HELSTON and the Lizard Peninsula 11 miles/19 mins. & 19 miles/30 mins. (Bus, Car, Cycle)
The Lizard Peninsula is the most southerly point in Britain, huge cliffs and rocky outcrops dominate the peninsular.
You can visit the old lifeboat station where rescuers took to the high seas through perilous rocks, currents and swells, risking their own lives to save others. Some of those saved are listed on the outside of the station. In 1907 the largest ever rescue in UK maritime history was undertaken just off the Peninsula when the SS Suevic was wrecked. The Lizard lifeboat was one of 3 local lifeboats who rescued 456 of the 524 crew and passengers. The station closed in 1961 and services transferred to a better launching point further up the coast.
The coastal path also winds it’s way passed a collapsed cave called ‘Lions Den’ – a place for climbing enthusiasts, and on to the Lizard Wireless Station, the oldest Marconi station in the world to survive in its original state. Recently restored by the National Trust, it looks as it did in 1901. In 1900 Guglielmo Marconi stayed the Housel Bay Hotel in his quest to locate a coastal radio station to receive signals from ships equipped with his apparatus.
The Lloyds Signal Station is next along the coast is where Lloyds employees used to contact city underwriters that one of their ships had safely reached the England.
Other places to visit on the Lizard Peninsula are:
* Flambards Theme Park, Helston
* Goonhilly Satellite Earth Station, Helston
* National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek
* Godolphin House, Helston
* Poldark Mine & Heritage Centre, Helston
* Flora Day, Helston (8th May)
* Trebah Garden, Mawnan Smith
* RNAS Culdrose Air Day, Helston (July or August)