Cape Cornwall
Cape Prominent coastal headland in Cornwall with mining history
Perched on Cornwall’s Atlantic coast, Cape Cornwall contains a disused engine house and mining remains along the South West Coast Path. Visitors come for coastal walking, seabird watching and raw sea views from nearby St Just.
Cape Cornwall is a rocky headland on the Cornish coast of southwest England, notable for its exposed promontory and remnants of local mining infrastructure. It lies on a prominent stretch of coastline and has visible ruins related to 19th-century mining.
The headland offers coastal walking and sea views along the Atlantic-facing cliffs; the engine house ruin is a frequent focal point for visitors photographing the shoreline. Paths along the cliff edge connect to nearby lanes and small coastal settlements.
Historically the site was associated with local tin and copper mining during the 19th century, leaving engine houses and workings on the headland. Over time the area transitioned from industrial use to recreation and conservation of coastal landscape features.
The cape sits on the western tip of Cornwall on the Atlantic coast of England, projecting into the sea and forming part of the rugged Cornish shoreline. It is accessible from nearby coastal villages and lanes.
- Mining remains: A 19th-century engine house from local mining activity is a conspicuous ruin on the headland and is often photographed from the coast.
How to Get to Cape Cornwall #
Cape Cornwall is on the Penwith peninsula and is reached by local roads off the B3306 coast road that links St Ives and St Just. The cape is a short drive from the village of St Just and has roadside parking with a brief coastal walk to the headland.
The nearest larger town is Penzance, a short drive inland; follow local signage on the B3306 toward St Just/Cape Cornwall.
Tips for Visiting Cape Cornwall #
- Visit Cape Cornwall later in the afternoon for the best light on the headland and a quieter experience outside the main midday tourist flow in summer.
- Approach via the B3306 car park near the hamlet of Cape Cornwall to avoid long walks from farther parking; once parked follow the marked footpaths to the headland rather than taking unofficial routes across the cliffs.
- Many visitors focus on the coastal view but miss the historic engine-house remains and information panels near the car park - stop there for context about the area's mining past before walking out to the tip.
Best Time to Visit Cape Cornwall #
Aim for late spring to summer (May-September) for the mildest, sunniest conditions for coastal walking and views.
Weather & Climate near Cape Cornwall #
Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1058 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (131 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (127 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
