The Lizard
The Lizard Peninsula is a vast and geologically unique plateau that forms the most southerly point of mainland Britain, jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean.
It is renowned for its rare “Lizard Serpentine” rock, a dark green and red stone that has been polished by the sea for millions of years and was once a prized material for Victorian ornaments. Historically, the peninsula’s treacherous coastline was known as the “Graveyard of Ships,” leading to the construction of the distinctive twin-towered Lizard Lighthouse in 1751 to guide mariners around the infamous Manacles reef.
Today, much of the area is a National Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, home to rare botanical species like the Cornish Heath that flourish in the peninsula’s mild, maritime microclimate. Visitors are drawn to the dramatic cliff-top walks of the South West Coast Path, the iconic white-sand cove of Kynance, and the charming fishing village of Cadgwith, where traditional life continues much as it has for centuries.
The Lizard Guides
- The best places to park in The Lizard
- The best things to do in the Lizard
- The best places to stay in the Lizard
- The best places to eat in the Lizard
- 10 fascinating facts about the Lizard Peninsula