Lamorna Cove is a picturesque and serene inlet located on the southwestern coast of Cornwall, England. It is nestled within a narrow and deeply wooded valley that opens out to the English Channel, providing a sheltered and intimate setting for visitors and locals alike. The cove is known for its natural beauty, with clear turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and a pebble beach that is popular for sunbathing and swimming during the warmer months. The area is surrounded by lush vegetation and the steep slopes are covered with a variety of flora, including wildflowers in the spring and early summer.

The cove has a rich history of fishing and mining, with the name "Lamorna" thought to derive from the Cornish words for "loving" or "fishing cove." In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a favorite haunt of artists, including the Lamorna Group, who were drawn to the dramatic light and stunning landscapes. The cove's tranquil environment and scenic beauty inspired many of their works, contributing to the area's artistic heritage.

Today, Lamorna is a tranquil destination that offers a range of activities. It is a popular spot for boat trips, with kayaks and small vessels often seen navigating the waters. Fishing is still a common pastime, with the cove's clear waters teeming with marine life. The nearby coastline provides excellent opportunities for walking and exploring, with the South West Coast Path passing through the area, offering stunning views of the coast and access to other nearby coves and beaches.

Lamorna Cove - a peaceful retreat from the busy world

The cove is also a haven for wildlife, with seals and a variety of seabirds often spotted in the waters, and the surrounding cliffs serving as a breeding ground for species such as fulmars, kittiwakes, and guillemots. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, the beach is perfect for picnics and sunbathing, while the local cafes and pubs offer a place to unwind and enjoy refreshments.

Lamorna Cove has a mild climate due to its southerly location, making it a pleasant place to visit throughout the year. However, it is important to note that the cove can be accessed via a narrow, steep, and winding lane, which may be challenging for larger vehicles. The car park is small, so during peak season, it is advisable to arrive early or use public transportation to avoid congestion.

The area is steeped in legend and folklore, with tales of smuggling and pirates adding to its allure. The cove's peaceful atmosphere belies its storied past, offering a unique blend of history, nature, and artistic inspiration that continues to attract visitors from all over the world. Whether you are seeking a quiet escape or an adventurous exploration of the Cornish coast, Lamorna Cove is a must-see destination that is sure to capture your heart.

Lamorna and surroundings

The Merry Maidens stone circle

The Merry Maidens is a Bronze Age stone circle located in the Lamorna area of West Cornwall, England. It is one of the best-preserved and most accessible stone circles in the region, and is part of a rich archaeological landscape that includes several other prehistoric monuments. The circle is also known as the Dawnseys Circle or the Penwith Circle.

The stone circle consists of 19 granite boulders, each approximately 1.5 meters in height, arranged in a roughly circular pattern with a diameter of about 27.5 meters. The stones are closely spaced, with only narrow gaps between them, and are laid flat on the ground. The stones are not uniform in size or shape, which is typical of stone circles from this period. The largest stone, which is missing from the circle, is said to have been the "piper" that played the tune that made the maidens dance into their stony forms, according to local legend.

The stones are arranged in a way that suggests astronomical alignments, with the circle possibly being used for ceremonial and religious purposes. It is thought to have been built around 2000-1800 BCE, making it approximately 4,000 years old.

The name "Merry Maidens" comes from a local folk tale that tells of 19 maidens who were turned to stone by a local wizard or the Devil for dancing on a Sunday. The story also includes a fiddler stone, which was said to be the instrument used by the musician who played for the maidens. This stone is located nearby, outside the circle.

The site is surrounded by a low earthwork bank and ditch, known as a "ditch and bank" or "embanked circle," which would have originally been more prominent and could have served to delineate the sacred space from the surrounding area.

The Merry Maidens stone circle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, meaning it is a nationally important historic site and is protected by law. It is open to the public and managed by the Cornwall Heritage Trust. Visitors can walk among the stones and experience the sense of history and mystery that these ancient structures often evoke. The circle is situated in a picturesque setting with views over the surrounding countryside and the sea, making it a popular destination for tourists and those interested in prehistoric Britain.

The stunning coastal path - from Lamorna Cove you can walk east to Mousehole, Newlyn and Penzance. Going west takes you to Poldark's Penberth and then Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre.

This small village was a favourite haunt for many artists including Dame Laura Knight. Hannah Gluckstein (Gluck) moved to Dolphin Cottage in the 1950's and it was her home for many years.

Hannah Gluckstein, known as Gluck, was a prominent British painter who lived in Lamorna, Cornwall, during part of her life. Gluck moved to Lamorna, a picturesque coastal village in Cornwall, England, in the 1920s. She was part of the Lamorna Group of artists, which was active during this period. Gluck's partner in Lamorna was Nesta Obermer, a British socialite and art collector. They lived together in a cottage named "The Blue Studio" in the village. In Lamorna, Gluck was known for her modernist and androgynous portraits, landscapes, and still lifes. She painted in oil and was influenced by the Post-Impressionist movement and the works of contemporaries such as Claude Monet and John Singer Sargent.One of Gluck's most famous portraits from her time in Lamorna is "Medallion" (1937), which features her lover and muse, Nesta Obermer.

Lamorna Cove has a small beach at low tide. The beach is a picturesque and relatively secluded, nestled within the stunning Lamorna Cove, which is part of the larger Penwith peninsula. The cove is known for its natural beauty, including clear turquoise waters, rocky outcrops, and lush vegetation that tumbles down to the shoreline. There is a café as well as the local pub - the Lamorna Wink.

Explore - Lands End, The Minack Theatre, Sennen Cove, St Michael's Mount, St Ives, Porthcurno, Mousehole and many ancient sites.

Penzance and Newlyn are a 15 minute drive. The Lost Gardens of Heligan and The Eden Project are easily accessible from here.

If you are looking for sea and surf, or creative inspiration, or are just longing to walk and walk in nature, breathing fresh clean air…. you will find something here to touch your heart.

"The sky is a bowl" Gluck