About
Lantivet Bay is a quiet stretch of National Trust coast between Lansallos and Lantic Bay in south-east Cornwall, reached from the Trust car park opposite Frogmore Farm near Polruan. Paths drop through farmland to the South West Coast Path and a string of small coves, among them Palace Cove, named after the pilchard palace or cellar where fishermen salted and pressed their catch; its back wall and rock-cut steps survive above the beach. West along the cliffs stands the Watch House, occupied by coastguards after the 1835 smuggling incident known as the Lantic Hill Affair, then Pencarrow Head, grazed by Dexter cattle and Dartmoor ponies, with views from Bolt Head to the Lizard. Check the tide times before exploring the coves, which can cut you off, and expect a steep scramble over slippery rocks to the beach. Dogs are welcome all year on a short lead, as livestock graze the fields. The 2.8-mile Lantivet Bay circular walk from the car park takes in both bays.
Check today’s timesSee all times
- CoastlineDawn to dusk
Opening times may change at short notice.
The National Trust calendar lists the coastline as open dawn to dusk every day to the end of 2026.
Steep and uneven paths down to the beach and coast path; access onto the beach means scrambling over rocks that may be slippery. Toilets at the car park do not meet wheelchair accessibility standards.
Check tide times before exploring the small coves (the Trust links the Lantic Bay tide table) so you are not cut off. Be aware of cliff edges and unstable cliffs.
Dogs are welcome all year round on a short lead; livestock may be in the fields, so keep to the footpaths, and take dog waste home. The car park has limited shade, so do not leave dogs in vehicles.
Photo: Lantivet Bay and its coves seen from the South West Coast Path. Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lantivet_Bay_(9781).jpg. Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0. Resized and cropped for display; derivatives retain the source licence.
Dogs at the location: Allowed with restrictions. Dogs are welcome across Lantivet Bay all year round on a short lead; keep to the footpaths where livestock graze.
Dog walks in the grounds: Allowed with restrictions. Fields, copses, coast path and beaches are open to dogs on a short lead; livestock may be in the fields, so stick to the footpaths. Free access, no ticket needed.
Leads: Short lead across the site to limit wildlife disturbance; under control around livestock; let dogs off the lead only if cattle approach, then recall.
Seasonal dog restrictions: None stated; the Trust says to watch local signs for any beach dog bans.
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Walking routes3 routes
Lantivet Bay circular walk(opens the full route on the National Trust site)
WalkmoderateDogs, with restrictions4.5 km distance
