Intro
There’s little at Lamorna Cove apart from a small café. Picturesque Mousehole is the nearest village and a five minute drive away.
Best picnic spot
The Merry Maidens stone circle is Lamorna’s very own mini Stonehenge (leaving The Cove, turn left onto the main road and it’s half a mile down, in a field on the left). Legend has it that maidens dancing on the Sabbath were turned to stone.
Best beaches
Lamorna Cove has a smuggler's pile of rocks to clamber over but no sandy stretches to sun yourself on. Head for the white sands of Porthcurno's National Trust beach – voted one of the world’s top 50 beaches by The Independent. It’s just five miles to your left, as you leave The Cove.
Best walks
Take the stunning two-mile cliff walk to Mousehole – left from Lamorna Cove. (Warning: it’s rocky and not so kiddy-friendly). Alternatively, go down to Lamorna Cove and head right towards Penbarth; when the tide goes out you’ll discover the pools of water where local Newlyn artists used to hang out naked.
Shopping
For self-catering supplies, Penzance is a 20-minute drive away and has a Tesco on Bramwell Lane; the perfect stop-off shop if you’re arriving via the A30 (Tuesday to Friday: open 24 hours; Monday: 8am–12am; Saturday: open until 10pm; Sunday: 10am–4pm.) Also in Penzance is a Co-op on Market Jew Street (Monday to Saturday: 8am–10pm; Sunday: 10am–4pm) and Threshers on Market Place (Monday to Saturday: 9am–10pm; Sunday: 12pm–10pm).
Activities
The open-air amphitheatre at Minack Theatre in Porthcurno is THE must-tick (+44 (0)1736 810181; www.minack.com). Built into the rocks, waves crash dramatically behind the set as you sit facing the sea. (Locals' tip: pack a picnic hamper for a sunset play.) There’s also a great little clifftop café, worth a visit even if you’re not watching a performance. The Lost Gardens of Heligan (www.heligan.com) are a 45-minute drive away: think Kew Gardens, then double it. Sennen beach is Cornwall's famous surfing spot. Fly by helicopter from the Penzance Heliport to the Isles of Scilly (+44(0)1736 363871, www.islesofscillyhelicopter.com).
Smith Tip
Fool people you’re Cornish with this local locution:
‘Kernow’ = Cornwall
‘Mouzel’ = Mousehole
‘Wazzon’ = How are you, what are you up to?’
‘Proper job’ = No problem
'Emmets' = Tourists
