Cadgwith Cove
A charming, working fishing village with thatched cottages, a picturesque harbour, and a legendary pub known for seafood and folk music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live music & lively atmosphere
Cadgwith Cove
Best Time
Live music & lively atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, working fishing village with thatched cottages, a picturesque harbour, and a legendary pub known for seafood and folk music.
"A delightful pub in a really cute, tiny, working Cornish fishing village."
🚗 Parking Tips
Limited parking in village; use the nearby car park (£3 all day). Arrive early!
🎶 Music Night Vibes
Friday nights are shanty nights at the Inn! Expect a packed, atmospheric experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Picturesque Harbour
Cadgwith Cove
Charming thatched cottages frame a small, active harbour with colourful fishing boats. A quintessential Cornish scene.
Cadgwith Cove Inn
Village centre
A historic pub renowned for fresh seafood, cozy atmosphere, and lively folk music nights.
Coastal Path Walks
Surrounding cliffs
Stunning cliffside trails offer breathtaking views of the coastline and lead to other beautiful coves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Working Village Charm
Check for Live Music Nights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Limited parking in village; use the nearby car park (£3 all day). Arrive early!
🎶 Music Night Vibes
Friday nights are shanty nights at the Inn! Expect a packed, atmospheric experience.
🦞 Fresh Seafood Delights
Seafood is incredibly fresh, often straight off the boats. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks
Explore stunning coastal paths to Kennack Sands or Lizard Point.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Limited parking in village; use the nearby car park (£3 all day). Arrive early!
🎶 Music Night Vibes
Friday nights are shanty nights at the Inn! Expect a packed, atmospheric experience.
🦞 Fresh Seafood Delights
Seafood is incredibly fresh, often straight off the boats. Don't miss it!
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks
Explore stunning coastal paths to Kennack Sands or Lizard Point.
📸 Capture the Charm
The thatched cottages and harbour are incredibly photogenic.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Cadgwith Cove's picturesque charm, fresh seafood, and the lively atmosphere of the Cadgwith Cove Inn, especially during its famous music nights. The authentic working fishing village feel is a major draw, offering a genuine Cornish experience. Some find parking challenging and the village can get very crowded during peak times or music events.
"Well found another little gem.just nipped in for a drink with the girls didn't have time for a meal but what a lovely place. Friendly staff excellent location parking 4 minutes away at £3 all day. Beautiful village pub and restaurant will definitely be back for a meal ..don't think you can get any fresher sea food it comes straight off the boats in the harbour...highly recommend 👌"
john lockwood
"Gorgeous pub in a wonderful setting by the sea.
Absolutely fabulous food. Great service and friendly atmosphere.
Well worth a visit."
Jonathan Woodhouse
"We were so lucky to be here on an evening with live music! It was an open stage, with musicians playing and singing folk songs as well as some modern songs. We enjoyed performances on guitar, violin, flute and harmonica, along with beautiful a cappella singing. It was absolutely fantastic, and this evening of wonderful music was one of the true highlights of our holiday.
The pub staff were very warm and chatty, and the bar itself, with its many partly historic pictures lining the walls, is wonderfully cosy and full of character."
Birger S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cadgwith Cove is located on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. Driving is the most common way, but parking is limited within the village itself. There's a car park a short walk away. Public transport options are less frequent, so check local bus routes if you're relying on them.
While buses do serve the Lizard Peninsula, services to Cadgwith Cove can be infrequent, especially outside of peak season. It's advisable to check the latest timetables for services like the First Kernow 34 or 35 routes.
Parking in the village is very limited. There is a designated car park nearby which costs around £3 for all day. It's recommended to arrive early, especially during busy periods, or consider walking from a nearby location.
Yes, Cadgwith Cove is a popular destination for walkers. It's part of the stunning South West Coast Path, and you can enjoy scenic walks from nearby villages like Kennack Sands or Lizard Point.
It can be challenging without a car due to limited public transport. However, if you're staying nearby or willing to use taxis and plan bus journeys carefully, it's still possible to enjoy the village's charm.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cadgwith Cove itself is a public village and harbour, so there are no entry tickets required to wander around and enjoy the scenery.
As a village, Cadgwith Cove is accessible at all hours. However, individual businesses like the Cadgwith Cove Inn will have their own operating hours, which are best checked directly.
There is no specific entrance fee for the small beach area within the cove. Access is free for all visitors to enjoy the coastal environment.
For general drinks or casual visits, booking might not be essential, but it's highly recommended to book a table for meals, especially during peak times or on music nights, to avoid disappointment.
The best way is to immerse yourself in the village atmosphere, enjoy fresh seafood, and perhaps catch a live music session at the Inn. Walking the coastal paths is also a must-do.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the charming village, admire the thatched cottages, watch the fishing boats, enjoy fresh seafood at the Cadgwith Cove Inn, and walk the stunning coastal paths.
