Cadgwith
OS Grid ref:- SW7214
Cadgwith, known in Cornish as Porthkaswydh lies on the eastern side of the Lizard Peninsula between the Lizard and Coverack and is a highly picturesque village.
A brook runs through the cove over the sand and shingle beach and into the sea. On either side of the gushing brook, characterful old cottages built of the local rock, serpentine, many roofed with thatch, (which is fairly rare in Cornwall) cling to the sides of Cadgwith Cove. Serpentine, found in abundance in the area, is a dark green metamorphic rock, with red and white veins.
The village, which huddles beneath steep cliffs, is divided into two beaches by a promontary known as the Todden. The larger beach to the north east is composed mainly of shingle, the smaller beach to the south west is mainly sand and boulders. The large cliff to the south of the cove is known as the Man o' War.
Fishing boats, along with a plethora of lobster pots, lie on the pebbled beach and on the beams of the nearby loft, tallies of the pilchard catches can still be viewed by the visitor, as can the old pilchard cellar. Cadgwith's characterful main street, winds its way up the hillside.
The tiny village church, which is made of corrugated iron, is open to the public and contains a brief history of Cadgwith, a visitors book and offers postcards for sale.
The Devil's Frying Pan, a collapsed cave where waves crash into a now roofless atmospheric cavern, is just a short walk southwards along the panoramic cliffs.
Places to visit on the Lizard Peninsula
*Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, devoted to seal rescue and care, baby seals are in the sanctuary from September - March. Open daily, except Christmas Day, 9am - 5pm.
*Lizard Countryside Centre fully interactive exhibition based on local countryside, history and wildlife. Open Easter - Oct, daily, 11am - 5pm.
*Trelowarren House and Craft Centre Elizabethan style Stuart building, home to the Vyvyan family, hosts crafts exhibition. Open all year.
*Marconi Memorial art deco obelisk just south of Poldhu Bay, first radio signals across Atlantic were sent from here by Guglielmo Marconi.
*Goonhilly Earth Station, futuristic satellite tracking station built in 1962, visitor centre with interactive displays and hands on exhibitions, tours of the site. Open, Easter - Oct, 10am - 5pm (6pm in high season).