Gunwalloe Church Cove St Winwaloe
The 'Church of the Storms,' a medieval church set dramatically on a Cornish beach, offering breathtaking coastal views and a unique historical experie...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Gunwalloe Church Cove St Winwaloe
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The 'Church of the Storms,' a medieval church set dramatically on a Cornish beach, offering breathtaking coastal views and a unique historical experience.
"A truly unforgettable location where history meets the wild beauty of the Cornish coast."
Wear sturdy shoes
Cobblestones, sand, and potentially wet ground mean comfy, waterproof shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:
Check tide times
The beach is more accessible at low tide, offering more space to explore. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Winwaloe Church
Gunwalloe Church Cove
The 'Church of the Storms,' a picturesque medieval church directly on the beach. Its unique setting is truly unforgettable.
Church Cove Beach
Adjacent to the church
A beautiful sandy beach perfect for a stroll, with dramatic coastal views and a sense of wildness.
Norman Font & Rood Screen
Inside St. Winwaloe Church
Discover ancient artifacts like the believed Norman font and remarkably preserved 16th-century rood screen.
The Separate Bell Tower
Near the church entrance
An older, rock-built tower standing apart from the main church, adding to the site's historical intrigue.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear sturdy shoes
Cobblestones, sand, and potentially wet ground mean comfy, waterproof shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:
Check tide times
The beach is more accessible at low tide, offering more space to explore. :ocean:
Visit the cafe
A takeaway cafe is conveniently located near the church for refreshments. :coffee:
Respect the space
It's an active place of worship; be mindful during services and treat the historic site with care. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes
Cobblestones, sand, and potentially wet ground mean comfy, waterproof shoes are essential. :athletic_shoe:
Check tide times
The beach is more accessible at low tide, offering more space to explore. :ocean:
Visit the cafe
A takeaway cafe is conveniently located near the church for refreshments. :coffee:
Respect the space
It's an active place of worship; be mindful during services and treat the historic site with care. :pray:
Poldark filming location
Fans of Poldark will recognize this stunning spot from various scenes filmed here. :tv:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gunwalloe Church Cove for its stunning, unique location right on the beach, earning it the nickname 'Church of the Storms.' The picturesque medieval church and the beautiful coastal scenery are major draws, offering a peaceful yet dramatic experience. Some note that it can get very busy during peak times, and the weather can be unpredictable.
"One of The Thousand. If the walls could speak. What lives spiritual and physical have been saved and changed here over the eons. The sea speaks here from the sound of the ever present waves to the present seaside laughs and screams. Good cafe nearby and a peaceful place in what in the summer can be mayhem. The strange statue in the yard, makes the sense of loss and last vestigeness of this place really stand out."
Peter Robinson
"There's not much to say about this church. It small and very picturesque. It right by the sea. I would recommend paying is a visit if you want to kill some time by the beach and visit a small old church. Its also a short walk away from a beach cafe."
Jason G. Pereira
"What a lovely church in a beautiful setting. Named after Saint Guénolé c.460- 3 March 532. The church is in the Church of England Diocese of Truro. It's thought to date back to the 15th century. It has a three hall church design. The font is believed to be Norman. The bell tower stands separate from the church.
St.Winwaloe is situated in Church Cove, Gunwalloe near Helston.
There's a National Trust car park before you reach the church. It's quite large & I found it easy to park,though I would imagine it's very busy during school holidays. A 4-5 minute walk takes you to the church close to the beach passing toilets & a takeaway cafe to your left. Behind here you can see a Links golf course. The churchyard has some headstones with beautiful writing on. Rope edges the pathways & a stone statue of Saint Guénolé/Winwaloe stands on a raised bank close to the entrance. Inside are some interesting things to see,including pews with carved ends as well as the beams & porch roof.
From here you can access the beach & see some of the birds seen in the long grasses."
Diane Chambers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gunwalloe Church Cove is located near Helston in Cornwall. The easiest way to reach it is by car, following signs for Gunwalloe. There's a National Trust car park available, which is a short walk to the church and beach. Public transport options are limited, so driving is recommended for most visitors.
