Cornwall’s south coast: St Michael’s Mount to Fowey
The gentler side of Cornwall: a tidal island, the Lizard’s coves and cliffs, Falmouth’s castle, fishing harbours and the Eden Project.
- Distance
- 122 km (76 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 41 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Updated
- June 14, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 122 km (76 mi) with 9 stops, from Penzance to Fowey. About 1 h 41 min of driving in total.
More road trips in United Kingdom
Route description
St Michael’s Mount is five minutes east of Penzance at Marazion. Check the tide table before you go: at low tide you walk the causeway, at high tide small boats ferry you across. From Marazion take the A394 towards Helston, then the A3083 south onto the Lizard peninsula, a flat plateau of heath where the road runs straight almost to the tip.
Kynance Cove is signposted off the A3083 just before Lizard village. The National Trust car park sits on the clifftop and a steep path leads down to the sand; come at low tide, when the beach and islands are fully exposed. Lizard Point, the southernmost tip of mainland Britain, is two kilometres further on, with a lighthouse and the coast path running east towards Cadgwith.
Return to Helston and take the A394 to Falmouth, whose deep natural harbour is guarded by Pendennis Castle on the headland. To reach the Roseland peninsula and Mevagissey, cross the Fal on the King Harry chain ferry (toll), which carries cars in a few minutes. Mevagissey is a working fishing harbour with very narrow streets; use the car park at the top of the village.
The Eden Project is 20 minutes north near St Austell, with large car parks and biomes that take at least half a day. Finish in Fowey, a pretty estuary town. Lanes in this part of Cornwall are narrow with high hedges and few passing places, so motorhomes should stick to A roads where possible and park at the edge of towns. Summer traffic is heavy; early starts pay off.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Penzance
United Kingdom - 25 km
St Michael’s Mount
HistoryMarazion, United KingdomA tidal island crowned by a castle and chapel, reached on foot along a causeway at low tide or by small boat when the tide is in. Park in Marazion and book castle tickets online in summer.
- 330 km
Kynance Cove
NatureThe Lizard, United KingdomTurquoise water, white sand and islands of dark serpentine rock on the west side of the Lizard peninsula. The National Trust clifftop car park fills early, and most of the beach disappears at high tide.
- 43 km
Lizard Point
ViewsThe Lizard, United KingdomThe most southerly point of mainland Britain, with a lighthouse, seals on the rocks and choughs on the cliffs. Park in Lizard village or at the National Trust car park near the point and follow the coast path.
- 530 km
Falmouth
United Kingdom - 62 km
Pendennis Castle
HistoryFalmouth, United KingdomA round artillery fort built for Henry VIII in the 1540s on the headland guarding Falmouth harbour. English Heritage runs it and charges entry; there is parking on the headland with views over the Fal estuary.
- 729 km
Mevagissey
United Kingdom - 813 km
Eden Project
OdditiesBodelva, United KingdomGiant geodesic biomes holding rainforest and Mediterranean plants inside a former china clay pit near St Austell. Tickets are cheaper online, and the large car parks are signposted from the A390 and A391.
- 910 km
Fowey
United Kingdom
FAQs
How long is Cornwall’s south coast: St Michael’s Mount to Fowey?
3-day road trip of about 122 km (76 mi) with 9 stops, from Penzance to Fowey. About 1 h 41 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Cornwall’s south coast: St Michael’s Mount to Fowey?
We suggest 3 days: about 1 h 41 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Cornwall’s south coast: St Michael’s Mount to Fowey start and end?
It starts in Penzance and ends in Fowey.
Which countries does Cornwall’s south coast: St Michael’s Mount to Fowey pass through?
United Kingdom.