Absolutely! Cadgwith Cove is incredibly picturesque with its traditional cottages, harbour, and dramatic coastline, making it a photographer's dream.
The South West Coast Path offers fantastic routes north towards Kennack Sands or south around the Lizard Peninsula, with views of Devil's Frying Pan and Whale Rock.
While possible, swimming directly in the cove can be challenging due to boat traffic and currents. Nearby coves like Kynance Cove or Church Cove offer better swimming opportunities.
It's a charming, authentic working fishing village with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, especially lively on music nights at the Inn.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The main dining spot is the Cadgwith Cove Inn, famous for its fresh seafood, often caught that day. It offers a cozy pub atmosphere.
The Inn specializes in fresh, local seafood, including catches like red mullet and ray. They also serve traditional pub fare and specials.
Yes, the seafood is renowned for its freshness, with many ingredients coming directly from the fishing boats in the cove.
Cadgwith Cove is a small village, and the Inn is the primary dining establishment. For more variety, you might need to travel to nearby larger villages or towns.
It's highly recommended to book a table, especially for dinner or on popular nights like Friday music nights, to ensure you get a spot.
📸 📸 Photography
The harbour with its fishing boats and colourful cottages, the view from the coastal path overlooking the cove, and the charming interiors of the Cadgwith Cove Inn are all excellent photo opportunities.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the village's tranquility. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful light on the cottages and sea.
The iconic thatched cottages, the working harbour with its boats, and the dramatic rock formations along the coast path, like Devil's Frying Pan, are key photographic subjects.
Respectfully, yes. Many fishermen are happy to be photographed, especially if you engage with them. However, always ask for permission first.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and village scenes. A wide-angle lens can capture the dramatic coastal vistas, and a telephoto can be useful for details on boats or wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy by the harbour, as dining options are primarily at the Cadgwith Cove Inn, which might be more suited to older children or quieter times. The coastal walks are beautiful but can be steep and exposed, so keep a close eye on younger children. Nearby coves like Kynance Cove or Kennack Sands might offer more traditional beach facilities if that's a priority.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
Don't miss the walks around the Lizard Peninsula, which showcase unique geological features and stunning sea vistas. Pack sturdy walking shoes, water, and be prepared for changeable weather. The sense of remoteness and the raw beauty of the landscape are unparalleled here.
🎶 Music & Culture Enthusiasts
Experience the unique atmosphere of Cornish shanty nights, where the voices are as rich as the local cream. It's a chance to immerse yourself in a tradition that's kept alive by the community, offering a truly memorable cultural experience. Arrive early to secure a spot and soak in the vibrant energy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of a Working Fishing Village
Visitors often remark on the charm of seeing the 'working' aspect of the village. It's a place where you can witness the daily rhythm of fishing life, from boats heading out at dawn to the catch being landed. This active industry contributes to the unique character of Cadgwith Cove, offering a glimpse into a traditional way of life that is increasingly rare. The local fishermen, like the Phillips family mentioned in social media posts, are integral to the village's identity and its connection to the sea.
For those interested in maritime heritage, Cadgwith Cove offers a tangible connection to Cornwall's seafaring past and present. It's a place to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the fishing community, and to understand how the sea has shaped this beautiful corner of the coast. The presence of active fishing operations adds a layer of realism and depth to the picturesque scenery.
The Legendary Cadgwith Cove Inn
A significant part of the Inn's allure is its famous live music nights, particularly the Friday 'shanty' nights. These events feature local musicians and singers performing traditional folk songs and sea shanties, creating an incredibly lively and memorable experience. The pub can get very busy, with a 'rammed' but wonderful atmosphere, making it a true hidden gem for those seeking authentic Cornish entertainment.
Visitors consistently praise the Inn for its excellent food, good selection of drinks (including local ales), and the brilliant, attentive staff. It's a place where you can enjoy a hearty meal, soak in the local culture, and feel like a part of the community, even if just for an evening. The combination of fresh seafood, live music, and a welcoming ambiance makes it a must-visit.
Exploring the Lizard Peninsula Coastline
Popular walks from Cadgwith include heading south to witness the geological marvels like the Devil's Frying Pan, Whale Rock, and the Lion's Den. These natural formations showcase the raw power of the sea and the unique geology of the area. The views from the cliff tops are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of the rugged coastline and the vast expanse of the English Channel.
For those who enjoy hiking, the coastal path provides a fantastic way to discover hidden coves and enjoy the wild, untamed beauty of Cornwall. The scenery is consistently described as stunning, making any walk from Cadgwith Cove a rewarding experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit