Godrevy is the headland at the eastern end of St Ives Bay in Cornwall, best known for the lighthouse on its offshore island, built in 1859 and the inspiration for Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse after her childhood summers in St Ives. Three miles of sand run south towards Hayle, popular with surfers, and reviewers point to the rock pools and boulders that make the beach an adventure playground for children. The coast path loops the headland with views to Carbis Bay and St Ives, and grey seals haul out at Mutton Cove on the north side, most reliably from autumn to early spring; keep quiet, stay on the cliff top and bring binoculars. There is a cafe by the car park and dogs are welcome on the coast path. Tips from regulars: check the tide times, because the wide beach all but disappears at high water, and the site is exposed, so car parks can close in bad weather and the paths suit walkers rather than wheels.