Lizard Peninsula

For a glimpse of Cornwall’s stormier side, the cliffs, rugged coves and open heaths of the Lizard Peninsula – from the Celtic lys ardh, or ‘high point’ – are hard to beat. The Lizard Peninsula is unique, standing alone in a very real sense, and designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Much of the coastline falls under the stewardship of the National Trust and the South West Coast Path winds around the peninsula providing beautiful scenery for walkers of all ages and ability.

Historically a particularly hazardous stretch of coastline, the Lizard Peninsula has been the site of many maritime disasters and was also known as the ‘Graveyard of Ships’. It forms a natural obstacle to entry and exit of Falmouth and its naturally deep estuary. In 1721 the Royal Anne Galley, an oared frigate, was wrecked at Lizard Point. Of a crew of 185 only 3 survived; lost was Lord Belhaven who was en voyage to take up the Governorship of Barbados.

The biggest rescue in the RNLI’s 185-year history took place near Lizard Point, in 1907 when the ocean liner, SS Suevic, hit the Maenheere Reef - a belt of half-submerged rocks a mile off the Lizard. RNLI lifeboat volunteers from The Lizard, Cadgwith, Coverack and Porthleven rowed out, in strong gale and dense fog, repeatedly for 16 hours and rescued 456 passengers. Incredibly, not a single life was lost. Six silver RNLI medals were later awarded, two to Suevic crew-members.

The Lizard is also known for its unique Serpentine rock, a green mineral that became fashionable in Victorian times when ornaments were, and still are, made as souvenirs and objets d’art. Several shops near Lizard Point sell souvenirs made from it, though at one time it was mined on a commercial scale.

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