Things to do in Land's End

Land’s End is not a town or village, there are no houses. It’s based on the site of a couple of farmsteads but nowadays it is a top visitor attraction with lots of things to do including some cool amusements and a variety of places to eat. The nearest towns and villages are St Just and Sennen, along with Penwith’s largest settlement, Penzance, which lies 9.5 miles away.

Skip to section:

About

The history

Attractions

Nearby beaches

Food and drink

Accommodation

About Land’s End

Fancy a holiday at Land’s End? Well, if you are looking for a break in a self-catering holiday cottage we have some exceptional accommodation for you to choose from in West Cornwall.

Land’s End is arguably as famous as London when it comes to naming well-known places in the UK. Most people associate it with being one of two geographical polarities in the country, along with John O’Groats in Scotland. The distance between the two places is the furthest you can travel on mainland Britain in a (relatively) straight line. Drawing in athletes from all around the world, it is a badge of honour to make the journey to raise money for charity.

We have a handpicked collection of excellent holiday cottages near Land’s End. Whether you are travelling to the area with your partner or extended family, our properties are large and small, each guaranteed to make your holiday even more memorable.

The history

For 300 years people have been visiting Land’s End; the peninsula’s real name is Peal Point, but since visitors have been travelling to Cornwall to peer off the edge of the country for fun, the original moniker fell into disuse. The main buildings at Land’s End are actually located 200 metres south of the ‘real’ Land’s End on the site of a former farm called Carn Kez. Just off-shore is the Longships Lighthouse that got its name from the rocks on which it stands; fans of Arthurian myth will be impressed to learn that the seabed, deep beneath the waves that stretches out to the Isles of Scilly, is thought to be the lost territory of Lyonesse.  

The origins of the theme park stretch back to 1987, and the site has seen a few owners come and go, and its fortunes fluctuate. Nowadays, it’s a thriving visitor attraction, drawing thrill-seekers and view-baggers from all around the world. Historically, people have been making the journey via foot and bike from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for charities and awareness for global crises for decades. One of the first recorded successful attempts to complete an ‘End-to-End’ trek was a Mr Carlisle in September 1879 – he walked all the way back from John O’Groats too!

The attractions

The Land’s End Landmark Attraction

The Land’s End Landmark Attraction is a great destination for young families. Children will go bananas for the level of thrills on offer there. Adventures include some fab pay-as-you-go features:

• Aardman presents: A Grand Experience – Shaun the Sheep strikes again in this weird and wonderful one-off.
• Arthur’s Quest – The legend, Brian Blessed, narrates a story of the mythical King Arthur.
• Greeb Farm – Kids can meet some lovely farm animals at this 200-year-old farm.
• The 4D Film Experience: Return to the Lost World – Kids who love dinosaurs will get a kick out of this immersive experience where they will feel their seat shake, air blasting and water jetting!

More senior visitors won’t want to miss an opportunity to get their photo taken at the famous signpost. Tell the person on duty at the post where you live and they will put your chosen place name on the sign and the distance, in miles, your home is from Land’s End. There are numerous cafes and restaurants at the attraction including The Bakehouse and the First and Last Inn. You could also shop for souvenirs in the West Country Shopping Centre too.

Geevor and Levant Mining Museums (8.5 miles)

Within a short drive of Land’s End are the twin mining museums at Geevor and Levant. The former is a restored 18th-century tin mine with a maze of tunnels that you can explore, access to the old panning floors, and the chance to walk around the mine buildings which have remained untouched since the mine closed down in 1990. You can embark on guided tours to find out the fascinating history of the Cornish tin mining operation. All across Cornwall, the ruin engine houses are a common sight, but at Levant Mine, you can see a working example of an 1840s beam engine. Check in advance to see which days it gets fired up. Mines at Levant and Geevor are said to stretch out up to 2 miles below the seabed. Imagine being an 18th-century miner! Terrifying.

The Minack Theatre (4 miles)

Right at the most southerly end of the Penwith peninsula is one of the most eye-catching open-air theatres in England, The Minack. Taking its cue from Roman and Greek amphitheatres, this cliff-top wonder was the vision of one woman, Rowena Cade, who built the arena almost single-handedly 80 years ago.  An engineering and construction masterpiece, it’s a major accomplishment.

