The Godrevy Head to St Agnes Heritage Coast spans rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rich coastal habitats along Cornwall’s north coast, offering exceptional hiking, wildlife watching, and dramatic ocean views.
Godrevy Head to St Agnes Heritage Coast stretches approximately 40 kilometers along the northern shoreline of Cornwall, England, between the village of Godrevy Head in the west and St Agnes in the east. This protected coastline features a diverse landscape of high granite cliffs, secluded coves, sandy beaches, and heathland. The area is renowned for its wildflower-rich maritime heath and rare plant species, including Cornish heath and spring squill, supporting various nesting seabirds such as razorbills, guillemots, and peregrine falcons. The heritage coast also preserves the industrial legacy of Cornwall’s tin mining past, with remnants of engine houses and shafts visible near St Agnes. The landscape invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore an extensive network of footpaths, including parts of the South West Coast Path, renowned for stunning panoramic sea views and coastal wildlife. Visitors can enjoy walking, birdwatching, surfing at iconic beaches such as Gwithian Towans, and exploring hidden coves like Perranporth and Chapel Porth. The heritage coast attracts those seeking natural beauty combined with historical intrigue, maritime heritage, and impressive geological features like Godrevy Island with its famous lighthouse. With its relatively unspoiled nature and accessible trails, the coast provides both tranquil and adventurous experiences. Conservation efforts focus on preserving the unique heathland habitats and supporting biodiversity while encouraging sustainable recreation that highlights Cornwall’s maritime and mining history.
Godrevy Lighthouse and Island, famous for inspiring Virginia Woolf's ‘To the Lighthouse’
Rich coastal heathland with rare plants such as Cornish heath and spring squill
Remnants of Cornwall’s historic tin mining industry near St Agnes
Chapel Porth Cave and other geological formations along the cliffs
An iconic 19th-century lighthouse located on Godrevy Island, guiding vessels along the treacherous rocks and inspiring literary works.
A national trail that runs along the heritage coast, offering spectacular cliff-top views and access to beaches, coves, and mining heritage sites.
A rare and protected habitat, home to unique coastal flora and nesting seabirds, sensitive to disturbance but vital for biodiversity.