Mullion Cove

Mullion Cove is a National Trust spot which has a picturesque working harbour with its solid sea walls. Storm-watching is quite an event to behold when the white foam of the waves splash over the harbour walls. Beside the harbour, below the south harbour wall, is a secret small, west-facing sandy beach (mostly covered at high tide) with a wonderful cave to explore, and jagged serpentine cliffs to provide a perfect backdrop. Here’s everything you need to know…

MULLION WEATHER

Beach overview

Sheltered by handsome stone piers and overlooked by rugged cliffs and Mullion Island, Mullion Cove is a small, atmospheric harbour with a pocket of sand at low tide. On calm mornings it’s a tranquil place for paddling and rockpooling; when the Atlantic wakes up, waves crash against the harbour walls and storm‑watching becomes the attraction. For classic, larger sandy beaches, nearby Polurrian Cove and Poldhu Cove are the local favourites.

Lifeguards & Safety

There is no RNLI lifeguard service at Mullion Cove — treat it as an unpatrolled harbour environment. Expect tidal surges near the entrance, slippery steps and surge over the quays in rough weather. Keep any dips parallel to shore and within your depth, steer well clear of the harbour mouth and working craft, and avoid inflatables. For a lifeguarded beach choose nearby Poldhu.

Surf & watersports

This is not a surf beach. On settled, light‑wind days, confident swimmers enjoy short sea dips inside the shelter of the walls; SUP/kayak potters should only launch when calm, away from slipways and boat lanes, and give the harbour entrance an extremely wide berth. For surf lessons and consistent waves, head to Poldhu or Polurrian.

Tide tips: Low tide reveals the small sandy pocket and rockpools; by high tide the beach is covered and access narrows to steps and slipways. Plan visits around a falling or low tide if you want time on the sand.

Dog Rules

Dogs are welcome all year round at Mullion Cove, on the beach when the tide is out and along the harbour wall when it’s safe to do so.

Facilities & Accessibility

Parking is limited at the harbour with additional spaces in village car parks up the hill (allow time for the walk down). There are public toilets near the harbour in season, and bear in mind that access to the shore is via slopes, cobbles and steps; uneven ground and the harbour ladders make it unsuitable for wheelchairs or buggies.

Coast Path & Nearby Walks

Mullion sits on the South West Coast Path with fabulous options both ways. Walk north to Polurrian Cove for golden sand and rolling headlands, or south towards Predannack and on to Kynance Cove for world‑class turquoise inlets and serpentine cliffs. Short loops over the piers and viewpoints above the harbour are perfect for golden‑hour photos of Mullion Island.

Places to eat nearby

Harbourside spots serve coffee, cakes and light lunches in season. Up on the clifftop, the Polurrian Hotel’s Restaurant offers sea‑view dining and sundowners, while Mullion village adds pubs, cafés and takeaways for relaxed suppers after a coastal walk.

Rainy‑Day Options

When the weather turns, visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary at Gweek for indoor exhibits and sheltered viewing. Helston’s Museum of Cornish Life is another good bet for a couple of hours under cover.