With a lively programme of events dominated by Cornish theatre groups, it’s a real treat to see a play here. High above Porthcurno Beach, the sea surrounds the theatre on three sides giving theatre patrons prime viewing spots from which to spy basking sharks and dolphins. Performances generally take part in the evening, although there are occasional matinees, so visitors are invited to look around in the day time and enjoy the exhibition and the on-site café.

The Telegraph Museum (4 miles)

Down the hill from the Minack, in the village of Porthcurno, is a gorgeous beach and a second curio – the Telegraph Museum, which is based at the former site of the planet’s largest telecommunications site. It’s here in Porthcurno where the first transatlantic cable was lain. For budding engineers and mobile phone addicts, this is a great place to learn about the origins of telegraphic communication through the ages. Its collection of obsolete instrumentation is mind-boggling. Also at the museum are World War II tunnels and a subtropical garden to enjoy.

Nearby beaches

Sennen Cove Beach (1 mile)

Ask seasoned Cornwall lovers where the best beach is, and they will probably put Sennen Cove in their top three. A gorgeous swathe of golden sands abutted by lush green hills sums up the vision that awaits you. It’s a really lovely spot to head to any time of year. Sennen’s beauty is no secret so it can get very, very busy during school holidays and parking is at a premium. Don’t despair though, Cornwall has beaches everywhere and for every hectic one, there are ten empty ones.

Gwynver Beach (2 miles)

Gwynver Beach is very popular with local surfers and dog-walkers. It’s just 1 mile from Sennen and is comparatively quieter but no less beautiful. Access the beach from a small car park above the sea via a winding path and get ready for the beach day of your life. Facilities are limited here but Sennen is  close by to replenish supplies. Take lots of photos and keep an eye out for passing pods of dolphins. On a clear day you can see the low-lying Isles of Scilly from the shoreline.

Porthcurno Beach (4 miles)

It is thought that Porthcurno Beach is almost tropical in appearance with its turquoise waters, deep, soft white sand and a relatively secluded situation and who are we to argue? It’s a fantastic spot to go for a swim and to laze about. High on the cliff above is the Minack Theatre, so if you hear lots of voices in the distance, they will be coming from here. As mentioned previously, the first transatlantic cable passes below the beach – you can see the marker on a rock shelf above the sands.  There are limited facilities at Porthcurno and that’s because it’s a very natural and unspoiled area of the county.

The food and drink

Land’s End Landmark Attraction

There are several places to eat at Land’s End. These include the Land’s End Restaurant and Bar, The Cornish Pantry, The Bakehouse, the Land’s End Kiosk, a doughnut concession, an ice cream parlour, and the First and Last Inn. Each of them is situated within the Land’s End Landmark Attraction. All tastes are catered to here, whether you are looking for a very simple snack to a slap-up evening meal in the restaurant. Enjoy an ale or a cider at the small and welcoming First and Last Inn, where you can even take a seat outside and enjoy your drink whilst taking in the stunning Atlantic view.

Little Bo Café

Cute as a button, the Little Bo Café in Sennen Cove is a thriving hub of activity. Offering creative twists on lunchtime favourites, this is a friendly spot close to the beach. The selection of cakes is hard to beat and it’s a great refuge, if the weather kicks up a cold spell, for a cup of tea or coffee. During the summer, the café opens into the early evening too.

Surf Beach Bar

For larger meals, head to the sensibly named Surf Beach Bar in Sennen. Right on the beach, it’s the very best place for a pizza or a burger in the area. Local produce from Cornish farmers and fisherman is the order of the day and you can really taste the difference. Live music and outdoor dining can be enjoyed of an evening too if you fancy giving your West Country holiday an extra boost of good times. Surf Den is also owned and operated by the same family and is open through the summer.

Holiday cottages near Land's End

Here are a few of our favourite holiday cottages near Land's End. Begin planning your holiday to West Cornwall today.

🏠 Duck's Waddle | Sleeps 2

🏠 Tremoor | Sleeps 4

🏠 Roosters Roost | Sleeps 6

Let us help you find a gorgeous self-catering cottage to stay in near to Land’s End. If you are looking for a wonderful break with the family, we have some exceptional properties in our collection for you to choose from. We wholeheartedly recommend a stay at a holiday home close to Land’s End for a truly authentic Cornish experience; browse our collection of self-catering holiday properties today.

Discover more of Cornwall: