Lizard Point Beach in Cornwall, while scenic, is unsafe for swimming due to unpatrolled waters, strong currents, large breaking waves, and the risk of being cut off by the tide.
Britain’s southernmost beach
Lizard Point Beach in Cornwall is the southernmost beach on mainland Britain. It’s a small cove just to the west of Lizard Point, and is accessible via a fairly steep, but paved, path from the closest car park.
Five great things to do while you’re in Cornwall
- 👻 Feel the chills in the abandoned cells on a hugely atmospheric tour of Bodmin Jail.
- 🌱 Explore the world’s largest indoor rainforest at the Eden Project.
- 🎬 Discover the Beyond Paradise filming locations around Looe on a specialised tour.
- 🐬 Spot dolphins, seals and porpoises on a RIB sealife safari from Padstow.
- 🏄 Hit the surf in Newquay with a two hour surfing lesson.
Is Lizard Point Beach the best beach in Cornwall?
Before you get excited, this is by no means the best beach in Cornwall. Far from it, in fact – aside from the high cliffs to the back of it, no-one would pay it much attention anywhere else in the county.
But because it’s at mainland England’s southernmost point, it’s tempting to walk down past the old RNLI station and plant your feet in the rather grey sand. Or maybe, perhaps, go for a swim.
Are there lifeguards at Lizard Point Beach?
If you’re thinking about going for a swim at Lizard Point Beach, it’s probably time to think again. The first clue should be the lack of lifeguards – the beach is not patrolled, and there are no reassuring red and yellow flags to swim between.
Reasons not to swim at Lizard Point Beach
The sea at Lizard Point can sometimes be calm – indeed, it looked like a duckpond when I visited in August 2025. But looks can be deceiving.
A sign on the approach to Lizard Point Beach spells out the dangers. These include the unstable cliff, large breaking waves, powerful incoming tides and strong currents.
There’s also a risk of being cut off by the tide if you time your visit wrong.
You may also encounter seals there – and you need to know how to behave around the seals at Lizard Point.
Where to swim instead
With all that stacking up, you really need to be a strong swimmer or an ill-advised risk-taker to swim at Lizard Point Beach. Save your swimming gear for other beaches on the Lizard Peninsula, such as the gorgeous Poldhu Cove.
More Cornwall travel
Other Cornwall travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
