Newlyn is an ideal base for exploring West Cornwall with or without your own transport. The town itself is situated within easy walking distance and roughly half way between the bustling market town of Penzance and the beautiful fishing village of Mousehole.
West Cornwall is a magical part of the country with a character and charm of it's own. From the stunning beaches of Porthcurno and Sennen to the mystical ancient stone circles and quoits of the moors, West Cornwall has something for everyone.
Begining (or ending) at Land's End the peninsula rises out of the Atlantic with it's granite cliffs fighting an un-ending battle with the full force of the ocean. These cliffs continue most of the way along the North Coast, punctuated by sweeping sandy bays and steep rocky coves. It is these beaches that have over the years drawn the most visitors.
Starting from the west, the most notable of these beaches are:
- Sennen Cove - well known for its great surf
- Porthmeor - St Ives' most popular beach, with surf and the Tate Gallery
- Gwithian - Hayle's premiere beach which forms part of the famous '3 miles of golden sand'
The South Coast is generally a little gentler and more sheltered than the North and has a different kind of beauty. In terms of beaches, Porthcurno is the jewel in the coast's crown - set in a steep valley with high granite cliffs, the cove is well known for its white sand and uniquely turquiose water.
The nearest town to Newlyn is Penzance, a bustling market town with a good range of shops, pubs and quality restaurants. It is also the transport hub for West Cornwall with bus and train stations and air and sea links to the Isles of Scilly.
Hayle and St Ives are more or less the same distance. Hayle is best known for it's excellent beaches and the town frankly provides little of intrest to the average visitor. St Ives on the other hand is not to be missed.
On top of having its own sandy beaches, St Ives is home to a well established artistic tradition that has recently culminated in the opening of the Tate Gallery. The town itself is a maze of quaint streets and charming fishing cottages built around a working harbour.