Shannon
24 July 2019
No summer holiday would be complete without catching a perfect sunset (or sunrise, if you’re that way inclined) and Cornwall is, we think, one of the best places in the UK to watch the magic happen. With so many coastal spots where the mesmerising sunset can be found reflected in the water, or where it becomes the backdrop to some of the incredible local architecture, you’re spoilt for choice on choosing the ideal location to experience it. We asked the public in our South West Through a Lens photography group to reveal their personal favourites for us to share with you, and we added in a few of our own too. Which stunning spot will you choose?
Holywell
Photo credit to Jolyon Vincent via The South West Through a Lens
Head to the beach in the coastal village of Holywell and you’ll find a gorgeous stretch of golden sands backed by grass-flecked dunes. In the distance, Gull Rocks stands proud, adding to the gorgeous view.
Fun fact: You may also recognise this scene from series 3 of Poldark!
Whitsand Bay
Dramatic cliffs, rippling water, far-reaching stretches of sand, glistening rock pools: this is all you could want from a sunset spot. It’s worth braving the steep steps for this hidden gem as it’s rarely crowded, and you can enjoy the serenity of being by the sea as you watch in awe.
Summerleaze
Photo credit to Rosie Maya Gibson via The South West Through a Lens
Just a short walk away from Bude’s centre you’ll find the beauty of Summerleaze, where you can choose your view. Watch the boats bobbing in the harbour, sit above the sea pool or get closer to the sea; wherever you take a seat, you’ll be in for a beautiful show.
Mawgan Porth
This classic sandy beach boasts stunning coastal views that can be enjoyed from the cliff-sheltered shore. Caves, rock pools and a running stream add something extra special to this spot, and its family-friendly nature means it’s a great place to spend the entire day, starting off with beach fun and ending with the sunset!
Stay nearby in one of our great Mawgan Porth cottages!
Bedruthan Steps
We’d recommend staying atop the cliffs to get the best view from this spot - you'll be saving yourself from the difficult steps down to the beach. The panoramic views from here are phenomenal any time of day, but it’s when the sun begins to fade that it really comes into its own. This stretch of the South West Coast Path is often famed as one of the prettiest spots in the South West, so is an absolute must-see.
St Michael’s Mount
The tidal island of St Michael’s Mount looks like something straight from a Disney film and the many legends and stories surrounding this much-loved landmark simply add to the magic. Although a visit to the island is certainly worthwhile whatever the time of day, but when dusk approaches and you need to take your seats for the sunset, you should head to Marazion Beach to capture the full effect.
Land’s End
Head to the westernmost point of Cornwall for a truly breathtaking coastal landscape. Be it during a storm or on one of the finest weather days of the year, the sunsets here are bound to impress with the rugged cliffs breaking up the softness of the sky and sea.
Browse our collection to find a cottage in Land's end.
Porthcothan Bay
A lesser-known beach in Cornwall but no less beautiful, Porthcothan Bay is a great place to escape from the bustling tourist hot-spot of Newquay. At low tide, a number of small coves are accessible for you to soak up the atmosphere, while high tide dramatically shrinks the beach but offers a wonderful reflection of the light in the water. This beach is also dog-friendly all year round: an absolute bonus for those bringing their four-legged friends on holiday!
Mousehole
The fishing port of Mousehole is a perfectly picturesque place to enjoy an evening. Along with the colourful boats on the water, the sloping houses, olde-worlde charm and the calm water come together to create a wonderful atmosphere.
There are so many other spectacular spots that we’ve not mentioned here, so if we’ve missed your favourite, do let us know. But for now, it’s time to take a look at our array of cottages in Cornwall and get ready to book your escape to the sea to catch that perfect sunset!
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.