Yes, there is a National Trust car park situated before you reach the church. It's generally spacious, but can become very busy during peak holiday times. Arriving early is advised.
Absolutely! The walk from the National Trust car park to St. Winwaloe Church is a pleasant 4-5 minute stroll. You'll pass toilets and a takeaway cafe on your way.
Public transport to Gunwalloe Church Cove is infrequent. While buses may serve nearby villages, it's best to check local timetables. Driving is the most practical option for most visitors.
The nearest town to Gunwalloe Church Cove is Helston, which is a few miles inland. Helston offers more amenities and transport links.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St. Winwaloe Church itself is typically free, as it's an active place of worship. Donations are always welcome to help with its upkeep.
St. Winwaloe Church is usually open every day, allowing visitors to explore its historic interior and grounds. However, it's best to be mindful of Sunday services.
The beach at Gunwalloe Church Cove is publicly accessible and does not have an entrance fee. Enjoy the natural beauty freely.
The National Trust car park at Gunwalloe Church Cove usually requires a parking fee, especially during peak season. Check National Trust signage for current charges.
Yes, the churchyard is open to visitors and offers a peaceful place to reflect, with many old headstones and beautiful views.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic St. Winwaloe Church, walk along the beautiful beach, admire the coastal scenery, and visit the nearby takeaway cafe. It's a great spot for photography and quiet reflection.
Yes, families can enjoy the beach for playing and exploring. The church itself offers a glimpse into history, and the coastal setting is beautiful. Be mindful of the sea and tides.
St. Winwaloe Church is nicknamed the 'Church of the Storms' because of its exposed location directly on the coast, making it vulnerable to harsh weather. 
Yes, there are public toilets and a takeaway cafe located a short walk from the church, near the beach access.
Swimming is possible at Gunwalloe Church Cove, but it's important to be aware of the sea conditions, tides, and currents, as it's an open coastal beach.
📸 📸 Photography
The church exterior against the beach backdrop is iconic. Capture the separate bell tower, the dramatic coastline, and details within the church like the rood screen. The beach itself offers stunning seascape opportunities.
Absolutely. The combination of the historic church, rugged coastline, and sandy beach provides diverse and dramatic landscape photography opportunities, especially during golden hour.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) offers the best light for photography, creating beautiful shadows and warm tones. Midday can be harsh.
Generally, photography inside historic churches is permitted for personal use, but it's always polite to check for any specific restrictions or ask a church official. Be mindful of services.
Look for the ancient headstones in the churchyard, the unique stone statue of Saint Winwaloe, and the weathered beams inside the church that resemble shipwreck wood.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid the biggest crowds. The nearby cafe offers convenient refreshments. Ensure everyone wears appropriate footwear for walking on sand and potentially uneven ground around the church. The scenic drive to get there is also part of the adventure.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Photographers
Photographers will find Gunwalloe Church Cove incredibly rewarding. The dramatic interplay of the historic church against the wild coastline, the textures of the ancient stone, and the ever-changing sea provide endless photographic opportunities. Capture the 'Church of the Storms' in various lights, from moody skies to golden hour sunsets.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of St. Winwaloe
+1Architecturally, the church is notable for its separate bell tower, which predates the main structure and is built into the rock. Inside, visitors can marvel at features like a font believed to be Norman and the remarkably preserved 16th-century rood screen. The ceiling beams are said to resemble wood from a shipwreck, adding to the mystique of this ancient edifice. The churchyard itself is a place of quiet contemplation, with old headstones and a stone statue of Saint Winwaloe.
Gunwalloe Church Cove: A Coastal Gem
The cove's charm lies in its wild, untamed beauty. The sea here can be powerful, reinforcing the 'Church of the Storms' moniker. At low tide, the beach expands, offering more space to explore rock pools and enjoy the fresh sea air. The proximity of the takeaway cafe and toilets makes it a convenient spot for a day out, whether you're interested in history, nature, or just a beautiful seaside escape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit