Coverack, Mullion Cove and Falmouth - Cornwall Part One

Coverack Beaches

Staying in The Creamery just outside Truro provided us with the perfect spot for taking in both the South and North coasts and beautiful beaches and a lot in between. Whenever we go away we seem to 'do' everywhere in little under a day - we went to the Isle of Wight and drove completely around the island the first afternoon. I suppose it's because we like to get out bearings and work out what to see and what to skip.

Our first proper day of exploring and trialling our new walking boots took us to Coverack, Mullion Cove and then we drove into Falmouth, famous for it's port and University. I am not a great walker but with scenery like this and taking it at a relatively easy pace it is the best way of exploring the breathtaking scenery of Cornwall.

We started our exploration at Coverack on the southern edge of the Lizard Peninsula. This picturesque fishing village is built on two sides of a rocky peninsula that dramatically juts into the sea. It's ideal for windsurfing and swimming and in the height of summer will be crowded with those taking part in water-sports and snorkeling. We followed the coastal path here above the bay, with spectacular scenery. Hidden along the hillside was a sculpture park with free entry and with a stunning setting for the sea inspired sculptures. Walking for about 3 miles following the coast path you will see hidden coves, glorious plants and sandy beaches and if you are lucky and the weather is fine (ours was) the scenery really can't be beaten anywhere in the world!

Leaving Coverack we headed a little further along the coast to Mullion Cove,the largest village on the Lizard (which isn't saying much it's still pretty small). Jonah and the Whale are carved in rich oak in the 15th century church of St Mellanus and the harbour is still a working one protected by stout sea walls and completed in 1895. This is one of the many villages who lost their livelihood when normally pilchard rich seas were empty - let that be a lesson to us all today!

Mullion Cove, Cornwall

You can imagine smugglers having a field day in this part of Cornwall and Mullion Cove is certainly no exception.

Falmouth Bay

We ended our afternoon with a wander around the ancient streets of Falmouth. I can quite seriously say I could imagine moving to Falmouth one day. Because of the university it is lively all year round and there has obviously been huge grants pumped in from Europe to modernise this bustling port. There is still enough of the old town to keep you interested and we discovered fantastic bars, restaurants, cafes, galleries and even a Rick Stein fish and chip shop! It is also home to the Maritime Museum of Cornwall which comes with a 5 star rating and should be on your tourist places to visit list alongside The Eden Project.

The Maritime Museum, Falmouth

A nautical alleyway, Falmouth