Church Cove

BeachCornwall Council🐾 Seasonal daytime dog ban

Small sandy cove on the Lizard peninsula beside the ruined St Winwaloe church, popular with swimmers and rock-pool visitors, with rocky ground either side good for bass and wrasse.

📍 View on the map

Beach & safety

Water quality: Excellent

Lifeguard: No RNLI lifeguard cover

Hazards: Rocky outcrops either side of the sand; No lifeguard cover; Steep coast path access

Amenities: Small car park (National Trust, chargeable) · Seasonal cafe/kiosk nearby · Toilets at car park

Dogs

Cornwall Council's beach PSPO prohibits dogs at Church Cove, Gunwalloe between 10am and 6pm from 1 July to 31 August. Outside these dates/hours dogs are permitted.

Official source: View the rule at source →

Family

Sheltered sandy cove, shallow at low tide, popular for swimming, but a steep access path and limited parking mean it's quieter than nearby Poldhu.

Fishing

Exact fishing evidence found for the Gunwalloe/Dollar Cove rough-ground mark does not automatically apply to Church Cove's family beach. Keep species and tactics unverified here.

Crabbing

unknown — No stable family crabbing edge was verified.

Access & parking

Coast path/steps down from the National Trust car park at Gunwalloe; steep in places. Sat-nav: TR12 7QE. Get directions →

Researched 2026-07-24 — sources & disclaimer

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment/animal-welfare-and-enforcement/dogs-on-beaches/

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/bathing-waters-in-england-compliance-reports/bathing-water-classifications-2025

https://www.southwestwater.co.uk/church-cove

https://www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do/beaches/gunwalloe-church-cove-beach

https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches/gunwalloe-beach

Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.