Sennen is the most westerly parish in the UK, nestled between Cape Cornwall and Land's End. Part of the village; the mediaeval church of St. Sennen with its low granite tower, the school, and the First & Last Inn are at the top of the cliff; with some older cottages 300 feet below by the quay, along with the Old Success, a seventeenth-century inn.
Sennen Cove is still a fishing village and home of Sennen Lifeboat. Established in 1853, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution`s Sennen Cove Station is situated just one mile northeast of Land’s End.
If you want to spot a bit of wildlife during your holiday in Sennen, basking sharks and dolphins are a common sight off the coast of Sennen. Join our friends in the water and head to Sennen Cove which is renowned for its great surf and friendly atmosphere. Or take a drive to Gwenver Beach, less than a mile from Sennen Cove and watch the sunset - a truly spectacular sight. Read more about Sennen holidays and Gwenver beach on our blog post about Sandy beaches in West Cornwall.
Spend the festive season in Sennen and take part in the annual Christmas day swim!
The sweeping coastline wraps around the expansive stretch of soft sand and azure waters that make up Sennen Cove beach.
Rock formations and large pebbles appear as the tide goes out, ideal for rock pooling.
Fishing is still a prominent industry in Cornwall; boats await fisherman at Sennen harbour.
Wispy grasses and wildflowers flutter in the coastal breeze.
Grab your bucket and spade and head to the beach.
Sennen Cove beach is a surfer’s paradise, whether you’re an expert or new to the sport.
Lifeguards oversee the fun and frolics as families enjoy the day at Sennen beach.
Surfers make their way along the coastline, invigorated after a refreshing surf.
If you’re in Sennen, walking the coast path to Lands End is an absolute must!
Be sure to visit the Roundhouse and Capstan Gallery at the end of Sennen Cove.
Calm waters glisten in the summer sun.
The village at Sennen Cove is small and friendly with a coastal vibe.
Lie back on the beach and while away the day, soaking up the stunning scenery.
Adventure to the top of the dunes and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable views.
Surfers bob gently in the sea, waiting for the waves to come.
Kids will love playing in the soft sand and splashing in the shallow waters.
Part of the adventure is in the journey to the beach.
Sennen is a prime location for surfing in Cornwall. With swell coming in from the Atlantic, the surf is good all year round and can be better than the more crowded surfing destinations such as Newquay. With two surf schools based at Sennen you'll be in good hands when it comes to learning the ropes.
Cornwall is full to the coastal corners of beautiful places to stay so we've rounded up 10 of our favourites to help you find the right spot for you.
Take a walk along the coast from Land's End to the beautiful and hidden Nanjizel beach; one of Cornwall's most spectacular beaches. Porthcurno is also only a short drive away with its beautiful beaches and the breathtaking Minack Theatre, showing regular outdoor performances throughout the summer months.
South from Sennen Cove you can walk the coastal path to Land’s End. Just over a mile as the chough flies, but all along the south-west coastal path you must allow for the uphill stretches and twisty bits of headland which make the walks longer.
Whitesand Bay, white as the name suggests, stretches northwards from Sennen Cove to Gwynver beach. Gwynver is accessible from Whitesand at low tide; and down steep steps from Trevedra Cliff at high tide. On New Year’s Day it’s become a bit of a tradition for hardy folk to jump into the Whitesand waves for a swim. The south-west coastal footpath runs along Whitesand behind the dunes. No dogs are allowed on the beach between 15th May and the 30th September, between 10am and 6pm.
Although it feels tucked away in the far west, Sennen self catering holidays are perfect for exploring West Penwith.
Every year, the people of Mousehole celebrate the bravery of Tom Bawcock. Years ago, when the boats couldn't get out in the storms, the villages had no fish to eat. Tom dared to take his boat out and returned with enough fish to make a Star Gazey fish pie for the whole village.
