Our essential guide to Sennen

Surfy, chilled Sennen Cove is quintessentially Cornish: unspoiled with clear waters, rolling grassy hills and craggy cliffs. 

Peaceful and reflective compared with its louder surf capital cousin Newquay, Sennen provides wild but family-friendly beaches on the west end of Cornwall. Combined with stunning scenery, consistent waves and facilities galore, it’s totally worth the drive (it’s practically Land’s End). 

Here’s everything you need to know about Cornish holiday cottage heaven in Sennen. 

It’s the perfect beach holiday for children

Unlike lots of other off-the-beaten track beaches in Cornwall which are hard to reach with small kids in tow, Sennen Cove is a dream for families.

There’s a bang-on-the-beach cafe, beach-side parking, surf hire, loos and seafront shops for supplies and souvenirs. It’s the perfect spot to build sandcastles, play in the shallows, mess about with a bodyboard and have an ice cream.

Kids can also learn about looking after our beaches as well as connecting to nature and the outdoors at Sennen, too. Join an organised beach clean with the folk at Beach Guardian, who will teach children of all ages as well as adults how to spot and remove microplastics. They provide all the equipment and you’ll be rewarded with helping to keep Cornish beaches clear of litter and plastic waste.

You can walk to Land’s End

Visitors flock to Sennen for its gorgeous sandy beach, but there are some great vistas just a short walk up to the National Trust’s Coastguard’s Lookout on the South West Coast Path. Wander a little further for some eye-popping views of Land’s End. 

If you fancy stretching your legs, it’s only a mile’s stroll along the South West Coast Path to Land’s End. If your children are buggy bound, take the National Cycle Trail. 

Start in the harbour car park at Sennen Cove. Climb over the headland of Ped-men-du for views of the rocky Longships reef – the scene of countless wrecks, and fascinating for kids who love pirates. You may even be able to spot basking sharks along the way, as well as the remains of pre-300BC Maen Castle. 

Once you’re at Land’s End, adults can thrill at being at Britain’s most south-westerly point and revel in the rugged scenery and views to Longships Lighthouse. Children will love the Jolly Roger 4D film experience and taking pictures at the iconic signpost, among other attractions.

If you’re itching for more adventure after Land’s End, continue along the path to the ethereal Nanjizal Bay. It’s quite remote so not ideal for little ones but definitely worth the walk for older children when they see its natural stone sculptures and unusually clear water. Pack drinks and snacks as there are no facilities.   

It’s great for surfing

Consistent waves and fewer crowds than many Cornish surf spots, Sennen suits most abilities. Friendly and professional Sennen Surfing Centre offers lessons from highly trained instructors as well as board and wetsuit hire. 

Beginners should stick to the sheltered shallows in front of the car park while more experienced wave riders can head to the bigger and punchier waves towards the rocks at the beach’s far end.

If you need some peace and quiet …

… make tracks for the stunningly beautiful Gwenver. This is a great option for an adventurous day out with older children. This white sandy piece of heaven is hard to get to and facility free so you’ll always find somewhere secluded to make base camp, even in the dizzying heights of summer. 

Scramble down a steep path cut out of the cliff to get there, and enjoy fun waves, space and shelter on hot days under the trees at the edge of the beach.

There are loads of places to eat, drink and be merry

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food in and around Sennen. Surf Beach Bar and Surf Den is perfectly positioned for stunning ocean views and spectacular sunsets. Head here for a variety of beachside family favourites including burgers, pizzas and nachos as well as a range of Cornish ales and lagers.

The Old Success Inn offers a good pint and breathtaking views from its outdoors area. There’s a crackling fire for when you want to shelter from Cornwall’s storms.

For delicious homemade cakes, breakfast and light lunches, the Apple Tree Cafe is the place to go. The old, tin-roofed barn location has a boho feel, with bunting draped from the beams, original artworks on the walls and the day’s specials chalked up on blackboards. 

It’s fantastic out of season, too

It’s a breathtaking spot for a day by the sea at any time of year. Sennen comes into its own as Cornwall’s roads quieten and the surf roars on its empty beaches. It’ll feel like you’ve got one of the UK’s best beaches to yourself, and you can really lean into those crisp, clear winter days.

Sennen Cove is also a hotspot in storm-watching season, when you can see huge rollers break over the Cowloe Reef. For a wild but safe vantage point, head to the old lookout – wrap up, pop a flask of something warm in your bag and hunker down to view nature’s dramatic performance. 

Whether you come in winter or summer, Sennen will be ready for you, with its golden sands, stupendous views and glorious waves.

Browse our collection of Sennen holiday cottages for your perfect Cornish getaway.