Housel Bay

Nestled in the rugged Cornish coastline, Housel Bay Beach is a hidden gem, an unspoilt paradise located on the southernmost tip of mainland Britain. Its beauty lies in its seclusion and the sense of serenity it exudes amidst the natural drama of the windswept Cornish landscape.

As a remote, south-facing sandy cove, Housel Bay Beach offers an immersive encounter with nature at its rawest. It is mostly sand during low tide, but at high tide, it’s a striking blend of sand and shingles. The beach is the embodiment of picturesque with its turquoise waters bounded by rugged cliffs. At certain angles, the beach appears as an emerald set within a craggy necklace, an image of unmatched tranquility.

The beach is reached via a steep, meandering path that descends from the clifftop. The journey down the path is part of the experience, taking you through lush vegetation while offering panoramic views of the coast. Once you arrive, the seclusion of the beach lends itself perfectly to sunbathing, picnicking, swimming, and exploring rock pools teeming with marine life. The surrounding cliffs are adorned with a myriad of plants and birds, adding another layer of delight for nature lovers.

Housel Bay Beach is a refuge, a haven, a piece of Cornish heaven where the soul finds peace and the senses are rejuvenated. Its charm lies not only in its beauty but in the harmony it shares with the wild, rugged, and captivating Cornish coastline.

Facilities at Housel Bay

Housel Bay Beach offers public toilets near the entrance. It’s a more natural beach, so while there aren’t any beachfront cafes, the nearby Housel Bay Hotel offers food and refreshments.

Lifeguard Service

There is no lifeguard service at Housel Bay Beach. It’s always wise to check the current status before planning a visit.

Is Housel Bay dog friendly?

Dogs are allowed all year round at Housel Bay Beach but must be kept under close control due to the steep cliffs.

Car Parking at Housel Bay

There’s no dedicated car park for Housel Bay Beach. Visitors can park at the Lizard Lighthouse car park and walk down to the beach, approximately a 15-minute stroll.

Disabled Access at Housel Bay

There’s no dedicated car park for Housel Bay Beach. Visitors can park at the Lizard Lighthouse car park and walk down to the beach, approximately a 15-minute stroll.

Surfing at Housel Bay

Given its remote location and the presence of numerous rocks, Housel Bay is not the go-to destination for surfers in Cornwall. However, during certain tidal and weather conditions, it can offer an exciting challenge for experienced surfers.

Its seclusion also ensures that those who do venture out to surf here will find the water less crowded than more popular surfing destinations. Please note, the lack of lifeguard service means that surfers should take extra caution and never surf alone.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.

Type of Beach

Sandy with shingle at high tide.

Beach Postcode

TR12 7PG

OS Grid Reference

SW 701 115