 years.
As Ken Jones walked along the beach near to his home in St Agnes, his gaze fell upon a strange shape upon the sand in the distance. Wandering over to take a look, he realised that the fluffy little mound was actually a seal pup, just a few hours old. Churned up and spat out by the roaring winter waves, the pup had been separated from his mother and washed up on the sand, orphaned and weak. Understanding what would happen to the pup if it is was left behind, Ken scooped it up and took it home.
That was in 1958, and since then Ken and his wife Mary have dedicated their lives to rescuing and rehabilitating seals and other stranded marine life around the Cornish coast. Initially taking care of animals and birds at their home in St Agnes, Ken was able to receive more support and funding over the years, opening up the Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek in 1975. Here, the sanctuary staff and volunteers were able to build specially designed pools to accommodate higher numbers of rescued seals, and even sometimes turtles and dolphins too.
Open throughout the year, the dog-friendly charity continues to take in wildlife to this day, often running at full capacity. Hosting daily feeding events and talks, as well as special events throughout the year, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary is also home to a number of grey seals, common seals, Patagonian and Californian sea lions, penguins and otters. Be wowed by the good looks, winning charm and amazing agility of the seals as they zip through the water and enjoy informed talks from the enthusiastic team of staff.
If are planning a visit to Gweek Seal Sanctuary during your stay at Penmenner B&B, the sanctuary is open daily, apart from Christmas. Don’t forget your camera to take some snaps and book yourself a VIP ticket for a premium experience with behind the scenes access and opportunity to feed the seals! For further information about tickets and more, visit the sanctuary’s website here.
by Susan | Feb 11, 2020 | Out & About, Walking
If you are planning your holiday to Lizard this winter, you may well be looking forward to witnessing some of the much-anticipated storms that rumble up to our coastline. Jaw-dropping displays that bubble and boil in watery crescendos with waves dozens of feet high, these storms are seriously exciting to watch. Fortunately, there are some super storm watching locations within close reach of Penmenner House, whether you are looking to hop in the car or simply stroll a few hundred meters from your B&B accommodation!
Polpeor (1 mile)
As all of our luxury rooms boasts sea views, staying in bed to watch the storm fronts roll in will be a real treat. That said, if you are up for embracing the elements then you should definitely stroll down to the Lizard Point (Polpeor). The most southerly point in mainland Britain, Polpeor stands high over the water and affords incredible panoramas. Bundle into Polpeor Café to watch the cinematic display with a mug of hot chocolate and enjoy!
Cadgwith (3.5 miles)
Just a short drive from us at the Lizard, Cadgwith is another great option for storm watching in West Cornwall. When the storms roll in, the fishermen bring their boats up from the beach of this small fishing cove and move them to safety on the road and outside of homes. With the cove and its two beaches dissected by a rocky promontory called “the Todden”, this is a great place to stand and watch the sea crash against the rocks below.
Porthleven (13.5 miles)
One of the most well-known destinations for storm-chasers throughout the country, Porthleven is famous for the incredible scenes of gargantuan waves crashing over the top of its clocktower. Beautiful throughout this year, this small harbour town turns into a real showstopper in winter and should definitely be on your list if you love storms. And, with plenty of high cliffs and cafés from which to admire the views, you are sure to find that perfect vantage point.
Penzance (24.5 miles)
When the storms hit West Cornwall, Penzance is always another great place to call upon. With enormous salty waves pouring down over the town’s seafront cottages, its nothing short of dramatic viewing. That said, with the waves as powerful as they are and with little in the way of protection, the only way to enjoy the show here is within one of the cafés or bistros – safe and dry!
Zennor (30 miles)
30 miles from Penmenner House, Zennor is a fair drive but well worth it if you are looking to take in all the best storm watching spots in West Cornwall. Wander along the coast path wrapped up in woollies and waterproofs and make way for Gurnard’s Head. A rocky wedge of land sticking out into the sea, Gurnard’s Head often takes a beating from huge waves rolling in from across the Atlantic. Watch powerful surges of water burst over the rocks from the safety of the coast path and snap the perfect shot.
Land’s End (34.5 miles)
England’s most westerly point, Land’s End faces the full brunt of the Atlantic Ocean. Protected by steep cliffs and benefitting from lots of great amenities, it’s a fantastic location for getting out for an invigorating walk and enjoying the storm before warming up inside. Fresh-faced and starry-eyed, later head back to your private accommodation in the Lizard and watch the rest of the show surrounded by comfort.
by Susan | Jan 20, 2020 | History, Out & About
If you have stayed regularly enough at our wild and beautiful Lizard, there’s a good chance you will have heard the haunting cry of a foghorn piercing the air on foggy nights. Guiding vessels through the waters surrounding the Peninsula, the sound is a familiar chorus to locals and a crucial warning for those at sea. But where does the noise come from?
