Sunsets in Cornwall

Catch the fiery colours that light up the sea and sky in October on the Cornish coast

Sennen Cove: The most westerly village in Cornwall with a pearly-white sandy beach, Sennen is a natural choice for sunset watching. Find a spot above the beach, throw some picnics blankets down and watch as the sky explodes in a roar of rusty reds and burnt orange hues. Topped off with a steaming flask of hot tea (or glass of fizz if you’re feeling romantic), nothing could be better.

St Michael’s Mount: Drink in the fiery sunsets that West Cornwall is so famous for from our very own St Michael’s Mount. Whether you are atop the Mount or standing jaw-agape from the shore as effulgent rays of light stream around the castle’s regal frame, this is truly the most magical setting for bidding farewell to the day.

Land’s End: Mainland England’s most westerly point, Land’s End has to be one of the most well-known sunset spots in the whole of England. A particularly good time to catch these blazing beauties is around June, when a shaft of light from the setting sun momentarily casts a glimmering trail right through the middle of the archway of ‘Enys Dodman’ rock.

Cape Cornwall: Forming part of the Tin Coast and Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, Cape Cornwall not only boasts rich historical and cultural pedigree but is also one of the top places to watch a sunset in Cornwall. Offering awe-inspiring panoramas over land and sea, this distinctive headland in St Just beckons onlookers to cuddle up and watch shards of gorse, apricot and saffron tones paint the horizon.

Jubilee Pool: A great sunset-watching location with a twist, the Jubilee Pool in Penzance provides a much more immersive experience. With varied opening hours throughout the year, bathe in the fresh, safe seawater of the Art Deco pool and watch the blues of the day give way to multi-coloured streaks thrown across the sky.

The Minack Theatre: One of the most iconic settings in the country, sunsets don’t come much more special than at the Minack Theatre. Watch a performance with a spectacular sunset backdrop or simply pull up a pew when the crowds have dispersed to watch the almighty beauty of Mother Nature take centre stage.

Porthmeor Beach: Famed by artists world-over for its natural light, St Ives is an obvious choice for sunset watching in West Cornwall. Hunker down on the powder-fine sands and see out the day in style, before heading into the beating heart of the town and treating yourself to warming tipple in one of the many bars and pubs.

Praa Sands: Another jewel in West Cornwall’s crown, Praa Sands is a superb location for catching the last of the day’s sun. Stretching for over a mile between Hoe Point in the west and Rinsey Head in the east, the wide horizon lends itself perfectly to taking in the sunset as the sun droops beyond the glittering sea.

Zennor Head: Head to Zennor Head for a final golden hurrah. A jagged, 750-metre long finger of rock sticking out into the sea, it’s not hard to fall in love with the area’s untouched natural beauty and, of course, in-built vantage point for sunset chasing. Bundle up some blankets and a picnic hamper and walk out to the point to catch the show.

Trencrom Hill: One of the highest hills in West Cornwall, Trencrom Hill stands at 175m high. For a truly unforgettable sunset experience, walk to the top of the hill and take in the beautiful far-reaching views across the landscape and towards the sea. From pre-historic archaeology and history to wildlife spotting to the sun burning in a final blaze of glory, it ticks every box.