Cape Cornwall Cape

Hours: Open year-round

Admission: Free (open access)

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.

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.

• 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.