The banner of Saint Piran, a black flag with a white cross is recognised as the flag of Cornwall. The colours are said to represent bright tin shining against dark rock.
Untouched by mass tourism, the Lizard Peninsula is a real survivor of Daphne Du Maurier's 'Vanishing Cornwall'. The coastline is truly magnificent, with small sandy swimming and surfing coves and rugged cliffs adorned with wonderful rare plants and flowers. It is excellent walking country.
The Lizard peninsula is Cornwall's and Britain's most southerly point and its geology, landscape and flora are very special too. Nowhere else in Cornwall has such a density of nationally recognised Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or regionally important County Geology Sites (formerly known as RIGS). The main reason for this is that the rocks of the Lizard are different from the rest of Cornwall.
Whether you’re in search of a clifftop ramble, a picnic on the beach,
or the chance to see some remarkable wildlife, The Lizard is a perfect destination.
Trenance is a relaxing retreat and the perfect base for exploring the unique and magical Lizard Peninsula.
The Lizard Peninsula is a very special and unique place, very different to the rest of Cornwall in geological terms.
Whilst Cornwall is generally characterised by slate and granite landscapes, the Lizard peninsula comprises of a
mixture of different rock types which were formed when two ancient super continents collided millions of years ago.
Do you like dramatic coastal walking, and touring lighthouses? If so, head
for the Lizard Point. The Cornish coastal path is well marked along
the point, and offers some of the best coastal walking in Cornwall,
especially in summer when wild flowers carpet the cliffs.
The stark white Lizard Lighthouse is renowned for its twin towers. This Cornish lighthouse sits on the most southerly point of mainland UK and has been warning ships off the coast since 1752 when it was first commissioned. It was electrified in 1924, and today has a centre with various artefacts displayed in the old Engine House.
Local Wildlife
There is an abundance of wildlife in the area.
Visiting basking sharks can sometimes be seen from the clifftops feeding close to the shore line.
The clifftops around the Lizard point are a breeding ground for the rare Cornish Chough.
Around the coastline, seagulls are never far away.
The Lizard Peninsula boasts an extraordinary variety of beaches, coves and harbours, rich in history, natural beauty and wildlife.
And being on a Peninsula you are simply spoilt for choice.
Popular beaches with good facilities are easily found, but you don’t have to go far to find solitude and quiet.
Local Walks
The South West Coast Path is Britain's longest national trail.
The western edge of the Lizard peninsula which the South West Coast Path follows has a special status,
designated both as a National Park and a Heritage Coastline. Mullion sits at the centre of this stretch of coast.
Gardens
Cornwall has over 70 gardens to visit. On the Lizard are the local gardens of the Bonython estate.
A little futher afield are the majestic gardens on the Helford estuary. Trebah and Glendurgan both show a sub tropical paradise.
North of Helston is Trevarno and further afield are the famous Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
The Meneage
The Helford River is the soft side of the Lizard, far removed from
the ragged cliffs and treeless heath. Here you can find secluded
villages, sub-tropical gardens and waterside taverns where you can
relax.
The Lizard Peninsula has a rich history and several historic events of both national and international significance have taken place in this area. The mining of soapstone along The Soaprock Coast contributed directly to the birth of the English porcelain industry with the production of the first tableware to be able to withstand boiling water. Titanium was discovered in Manaccan in 1791. The first ever inter-continental radio transmission was sent from Poldhu to Canada on the 12th December 1901 and the first inter-continental moving picture transmission of a live United States televison broadcast was received here in July 1962.
The Soaprock Coast
For further information about The Soaprock Coast please visit
SOAPROCK COAST - Robert Felce