Standing loud and proud at the most southerly point in mainland Britain, the Lizard Lighthouse and Visitor Centre is a must-visit if you are staying with us at Penmenner B&B. Only a 15-minute walk from your private accommodation, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of the village, its maritime connection and also affords spectacular views of the coast throughout the year.
Dating back to the 18th Century, the lighthouse that you see today sits on the site of a former tower that was built in the 1600s. The efforts of Sir John Killigrew, a philanthropic Cornishman, the original tower was constructed to help ships pass safely through the treacherous waters of the Lizard – waters that all too regularly claimed lives with swollen waves and hidden obstacles.
A major project that incurred a huge amount of costs, the tower was finished around Christmas 1619 and a fee was imposed by James I on all passing vessels of one halfpenny a ton. Met with too great resistance though by those who didn’t want to pay, the light was eventually extinguished and the tower destroyed – only to be later resurrected in the form of a lighthouse in 1752 by Thomas Fonnereau.
This time met with support, the future of the lighthouse was sealed and it has been an important landmark and beacon for passing ships and boats ever since. Standing an impressive 70m above the water, it is a cherished symbol and guide and boasts a huge amount of fascinating tales within its walls – tales that are just waiting to be shared with you.
While you can wander down to visit the lighthouse all year, the visitor centre is open from February to October and is home to a whole host of interesting displays and exhibits. Sign up for a guided tour and explore the centre and grounds, before climbing up to the top of the lighthouse and taking in the incredible views from a whole new perspective.
Amongst the exhibitions, you can learn all about the workings of the lighthouse and accounts from the keepers who worked there – from great white sharks to raging storms – as well as finding out all about the engineering behind the structure and the intriguing technologies used. You can even see a pair of huge 12ft lightvessel optics, the solid bronze entrance doors from the Bishop Rock Lighthouse destroyed by enormous waves and the original hand-operated fire truck used by the keepers!
If you are interested, you can find out more information about the Lizard lighthouse, the centre and their opening hours on their website.
by Susan | Dec 2, 2019 | Out & About
The Lizard
A hop, skip and a jump from us at Penmenner House B&B, our very own Lizard lights go up on the 1st December this year. Decorating the village green and lighting up the Beacon in a multi-coloured array, the lights are a beautiful sight to behold thanks to the amazing efforts of the local community. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the giant illuminated Lizard!
Cadgwith
Only a 5-minute drive from the Lizard, Cadgwith is a romantic little fishing village peppered with thatched cottages. A honeypot spot throughout the year for its impossibly pretty aesthetics, Cadgwith becomes even more magical at Christmas with the mounting of its lights. Wend your way over to see them for yourself – the switch-on takes place on the first Saturday of December each year.
Coverack
A lovely event for all generations, Coverack’s Christmas lights display is celebrated with its traditional ‘Coverack Christmas Tree Night’. Marking the start of Yuletide festivities in the village, the 7th December will see a lantern procession, lots of Christmas carols and the arrival of Father Christmas on a pony-drawn sleigh as well as the switch-on itself. Look out for the twinkling Christmas pudding, dolphins and helicopter!
Helston
Whether you are heading over for the big switch-on on 29th November 2019 or are waiting for the crowds to disperse to enjoy the display, Helston’s Christmas lights are always a firm favourite in West Cornwall. Adorning the town with row upon row of lights and luminous features, you are sure to feel your festive spirits soar. When you feel your toes and fingers getting cold, there are lots of pubs and restaurants to nip into afterwards too.
Mousehole
One of the most celebrated Christmas light displays in the whole of the country, you can see Mousehole’s lustrous adornments from the 15th December until 4th January 2020. Grab yourself a hot cup of mulled wine for the occasion and enjoy the glow from over 7000 bulbs, scattering the harbourfront and water with myriad kaleidoscopic rays. A real favourite is the little whale that can be seen in the harbour!
Angarrack
Although a fair drive from the Lizard, Angarrack’s (near Hayle) Christmas lights display is another must-see for festive merrymakers in West Cornwall. Kicking off with its switch-on on the 30th November, the display leads onlookers through the Twelve Days of Christmas and is a really impressive effort that will leave you feeling more festive than ever.
