8.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.2A long sandy stretch at the edge of St Ives Bay, backed by dunes and a headland with views towards Godrevy Lighthouse. The coastal path leads to Mutton Cove, where seals may be seen in winter.
Godrevy is more than a beach stop: a short headland walk brings together wide coastal views, the offshore lighthouse and the chance to watch seals at Mutton Cove. The cliff-edge route and changing sea give the visit a wilder feel; keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Wild · Dramatic · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapGwithian, near Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5ED
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Combine time on the beach with a walk around Godrevy Point. The AllTrails route describes an out-and-back walk past views of the lighthouse and towards Mutton Cove; take care near cliff edges and give seals space.
Things to do
Walk towards Godrevy Lighthouse
Follow the headland paths for views of the lighthouse on its offshore island.
Part of a 1–1.5-hour route
Look towards Mutton Cove for seals
Seals and pups may be seen in winter, according to the route description. Watch quietly from a distance and do not let dogs disturb them.
Explore the beach and rock pools
Spend time on the sandy beach and explore rock pools where conditions allow; check tides and sea conditions before approaching the water.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick Escape: Beach and lighthouse views
- 01
Start from the National Trust car park and head towards the headland using the accessible path where suitable.
- 02
Pause for views across the coast towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
- 03
Return the same way, allowing extra time if conditions or the paths are challenging.
Half day · Allow 2–3 hours
Half Day: Godrevy Point and Mutton Cove
- 01
Walk the Godrevy Lighthouse and Mutton Cove out-and-back route described by AllTrails.
- 02
Take in the lighthouse and headland views, and look for the reported Iron Age barrow.
- 03
At Mutton Cove, stay quiet, keep back from seals and make sure dogs do not disturb them.
- 04
Finish with time on the beach or a stop at Godrevy Café if it is open.
Verified history
The supplied route description identifies an Iron Age barrow on the headland. The Tripadvisor page describes Godrevy Lighthouse as a mid-19th-century lighthouse and says it is widely cited as an inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse; treat the literary connection as a reported attribution rather than a confirmed fact.
When to go
November · December · January · February · March · A calm morning is a sensible choice for a wildlife-focused walk; this is practical guidance, not a guaranteed seal sighting.
The supplied route description identifies November–March as the period when seals and pups may be seen at Mutton Cove. Beach dog restrictions also apply in summer on the specified stretch.
This is an exposed coastal headland with cliff-edge sections. Check the forecast, sea conditions, tides and current route/access information; take particular care with children and dogs.
What to look for
- 01
Look offshore for Godrevy Lighthouse
- 02
on the headland, look for the reported Iron Age barrow. At Mutton Cove, watch for seals from a distance and keep noise and dogs from disturbing them.
The story
Godrevy Lighthouse; an Iron Age barrow is reported on the headland.
Best time to go
November–March for the reported possibility of seeing seals and pups at Mutton Cove; the beach and headland can be visited in other seasons too.
For a quieter wildlife-focused visit, consider a calm morning in November–March and keep well back from seals. Check weather, access and any seasonal restrictions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers · Families
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
National Trust countryside and headland. Check current access and opening information before visiting.
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Parking
National Trust main car park has limited spaces. Overflow field parking may be available in warmer months, subject to weather and ground conditions. Check current arrangements before travelling.
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Toilets
National Trust lists visitor toilets in the car park field on the headland, including an accessible toilet. Check current availability.
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Food & drink
National Trust lists Godrevy Café as open most days; it is not run by the Trust. Check before visiting.
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Dogs
Dogs are allowed. A beach restriction applies between Harveys Towans and Godrevy Point from 1 July to 31 August, 10am–6pm. Keep dogs from disturbing seals at Mutton Cove and check current signage.
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Accessibility
National Trust information describes an accessible path from the field parking area to the headland, fairly level paths in places and an accessible toilet. Other sections have uneven steps, ramps and terrain; check the current accessibility guide for suitability.
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Cost
Paid parking may apply; check current charges. National Trust members park free according to the Trust.
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Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Godrevy Beach
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
