Legend has it that in the year 1099, the lush, prosperous, and mythical land of Lyonesse was swallowed up into the sea, leaving only one survivor, Trevelyan, who rode away on a white horse after saving his family. For hundreds of years, sailors said that in certain conditions, the bells of the churches of Lyonesse could be heard ringing underneath the waves.
Further legend says that Lands End was the entrance to the magical place where King Arthur fought his final battle.
Charles Dickens himself is said to have marveled at the sunset looking onto the Atlantic from the western-most point in England, 200 feet above the waves crashing into the rocks at the bottom of the cliffs below. Of course, this place is much different today than it was then, but it is no less magical.
Lands End is one of the most dramatic places in all of England, and it is one of the must-see destinations in Cornwall. It is the site of the famous Lands End signpost, which sits near the edge of the cliffs and points in various directions to the far corners of the world.
In addition to the striking location, however, this place has a number of attractions to offer for the whole family, from enjoying the amazing view at the Lands End Hotel and Restaurant to the Lands End Visitor Centre which is packed with fun, to taking enjoying the food, atmosphere, and maybe even some live music at the First and Last Inn.
The First and Last Inn, particularly, has a colorful history. Since the 1600’s it has housed travelers of all sorts, including smugglers and other unsavory characters, although today it is a friendly establishment where one need not worry about having an altercation with a pirate!
The Lands End Visitor Centre has an enormous amount of attractions. The Greeb Farm is an animal farm that has been restored to what it would have been roughly two centuries ago. Visitors can see goats, pigs, ferrets, and even miniature ponies. The animals can be fed and petted at specific times of the day.
Also in store are a 3D adventure film and a film documenting the bravery of the Air Sea Rescue Services, which has left many a viewer stunned and moved? Additionally, visitors can experience The Coast, an interactive presentation by the BBC. And then, of course, there is the famous signpost, which can’t be missed.
The Visitor Centre has many adventures to offer, from Return to the Last Labyrinth to the Dollar Cove Suspension Bridge, and much, much more.
Access to this destination is a breeze, with a number of different ways of getting there.
The nearest town is Penzance, approximately 9 miles to the east. Travelers can take the road directly from Penzance, or they can take the coastal route from St. Ives. There is also a daily bus from Penzance that operates year round except on Sundays during the winter.
Lands End is the middle point of the Cornish Coastal Footpath, which is the lengthiest walking path in all of Britain, covering more than 500 miles. This path offers breath-taking views and that are well worth the effort. However, its challenges are enjoyable and safe, but must be taken seriously. Part of the beauty to behold comes from the dramatic location of the path-sometimes right on the edges of the cliffs!
Lands End isn’t only accessible by foot, bus, or car, though. This place can be reached by bicycle by riding along the National Cycle Network’s National Route 3. The route acts as a connection between End and Bristol. It goes through St. Austell, Bude, and a number of other wonderful stops along the way. And of course, there is rail access to the train station in Penzance.
This place isn’t only a destination, though; it is also a point of departure. The Isles of Scilly sit off the coast 28 miles, and then Lands End Airport provides air access to the beautiful, tiny islands, only five of which are populated. There are almost a hundred islands, though, and this is definitely an adventure to be had if your pocketbook can handle the cost.
While some of the specific attractions in the Visitor’s Centre do have a cost, going to the coast itself is always free. There is always parking available, as well as discounted parking for those who are not going to any of the attractions. Lands End is one of the locations not only in Cornwall but also in all of Britain that must be near the top of any traveler’s itinerary.