Season: winter
Poldhu Cove has a deep, flat beach, which is particularly attractive at low tide. In a natural setting and with dunes and a discreet car park behind, there is an unspoilt feel to the beach. Even the beach cafe nestles quietly in the top corner among the dunes. This is a great location to think things through in a pristine environment, surrounded by nature.
The welcoming nature of the beach.
A view from the back of the beach at low tide.
Season: spring
This cove has a charm and a karma which is very welcoming. Perhaps it’s the fact that you don’t just pass by it, that you have to want to go to it, that makes the atmosphere and the beach goers here so welcoming. In truth, it’s hard to pull yourself away from Poldhu Cove. This is a National Trust beach, so it’s well maintained. There’s a friendly, thriving cafe that also offers surf lessons, as well as an RNLI lifeguard post, making this a safe place to surf and swim.
Pete’s intense relationship with the beach.
By the water at Poldhu Cove in Cornwall on a rising tide.
Season: autumn
An attractive beach on the Lizard, near RNAS Culdrose and through the village of Gunwalloe, Poldhu Cove looks west into the prevailing Atlantic surf and wind, giving it the feel of a north coast beach. It has plenty of beach-side parking and toilets. There is an excellent beach café on the beach, which I featured in my interview.
A chat with Chris at the Poldhu Beach Cafe.
Season: winter
At low tide, the beach here is surprisingly expansive and its flat demeanour leaves intricate swirls in the sand, such is the speed of the tidal race. The rocks by the side of the beach have been blasted and sculpted by the Atlantic, a wonder to enjoy when accessible on a low tide like this. Pristine nature abounds here.
The beach as part of Samantha’s routine.
The wild Atlantic makes landfall.
Poldhu beach, to me, means home.
The way that view just hits you as you come round the corner at the top of the hill, it just takes your breath away.
I grew up here in Mullion, so Poldhu holds a certain amount of nostalgia for me. My parents used to take me down when I was a child and I quickly developed an obsession looking for sea shells. Equally as quickly though, I formed a strong dislike for sea weed, when my brother started to chase me with it trying to get it in my hair or around my legs. My favourite thing, when going to Poldhu as a child was the overwhelming, nostril engulfing smell of sea weed, salt water and suntan lotion. Second to that was my treat of a toffee crumble ice lollie from the fabulous cafe down there. As I got older, I remember lazy summer days there with friends and tipsy evenings with the same friends. I can see why visitors are compelled to come back, year after year. Some even love it so much they move to this corner of the world. To me, Poldhu means memories, good times, friends and family. Poldhu means home.