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The Lizard
Peninsula

Lizard Peninsula
Bonython Manor
Breage
Cadgwith
Church Cove
Constantine
Coverack
Durgan
Glendurgan Garden
Goonhilly Satellite
Earth Staion

Gunwalloe
Gweek
Halliggye Fogou
Helford
Helston
Kynance Cove
Lizard Lighthouse
Lizard Point
Lizard Village
Loe Pool
Manaccan
Mawgan-in-Meneage Mawnan Smith
Mullion Cove
National Seal
Sanctuary

Piskey's Hall
Poldark Mine
Poldhu Cove
Polpeor Cove
Porthallow Cove
Porthleven
St. Anthony-
in-Meneage

St. Keverne
Trelowarren House
Wendron




Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station


OS Grid ref:-


Goonhilly Earth StationThe largest satellite station in the world, Goonhilly Earth Station is located on the Goonhilly Downs near Helston on the Lizard peninsula.

The station has over 60 dishes on the site enabling it to transmit to every corner of the globe via space, and through undersea fibre optic cables. Goonhilly simultaneously handles millions of international phone calls, emails, and TV broadcasts.

the first dish to be erected on the site, Antenna One (also known as "Arthur" after the legendary king), was built in 1962 to link with Telstar. It was the first open parabolic design and measures 25.9 metres in diameter.

Arthur received the first live transatlantic television broadcasts from the United States via the Telstar satellite on July 11, 1962. The site's largest dish, named "Merlin", has a diameter which measures 32 metres. Other dishes include Guinevere, Tristan and Isolde also named in homour of characters in Arthurian legend.

The unique visitor centre at Goonhilly provides an opportunity to explore the story of international communications. Using state of the art technology and interactive media, the visitor can explore some of the exciting developments in international communication. Experience outer space in the virtual image booth; or operate a antenna dish for yourself.

Big Dish Café; Gift shop, communications outlet and indoor/outdoor childrens play area.


Image copyright Alan Simkins




Visitor Attractions



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