Kennack Sands, near Kuggar, the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
Kennack Sands
Beach
Place photograph
7.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.4Two sandy bays are divided by Carn Kennack and the shore rocks of Caerverracks. The beach is part of the Lizard National Nature Reserve and is noted for its unusual geology, including cliff exposures of gneiss and red serpentine pebbles.
Kennack Sands earns its place for more than its broad sandy coves: its rare geological character makes this a beach with something distinctive to look for, as well as room to surf, explore the shore and linger over the changing view between the two bays.
Wild · Dramatic · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapKennack Sands, near Kuggar, the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall
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The experience
Allow 1–2 hours to explore the two sandy bays, look for the distinctive geology and take in the shore. Surfing and swimming are reported activities, but check sea conditions and current lifeguard cover before entering the water.
Things to do
Explore both sandy bays
Walk along the beach and notice how Carn Kennack and the Caerverracks shore feature divide the two sandy stretches.
Check locally
Look for the beach’s distinctive geology
Notice the gneiss exposures in the cliffs and red serpentine pebbles among the shore stones, features highlighted by Visit Cornwall.
Watch the surf
Kennack Sands is known among surfers; Visit Cornwall notes its shallow angle, big tidal range and regular 4–5 foot waves. Check conditions and safety advice before entering the water.
Look out for basking sharks
Visit Cornwall says basking sharks may be seen close to shore during summer months; sightings are not guaranteed.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
The two-bay beach wander
- 01
Start at the eastern end of the beach, where Visit Cornwall reports a car park and cafés.
- 02
Explore the sandy shore and look across the division formed by Carn Kennack and the Caerverracks shore rocks.
- 03
Look for gneiss in the cliffs and red serpentine among the shore stones.
Verified history
Kennack Sands is part of the Lizard National Nature Reserve. Visit Cornwall describes its notable geology, including cliff exposures of gneiss and red serpentine pebbles, and says it is the only beach in Cornwall to have nature reserve status. The supplied sources do not establish a more detailed historical account.
Hidden details
Red serpentine among the shore stones — Look closely for red serpentine pebbles, one of the geological features singled out by Visit Cornwall as unusual to this beach.
Gneiss in the cliffs — The cliffs contain exposures of gneiss, part of the beach’s geological interest.
When to go
May · June · July · August · September · Check local weather, tides and current beach conditions; no specific time of day is established by the supplied sources.
Visit Cornwall reports lifeguard cover from mid-May to the last weekend of September and says basking sharks may be seen close to shore during summer. Its seasonal dog restriction applies in July and August, 10am–6pm.
Check the forecast, tide information and sea conditions before visiting or entering the water. The supplied sources do not provide a current conditions service.
Worth pairing with
Kuggar
Visit Cornwall identifies Kennack Sands as near the village of Kuggar; no specific activity or venue in the village is evidenced here.
What to look for
Look for the contrasting geology: gneiss exposed in the cliffs and red serpentine pebbles among the shore stones. The two sandy bays are divided by Carn Kennack and the Caerverracks shore-rock feature.
The story
Geology and the Lizard National Nature Reserve
Best time to go
Summer for the reported lifeguard season and the chance of seeing basking sharks close to shore; check current conditions and seasonal arrangements before visiting.
Summer offers seasonal lifeguard cover, reported from mid-May to the last weekend of September, and the possibility of basking sharks near shore. Check current dates and conditions before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Families · Swimmers · Dogs
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
A beach on the Lizard Peninsula. Visit Cornwall reports a car park at the eastern end; check current access and conditions before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Visit Cornwall reports a car park at the eastern end of the beach. Check current availability and any charges before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
Visit Cornwall reports a couple of cafés at the eastern end of the beach. Check current opening arrangements.
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Dogs
Dogs are welcome except during July and August, 10am–6pm, when a seasonal ban applies, according to Visit Cornwall. Check current signage before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
Check before visiting; access route and beach accessibility are not established by the supplied evidence.
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Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Kennack Sands
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
