Church Cove, Cornwall

Church Cove tide times

Today's high tide times at Church Cove are 10:53 and 23:11. Tomorrow's high tide time is 13:09. (Data from 16 April 2024. Visit cornwall-tides.com for latest tide times). Sunrise is 06:05 and sunset is 20:19. All times have been adjusted for daylight saving where appropriate.

Today's high tide heights at Church Cove are 3.8m and 4.0m. Tomorrow's high tide height is 3.7m. The average high tide height at Church Cove is 4.8m. A quarter of high tides are less than 4.4m and a quarter of high tides are more than 5.1m.

Church Cove, located near the village of Gunwalloe on the Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall, England, is a stunningly beautiful spot steeped in history and legend. It is home to the remains of a medieval chapel, a place once of great religious importance, and is now a popular tourist destination.

Church Cove was once known as Porth Kea, and its name is derived from the ruined church of St Wynwallow which stands on the site. The church was built in the late 1200s, and much of the original structure still remains, with the northern wall and a few pieces of the original masonry still visible. The church served the local population until the early 1800s, when it was abandoned and fell into disrepair.

The cove itself is quite sheltered, with a long, wide beach and a steep, rocky cliff at one end. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and rock-pooling, and the views of the sea and the surrounding area are breathtaking. The cliffs are also popular with climbers, as they offer some of the best climbing routes in the area.

The myth and legend of Church Cove is also intriguing. According to local legend, the ruins of the church were once the site of a ritual where the local people would sacrifice a goat to the sea god, Mannanan. The ritual was said to be so powerful that it could control the weather and bring luck to fishermen. The legend also claims that a giant, three-headed dog can sometimes be seen guarding the chapel ruins, although no one is quite sure why.

The area around Church Cove is also a haven for wildlife, and there are a number of rare and endangered species of birds and marine creatures that can be found in the area. The nearby area of Lizard Point is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to a wide variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes.

Church Cove is a beautiful spot and is perfect for a day trip, whether you want to explore the ruins of the chapel or to simply enjoy the stunning views and the wildlife. It is a place of history, mystery and natural beauty, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

Please let us know if you have any feedback or suggestions!



April 2024

Church Cove tide times

Date Low tides High tides
Tue16
05:161.9m
17:432.2m
10:533.8m
23:114.0m
Wed17
06:342.1m
19:082.3m
—
13:093.7m
Thu18
08:362.0m
20:592.0m
01:294.0m
14:203.9m
Fri19
09:411.6m
21:571.6m
02:364.2m
15:134.2m
Sat20
10:261.2m
22:401.2m
03:264.5m
15:574.5m
Sun21
11:051.0m
23:191.0m
04:094.7m
16:354.7m
Mon22
11:400.8m
23:540.8m
04:484.9m
17:114.8m

All tide times have been adjusted for daylight saving where appropriate.

Tide times and heights for Church Cove are based on Porthleven.

Please see our Frequently asked questions for more information on how these tide tables are calculated. Not to be used for navigation purposes.



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Cornwall

Things to see and do near Church Cove

If you're planning a visit to Church Cove, you'll find that there are plenty of things to see and do in the surrounding area. Here are just a few ideas to help you make the most of your trip.

Please let us know if you have any feedback or suggestions!

  • Beach House Art - Check out the Beach House Blog for guides on pressing seaweed and more!
  • Visit the St. Winwaloe Church — Church Cove is home to the 12th-century St. Winwaloe Church, located right on the beach. It is a beautiful sight to behold and a great place to spend some time reflecting.
  • Explore the National Trust Tin Coast — The Tin Coast is an area of outstanding natural beauty and offers visitors the chance to explore the many fascinating sights and attractions. From the iconic Godrevy lighthouse to the wild flower meadows, there's plenty to discover and enjoy.
  • Take a Boat Trip to the Isles of Scilly — Just a short boat ride away from Church Cove lies the Isles of Scilly, an archipelago of beautiful islands. A boat trip to the Isles of Scilly is a must for anyone visiting Cornwall and the perfect way to end a day spent exploring the area.
  • Visit the Gunwalloe Fishing Cove — This small fishing village has been a part of Cornwall for centuries and is the perfect place to spend some time enjoying the local seafood. There are also plenty of other activities to enjoy such as coastal walks, birdwatching and seal spotting.
  • Go Surfing at Porthleven Beach — Porthleven is a great spot for surfing, with a number of surf schools and lessons available. The beach is also home to some of the best waves in the area, so it's a great place for any level of surfer to enjoy.
  • Take a Trip to Lizard Point — Lizard Point is the most southerly point of mainland Britain and just a short drive from Church Cove. It is renowned for its stunning views and is a great place to spend some time exploring.
  • Visit the Local Pubs and Restaurants — Church Cove is home to a number of great pubs and restaurants, making it the perfect place to enjoy some traditional Cornish food. Many of the pubs also serve locally brewed ales and ciders, so be sure to sample some of the local produce.
  • Enjoy a Walk Along the Coastal Path — The South West Coast Path runs right through Church Cove and offers some stunning views of the coastline. It's a great way to get some exercise and explore the area at the same time.
  • Take a Trip to the Minack Theatre — The Minack Theatre is a unique open-air theatre carved into the rocks of the cliffs. It's a great place to watch a show and take in the stunning views of the ocean.
  • Visit the Seal Sanctuary — The Seal Sanctuary is a great place to learn about seals and other marine wildlife, and also offers the chance to get up close and personal with the animals.
  • Check Out the Local Arts and Crafts — The area around Church Cove is home to a number of independent galleries and craft shops, offering the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique gifts or souvenirs.
  • Walk to Kynance Cove — Kynance Cove is located just a short walk away from Church Cove and is renowned for its stunning views and turquoise waters. It's a great place to spend some time exploring, and also to get some stunning photographs.
  • Learn About Local History at the Poldark Mine — Poldark Mine is a National Trust property located just a short drive away from Church Cove. It offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of mining in Cornwall and also explore the mine's tunnels and underground chambers.
  • Visit the Helston Railway — Helston Railway is a heritage railway located just a short drive from Church Cove. It's a great place to take a ride on a steam train and explore the surrounding countryside.
  • Take a Trip to Gweek — Gweek is a small village located a short drive away from Church Cove. It's a great place to explore, with a number of traditional pubs and restaurants, as well as a number of local attractions.

There are many things to see and do near Church Cove. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or outdoor activities, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy your time in the area!