Cadgwith Cove and Coverack In A Day

Exploring 2 of Cornwall’s Prettiest Villages in one day!

Heading To West Cornwall.

I’m steadily reacquainting myself with some of Cornwall’s secluded and hidden gems. These include fishing villages, like Cadgwith and Coverack.

I don’t venture to the depths of west Cornwall that often, but when I do I like to make the most of it. With Cadgwith and Coverack being less 10 miles apart on the Lizard Peninsula, I decided to maximise my free time and do both in one day.

On another day, I may have run on the south west coast path from one to the other. That’s simply a muddy adventure that’ll have to wait another day.

At Cadgwith Cove

The 50 minute drive from Truro to Cadgwith was relatively clear, thanks to another busy summer ending. Finding parking in Cadgwith was fine. There’s a car park on the road that leads to the village, with no parking in Cadgwith itself.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Cadgwith, other than a small, quaint fishing village. Photos and paintings of Cadgwith remind me of Portloe, a village on the Roseland Peninsula. Given its size, I’m sure it’s just as peaceful in winter months.

Cadgwith has 2 coves, one being considerably larger than the other. They’re separated by a small outcrop called Todden, which you can walk on.

The main cove, Cadgwith Cove, is the resting place for the local fishing boats, offering pops of colour against the slate grey cliffs and old, rustic buildings. The smaller cove is easily reached too but I can’t imagine there’s much space at high tide!

Not surprising, fishing became the main occupation for Cadgwith locals hundreds of years ago, so there’s something quite special knowing it’s still happening today. Two bright, well cared for fishing vessels were in the harbour, so it’s clear Cadgwith’s fishing heritage is much alive and well. There’s something quite special knowing it continues today and I’m sure (and hope) Cadgwith Cove Crab does excellent business.

Shops & Places to Eat In Cadgwith

Cadgwith is a sleepy Cornish village but there are a few outlets and places to eat. There’s the Old Cellars restaurant and the 300 year old Cadgwith Cove Inn, allegedly home to the ghost of an old fisherman and smuggler.

Above Cadgwith Crab is the Crows Nest Gallery, crammed full of art and small household accessories. In fact, now I’ve experienced Cadgwith for myself, I can see why so many artists are compelled to paint its authentic Cornish beauty.  

While looking over the smaller cove, I see a sign for Long Loft, a rather stunning holiday home. I think I could bear the views should I ever stay!

Coverack Fishing Village

If you don’t know Cadgwith or Coverack, the latter is the larger of the two. On the coast path I would guess they’re about 4 (strenuous) miles apart.

I remember seeing Coverack in the news in 2017. It was battered by some pretty bad weather and flash floods. I remember a photo of one resident on Twitter, collecting her kitchen sink from the beach!

Whatever the damage, Coverack now looks much restored, showcasing cute thatched cottages with vibrant coloured doors, and a fine harbour.

Shops & Eateries in Coverack

There are a few shops along Coverack’s seafront. The Paris Hotel, named after an ill-fated liner, SS Paris, that ran aground nearby, is Coverack’s only pub. There are other places to eat, such as the Harbour Lights Cafe and the Lifeboat House Restaurant.

Coverack Harbour

It’s no surprise though that the harbour is Coverack’s main attraction. Over the decades there have been several boats that have met their end on nearby rocks and the headland. If a boat trip, or diving adventure was on the cards, head for a collection of rocks called the Manacies. You may be lucky and see some evidence under water.

Have you been to Cadgwith Cove or Coverack? Doing both in one day is such a good idea but both are worthy of longer visits.