Gwithian, near Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5ED
National Trust – Godrevy
Coastal reserve
Place photograph
8.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
8.5At Godrevy, a headland path looks across St Ives Bay to the offshore lighthouse, while the cliffs fall towards broad sands and Mutton Cove. In winter, seals may be seen at the cove; give them space and keep dogs quiet and under control.
Godrevy earns its place through the combination of open Atlantic headland, long beach and a distinctive lighthouse view. A short walk can take in the cliffs and Mutton Cove, while the coast path offers room to make the visit longer. The exposed coastal setting rewards checking wind, tide and current access before you go.
Dramatic · Big-sky · Wild
Find your way
Open mapGwithian, near Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5ED
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The experience
Start from the National Trust car park and walk out onto the headland for views across St Ives Bay to Godrevy Lighthouse. Continue towards Mutton Cove if conditions and your route allow, keeping well back from cliff edges and giving wildlife space. Extend the visit along the South West Coast Path or finish at the beach or café; check conditions, access and café hours before travelling.
Things to do
Walk out to the Godrevy lighthouse viewpoint
Follow the headland paths for views across St Ives Bay towards the offshore lighthouse. Stay on paths and take care around the cliff edge.
About 1–1.5 hours for the AllTrails out-and-back route that includes Mutton Cove.
Look for seals at Mutton Cove
Seals may be seen at the cove in winter. Watch quietly from a distance and do not let dogs disturb them; sightings are not guaranteed.
Explore Godrevy Beach and its rock pools
The National Trust describes golden sand and rock pools at the beach. Check tide, sea and local access conditions before exploring.
Extend your walk along the South West Coast Path
Godrevy lies on the South West Coast Path; extend the headland walk only as far as suits your time, ability and conditions.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–1.5 hours for the Godrevy Point and Mutton Cove out-and-back walk described by AllTrails; route conditions may affect timing.
Quick Escape: lighthouse views from the headland
- 01
Park at the National Trust car park and check current access and conditions.
- 02
Walk onto the headland for views towards Godrevy Lighthouse.
- 03
Continue towards Mutton Cove if the path and conditions suit; keep quiet and give seals space.
- 04
Return the way you came, taking care near cliff edges.
Half day · Half day; exact walking and stop times depend on your route and conditions.
Make a Half Day of It: headland, beach and café
- 01
Begin with the headland walk and lighthouse views.
- 02
Continue along the coast path or spend time on Godrevy Beach, checking conditions and access first.
- 03
Look towards Mutton Cove for seals in winter, observing quietly from a distance.
- 04
Finish with a stop at Godrevy Café if it is open; check its hours before your visit.
Verified history
The supplied National Trust material identifies the offshore lighthouse as a landmark visible from the cliffs but gives no history or construction date. The supplied Tripadvisor page says it is widely cited as an inspiration for Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse; this claim is not corroborated by the supplied National Trust source, so it should not be presented as established fact.
Hidden details
Watch for seals without disturbing them — Mutton Cove can offer winter seal-watching. Keep quiet, stay at a respectful distance and keep dogs from disturbing wildlife.
Notice the headland’s accessible path options — The National Trust notes an accessible path from the field parking area up to the headland and fairly level paths in places, alongside uneven steps, ramps and paths. Check the access guide for the route that suits you.
When to go
November · December · January · February · March · Choose a clear, calmer period for coastal views. Check current access hours; the National Trust lists the countryside and first car park as dawn to dusk.
The supplied route information highlights November–March as a possible period for seeing seals at Mutton Cove. Godrevy’s coastal paths and beach are described as visitor attractions year-round; weather and sea conditions shape the experience.
This is an exposed coastal headland. Check the forecast, sea conditions, tides and local access information before visiting; take care near cliff edges and on uneven paths.
What to look for
- 01
Look offshore from the headland for Godrevy Lighthouse. At Mutton Cove, scan the shore for seals in winter from a respectful distance
- 02
sightings vary, and quiet observation matters.
The story
The offshore Godrevy Lighthouse is a prominent landmark in views from the headland. Claims linking it to Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse appear in the supplied Tripadvisor source, but are not independently established by the supplied National Trust evidence.
Best time to go
Year-round for coastal scenery. November–March is a possible season for seeing seals at Mutton Cove; sightings are not guaranteed.
Choose a clear, calmer day for expansive coastal views. November–March may offer seal-watching opportunities at Mutton Cove; keep quiet and do not disturb seals.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Wildlife lovers · Families · Dogs
Before you go
Address
Phone
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
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
National Trust countryside is listed as open dawn to dusk. The South West Coast Path crosses the headland. Check current access and conditions before setting out.
Check before visiting
Parking
National Trust main car park, open year-round with limited spaces. Warmer-season overflow field parking is subject to weather and ground conditions. Parking is paid via JustPark or on-site machines; National Trust members park free when registered. Check current arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Visitor toilets, including an accessible toilet, are in the car park field on the headland. Published hours are 10:00–21:00; check current times.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Godrevy Café is at the car park and is described by the National Trust as open most days; it is not run by the Trust. Check current opening before relying on it.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are allowed. Dogs must be kept under close control; a beach restriction applies between Harveys Towans and Godrevy Point from 1 July to 31 August, 10:00–18:00. Check local signs and current rules.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The National Trust describes an accessible path from the field parking area up to the headland, fairly level paths from the first car park towards the headland and a level boardwalk in places. Uneven steps, ramps and paths are also present. Check the full access guide for route-specific details.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid parking; National Trust members park free when registered. Check current details.
Check before visiting
Water
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Keep exploring
Around National Trust – Godrevy
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
