West Penwith Cornwall – Romantic Cliff Top Picnic Locations to watch the Sunset

Cornwall, West Penwith Cornwall, West Penwith Cornwall

“I find it incredibly amazing how at every sunset, the sky is a different shade. No cloud is ever in the same place. Each day is a new masterpiece. A new wonder. A new memory.” ― Sanober Khan West Penwith 

We have decided to focus more on the cliffs for this post rather than the beaches as we find the cliffs quieter in the summer months. There is less chance of sand getting in your sandwich (unless sandy baps are your thing), a plastic, colourfully striped, flapping windbreak obstructing your view or an excited dog and/or random child stealing your cream tea, so if you want to avoid the aforementioned hazards, please read on. Here are our Top Romantic Cliff Top Picnic Locations to watch the Sunset

If you, like us, enjoy gazing at the sunset sky, then Cornwall has some of the most dramatic and scenic views over the ocean. The high cliffs offer you the most dramatic picnic spots to share a bite to eat with your loved one or family. From this vantage point you are able to appreciate how the sunlight catches the water and turns it the most tropical of colours, and often seals and dolphins can be seen playing in the clear waters below, adding a magical touch to your romantic picnic.

** We have tried to choose places that have relatively easy parking and access and are suitable to set up a picnic blanket without having to trek too far with your own picnic.

The South West Coast Path is better for sunrises so we have for this reason left this side of the coastline off our list and focused more on West Cornwall (part 1) and the North Coast (part 2) for our guide to the best sunset locations. We will be releasing a guide to the ‘Best sunrise locations to eat pancakes and drink a coffee’ soon for all the early risers out there.

So here in no particular order is a list of some of our favourite cliff top locations in South West Cornwall.West Cornwall

Carn Gloose – Cliffs & Mines near Cape Cornwall in West Penwith

This is probably our most regular ‘cliff spot’ to cook a quick coffee before shooting elopements .We love the views over Cape Cornwall and Cot Valley below. There is parking directly on the cliffs so this is a popular spot with campers in West Cornwall.

Carn Claver – Cliff Top Location on the South West Coast Path

The walk is a little further from the car park but once on the cliffs you are rewarded by the bluest seas and the highest cliffs. Remains and ruins from old mines scatter the cliffs and the views are breathtaking. A popular spot with rock climbers but definitely a favourite with us for picnics or some cheeky wild camping in West Cornwall. Romantic Picnic Cornwall

Zennor Head – Cliffs, Mermaids & Blue Seas in South West Cornwall

This area is more popular with tourists as it’s where you will find the Mermaid of Zennor in the church and the old pub. But head on down the coast path towards Zennor and you can find some really beautiful views over hidden coves and bays. There are so many beautiful swim spots around here too. The access is a slight nightmare and some paths are not for the faint hearted. The nudist beach of PorthZennor lies in the bay to the right. Rom

antic Picnic Cornwall, Romantic Picnic Cornwall

Kynance Cove – White Sandy Beaches & Stunning Views

Now whilst this location is best avoided from April-September there are beautiful cliffs away from the crowds where you can enjoy your picnic. If you are up for more of a walk, head over the beach and coast path past the iconic view point as if you are heading towards Predannack. Here you can find the most idyllic quiet nooks overlooking the sea stacks from behind.

Predannack Wollas – Dramatic Cliffs along Kynance Cove & Lizard

Probably one of our most favourite locations in Cornwall. We have wild camped here, watched the milky way here, photographed couples here and had lots of picnics here. It is quiet, wild and has all the drama rolled up in one. There is a National Trust car park in Predannack Wollas and a short walk to the first section of cliffs.

Pendeen – Near Morvah & Zennor

Slightly more popular and parking can sometimes get busy but the car park is directly on the cliffs. Boat Cove is a little bay to the right and makes for a great swim, either in the sea or the little sea pool. The cliffs overlooking the lighthouse are beautiful and you can see the old mines of Levant in the distance.

Rinsey – Mines & Wild Cliffs near Porthleven

This beautiful coastline is about 5 minutes from our house in Porthleven so we spend a lot of time here. The cliffs are covered in old mines, gorse and heather and wild (not so wild) ponies roam the coastline. We prefer walking further along the headland to the last outcrop of rocks which are quieter. You can see Porthleven in the distance and the two mines below and Rinsey beach to the right. It is a great spot for watching the sunset.

Logan’s Rock – a Stunning Rock near Porthcurno & Pedn Vounder

There is always somewhere quiet to sit here as it is so big. The car park in Treen is the closest and there is a short cut over the farmers fields to Logans Rock if you are not heading down onto Pedn Vouder beach. On top of Logan’s Rock you will be rewarded by views over sandy coves and Porthcurno and onto the Minack Theater in the distance. Basking sharks and seals are regular visitors in the area.

Mayon Cliff – Old Coastguard Lookout above Sennen Cove

We hope this post has inspired you to have your own romantic picnic on the wild Cornish cliffs. Please make sure you don’t leave any rubbish behind, leave only footprints and take home good memories. Sunset Cornwall, Sunset Cornwall

Also please be careful of adders in the warmer months from April onwards.

If you want to read more about our favourite beaches in Cornwall then please read our blog post: ‘Favourite Beaches in Cornwall’ for more inspiration. Wes

t Penwith Cornwall, Penwith Cornwall, Sunset Cornwall