Mullion Cove

Mullion Cove's harbour was built in the 1890s at the height of the Cornish pilchard industry, and it still shelters a small fishing fleet from the westerly storms that drive in off the Atlantic onto the Lizard Peninsula. Its ageing walls are under growing pressure from climate change, rising seas and extreme weather, and the Trust is working out how the cove can adapt. On calm days the water turns turquoise between steep cliffs rich in wildlife, so look out for seals and seabirds or see the cove from a kayak. Reviewers enjoy watching the working harbour from its walls, spotting swimmers in the sheltered water and stopping at the cafe by the slipway, though the walk down from the car park is steep. There is no parking at the harbour and no lifeguard cover, with council toilets nearby. Dogs on leads are welcome all year, on the beach when the tide is out and along the harbour wall when it is safe.