Cape Cornwall National Trust Site’s Best Views

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The southern England county of Cornwall has more than its fair share of dramatic views. Really, it’s just not fair to the rest of the UK, it’s that nice here. But there is one a place where you really get the full effect of how wild and rugged, yet simultaneously beautiful Cornwall can be. That place is Cape Cornwall, a National Trust site on the western side of southern Cornwall.

Where is Cape Cornwall?

The Cape Cornwall headland juts out into the North Atlantic Ocean less than 10-miles west of Penzance. It was once considered that Cape Cornwall was the westernmost point in Cornwall, and England, however we now know that title goes to Land’s End.

However whereas Land’s End has built itself up as more of a tourist destination complete with attractions, Cape Cornwall has remained a little more understated. Yet no less impressive by any means.

The Cape Cornwall headland is easily viewed from the National Trust car park a short distance away. But to get even closer you can climb to the peak of the headland for much more spectacular ocean views.

A history of mining

Cornwall was known greatly for its mining history, tin mining especially. While most of the mines have been abandoned and dismantled, there are some partial remains that can still be seen.

Cape Cornwall is one such place. For around 50 years during the 19th Century, a tin mine stood on the headland. When it ceased operations, it was all demolished, save the chimney stack. This remains even now, after being kept for navigational reasons.

Is Cape Cornwall free to visit?

Yes it is, in fact its one of many free and cheap things to do in Cornwall. There is no charge to visit the headland or the site itself, however there is a fee for the car park. And since this is a pretty remote destination there isn’t really an alternative.

If you’re a National Trust member, then of course you will get free parking. But for the general public you’re looking at spending a few pounds to park. If you’re feeling fit, you can park for free in nearby St. Just and walk there. It’s just over a mile and will take about half an hour.

A gift from Heinz

You read that correctly. The area the chimney stands on, the remains of the old tin mine, was purchased by H. J. Heinz Company in 1987. Yes, the same American company responsible for ketchup and baked beans.

They then donated the land back to the UK through the National Trust as a commemoration of 100 years of Heinz in Britain. The site is still owned and operated by National Trust.

Climbing to the summit of Cape Cornwall

A climb to the chimney at the top of the cape is the most popular thing to do here. It’s a short but somewhat difficult hike. An almost vertical climb combined with the wind constantly whipping around you makes it more of a challenge than you would expect.

You do need to watch your footing and take it slow here though. There are two paths so you can make it a circuitous route or retrace your steps back down. Although the paths are, in many places, no more than worn patches of grass from decades of use, it’s easy to navigate.

As soon as you reach the peak, being blown in countless directions at once, the energy taken to get there is recharged by the most incredible view.

Looking out to sea

Staring out to sea every which way, it doesn’t matter whether its the height of summer or the depths of winter, the rough waters beat the same relentless pattern against the rocks below.

There’s something calming about watching a terrifying force of nature do its thing while you’re safely at a distance. That’s the feeling at Cape Cornwall. And the ocean is every color blue you can possibly imagine, mesmerizingly enchanting to all who make it to the top of the headland.

The tin mine chimney

At the top of the cape is the old tin mine chimney stack. It’s inscribed with a dedication from the Heinz Company marking the date the site was purchased and gifted. The chimney is the only remnant of the historic mine still standing now.

A bench in the shadow of the chimney allows you to sit and stare out at the views all around. Otherwise the chimney is a great place to hide from the wind and use as a breaker while you admire the view and take photos.

Scenes of the Cornish countryside

The views over the ocean, broken only by a couple of nearby rocks, are otherwise just blue water meets blue sky for what seems like forever. However turning the other directions are views along the coastline where similar headlands jut out into the ocean, contrasting the blue sea with green and brown rocky cliffs.

And turning back from the direction of St. Just are the rolling green hills with a few horses grazing. In the distance is Porthledden House, a private country house sat atop the furthest hill. There are also a couple of smaller properties and farms dotted around.

Cape Cornwall views can’t be beaten

If you’re looking for a historic site a little further from the typical tourist crowds of the south, you won’t beat Cape Cornwall. In the summer months it can still get busy, but nearby Land’s End might draw the majority of people looking for a good seascape in the area.

Instead, take a brisk walk to the top of this rocky cape and, using the chimney as your windbreaker, gaze out upon one magnificent view. Your lungs might sting with the cool Atlantic air which makes your eyes stream tears down your cheeks. But you won’t easily forget the sight of the endless ocean of a thousand blues that stretches out before you.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Have you ever visited Cape Cornwall? Where have you found the best ocean views in the UK?