Season: spring

This early morning visit coincided with bright sunshine that had started to burn off the morning mist.  Heavy dew on the cliffside grass provided a counterpoint to the clear air, full of the scent of wild garlic.  Sea pink and primroses abounded and I photographed a transient snail on the coast path (see photo gallery below).  There was a spring in the step of those that I met, including interviewee Dawn, for whom this is a special place.

The importance of the Lizard to Dawn.

A bright start to the day at Lizard Point.

Season: autumn

Bright sunshine greeted me for this trip to the end of the Lizard, which is the most southerly point in Britain.  The tide crashed against the rocks, as gulls, crows, jays and a lone chough circled above the fields next to the cliffs.  This part of the county has different geology to the rest of the Lizard and Cornwall, hence the serpentine you find in caves nearby at Kynance Cove.

The appeal of the rocks and the sea to John.

A bright autumn morning at Britain’s most southerly point.

Season: summer

It was a fine summer’s morning for this visit.  On a high tide, gulls congregated on the first landfall at the most southerly point of these islands.  A seal bobbed up at the inlet next to the cafe and the choughs were still in their sea caves.  I walked towards the Housel Bay Hotel past the brilliantly situated youth hostel by the Lizard lighthouse to catch the action of the sea against the rocky shore.

With Kate and her appreciation of the beach.

Along from Lizard Point, enjoying the sea in the morning.

Season: spring

The early morning sun was bright against a falling tide.  A low light set the protruding rocks in relief, their clean shadows sharp against the blue sea at the Point.  I walked round to Housel Bay to enjoy its outstanding setting deep below imposing cliffs, with the sun blinking over from the east.  The falling tide created the surreal effect of being in a pleasure dome, with mine the first feet on a virgin beach, a natural high.

Margaret’s routine in Cornwall.

The magnificent beach at Housel Bay in the morning.

Season: winter

The sun was shining once again for this winter visit to Lizard Point.  I could see way out to sea, but this time I took the short walk round to the adjacent Housel Bay, with its hotel sitting romantically above the beach.  I chatted on the terrace to an Austrian visitor, Manfred, then Alfie and I went down to the beach, where I learned why it’s so special for him.

With Alfie on Housel Bay beach.

Chatting to Manfred, an Austrian visitor, on the terrace of the Housel Bay Hotel.

Another view of Lizard Point.

Season: autumn

Lizard Point, the most southerly land in Britain, has a small beach next to the old lifeboat house.  All around the beach are reasons to visit, from the serpentine shops and Polpeor café to the seals, choughs and adders that you can find in the area.  The Lizard lighthouse is spectacular, and you have easy access to Bass Point, the Lloyds telegraph building and the Marconi wireless hut, as well as a wonderful coast path.  There are toilets and all facilities to hand, plus a spectacularly located Youth Hostel.  You can even walk easily to the Lizard village, where Ann’s Pasties are some of the best you can get.

Interview with Peter of Polpeor Cafe, the most southerly cafe in Britain.

The garden of the Lizard lighthouse.

Another view of the Lizard lighthouse.  This is the last bit of our island you see when you’re sailing South to France and beyond.