23rd of December, 2024
Each year, the people of Penzance celebrate the Winter Solstice with a festival of Cornish tradition, torch processions, and dancing through the streets. It's a truly wonderful celebration.
21st December 2024
Popular with visitors and locals alike, this exciting festival celebrates everything literary, including spoken, written, recited and sung word. Take part in the reading and writing discussions and activities and enjoy the many performances.
2nd - 6th July 2024
Spend New Year's Eve in St Ives for an unforgettable evening at the largest fancy dress party in the county. Ring in the New Year with an unbeatable fireworks display by the sea.
31st December 2024
Feast Day offers visitors the chance to witness, and even join in with, a centuries-old tradition. The Mayor 'Hurls the Silver Ball' into the crowd on the beach below. The one who returns the ball to the Guildhall steps by midday receives a silver coin.
5th February 2024
Golowan Festival is an annual arts event that celebrates local culture and community. This year the theme will be 'Back to the Future!
21st - 30th June 2024
Possibly the most well-known and popular Christmas Lights in the county, Moushole combines stunning displays against the backdrop of their gorgeous Cornish fishing harbour to bring real festive magic to all who visit at this special time of year. Read More >
December 2024
Growing in size and popularity, the St Ives Food Festival features top chefs, quality Cornish goods, sandcastle competitions for children and food demonstrations.
TBC 2025
The small Cornish fishing village of Porthleven hosts its annual Food & Music Festival every April and encorporates street performers, a range of local produce, Samba dancing, theatre, beer marquees, hip-hop dancers, fireworks, Cornish singing & much, much mmore...the list is endless!
26th - 28th April
Now becoming a sellout event, this festival keeps attracting more and more visitors who come to enjoy a wide range of acts, including music, theatre, poetry and visual arts.
14th - 28th September 2024
Join in the celebrations at this community led festival. The annual event celebrates the engineering and mining history of the Camborne area, and is dedicated to Richard Trevithick, pioneer of high pressure steam power & inventor of Road and Railway Locomotives.
27th April 2024
Roundhouse & Capstan Gallery
A unique circular gallery and converted netloft. It was originally used for housing a winch to haul boats up from the beach. Visit www.round-house.co.uk for more info.
Longships Lighthouse
The iconic Longships Lighthouse sits on Carn Bras, the biggest in a ribbon of jagged rocks just offshore. It appears curiously tall when seen from the road approaching Land's End. Just for a moment Longships seems to have landed at the holiday complex but it's all an illusion of topography. The galleon and helicopter might be set in cement in Land’s End square but the lighthouse is exactly where it should be, a mile off shore.
Land’s End:
Sennen Church is about a mile from the Land’s End Visitor Centre, where you can find Land’s End Hotel & restaurant, First & Last House, shops, cafe, exhibitions. It is famed for the signpost, at which you can have your photograph taken as one arm says Land’ End and the other your home town. There are weekly firework displays, special events and family entertainment. The best approach to the complex is via the coastal path, the sea views are magnificent. On an overcast day the visitor centre has much to occupy children.
Apple Tree Café, Trevescan
When self catering in Sennen, a place not to be missed is The Apple Tree Café at Trevescan, a left turn just before Land’s End. Home of Nick’s delicious home-made bread. It’s family friendly, amazing cakes, tea garden. A perfect place to meet before walking or after walking or probably before and after.
From the Apple Tree Cafe, you can walk into Land’s End; you can walk across the fields to the coastal path. All you need is the O/S Pathfinder or O/S Explorer 7 (Land’s End, Penzance and St Ives). If you can find one, get a copy of a book called ‘West of HayleRiver’ by Gerald and Sylvia Priestland. It is brim-full of walks, pictures and information about places and legends across the whole of West Penwith.
Farmers' Market
Every Tuesday, Sennen holds its very own farmers' market, perfect for stocking up on local produce when staying in a self catering cottage. Find out more on our blog: The Best Farmers’ Markets in West Cornwall
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