St Ives
Synonymous with summer scenes and white-sand beaches, St Ives has a lesser-known side that really comes alive at Christmas. Transforming into a veritable winter wonderland festooned with Christmas decorations and draped in gleaming bulbs, it is really quite something. Head over throughout December to see the beautiful display and join in with celebrations.
by Susan | Oct 9, 2019 | Out & About
If you are looking to branch out from your luxury accommodation in the Lizard, there are all sorts of beautiful beaches to tempt you with hours on powder-fine sands. All within a short drive of our guesthouse, you can look forward to dipping your toes in cool waters, playing games by the shore or simply tucking into a picnic and watching the world go by.
For the best sand-between-toes adventures, here are our top 5 beaches near the Lizard:
Cadgwith’s Little Beach
Small but mighty, Cadgwith’s little beach is separated from the village’s working fishing beach by the ‘Todden’, a towering rocky outcrop. Particularly picturesque in summer when the beach often resembles something distinctly Mediterranean, it is a really popular spot amongst locals and visitors of all ages. Park your car in Cadgwith’s pay and display car park and wander down (there’s not much parking to speak of in the cove itself).
Kennack Sands
Around a 5-mile drive from Penmenner House, Kennack Sands is definitely one of our top 5 beaches near the Lizard. Be it a bracing winter stroll or sun-kissed summer siesta, this beach has year-round appeal and is lifeguarded between May and October. Separated by an enormous sandy dune, the beach is actually made up of two stretches of sand – the furthest one being dog-friendly throughout the year.
Kynance Cove
A beach that needs little introduction, Kynance Cove is famed for its jaw-dropping islands that soar from the water and paint the horizon. As dramatic in winter as it is serene in summer, this beach should definitely be on your list whilst staying in the Lizard. For ease, you can park in the National Trust-owned car park above Kynance or, if you’re up for a leg stretch, you can walk there from the village. Just be aware that the beach is not lifeguarded.
Poldhu Beach
Home to a popular beach café that is open 363 days of the year, Poldhu Beach just outside of Mullion is unsurprisingly popular. Manned by lifeguards in the summer and with its own surf school run by local instructor Dan Joel, it definitely has something for everyone. If you feel like exploring a little further, you can also walk round the corner to neighbouring Church Cove too.
Polurrian Beach
Just over 6 miles from our B&B, Polurrian Beach sits within a sheltered cove. Facing southwest and boasting golden sand lapped by turquoise seas, it’s a real gem yet often overlooked by beach-lovers in favour of its more well-known neighbours. While it’s a little bit of a walk in and out of the cove, the destination is well worth the effort and will reward you with hours of bliss in this little haven.
by Susan | Aug 7, 2019 | Out & About
Nestled in a sandy nook between Mullion and Cury, Poldhu is a fantastic family-friendly beach that has year-round appeal for those looking to refresh and revive in the clean, salty air. As welcome a sight for those hoping for a cuppa and a view as for avid surfers looking for the next barrel, it is simply a must visit for all.
6 miles up the road from us at Penmenner House B&B in the Lizard, Poldhu is a gorgeous sandy beach hugged by proud headlands and served by a great café. Boasting onsite facilities and a seasonal surf school run by local pro Dan Joel, it nimbly treads the line between being both a popular locals’ beach and a favourite amongst visitors.
If you are visiting for the first time, Poldhu beach benefits from a great location and an uncomplicated arrival. For parking, you can either leave your car in the adjacent pay and display car park or, if you are lucky, bag one of the free parking bays nearby. If you have walked to us, you can also arrive there by bus or taxi, or if you’re feeling particularly energetic, on foot, around 8 miles away on the South West Coast Path.
Once you’re there, there is only one thing on the agenda: relaxing. Lifeguarded in summer, you can spend as much or as little time as you please flitting between sea and towel and soaking up the sunshine from the comfort of your own little corner. It’s always a great idea to take a bottle of water and some snacks with you, but for extra indulgence, you can buy yourself a hearty ice cream from Poldhu Café. Why not?
Of course, Poldhu is just as appealing on bracing winter days and with the café open 363 days a year, you will be able to sup on a specialty hot chocolate and watch the tumultuous waves tussling and tumbling onto the shore well past summer. If you are a photographer, moody winter mornings provide a superb opportunity to capture some of the raw beauty and sheer power of the almighty Atlantic swells before returning to relax in your luxury sea-view suite!
