Â鶹APP

The Lizard Peninsula is the most southern part of the UK, standing out for its unique geology and rock formations. Its rugged, rocky coastline is believed to contain rock which dates to over 500 million years old! Almost an island of its own, the Lizard Peninsula is an impressive rocky headland surrounded by ocean on three of its sides with the Helford River to the North.

Situated on the South West Coast Path, it is a popular spot for walkers who come to marvel at its beauty as they enjoy a spot of adventure during their Cornwall short breaks. Here are 10 interesting facts about the lizard Peninsular 

1. Its Home to the UK’s Most Southerly Lighthouse

Cove by Lizard Poin By IDS.photos from Tiverton, UK –

As the most southerly point in the UK, it comes as little surprise that it also boasts the UK’s most southerly lighthouse.

Previous to the lighthouse’s construction in 1752, the coast of the Lizard was a dangerous area for ships and was titled the ‘Graveyard of Ships’. It is now home to the Lizard Lifeboat Station

2. Best Preserved Exposed Ophiolite in the UK

One area of geological interest at the Lizard Peninsula is the ophiolite. The Lizard Peninsula is named as UK’s best-preserved source of exposed ophiolite.

An ophiolite is a unique form of rock formation which is produced from the Earth’s oceanic crust pushed onto the continental crust. It is often green in colour. They mostly include:

• The serpentinites
• The ‘oceanic complex’
• The metamorphic basement

3. It’s Mainland Britain’s Largest Outcrop of Serpentine

Lizard Peninsula , Coastline By Kalivon Gall –

The Lizard Peninsula is mainland Britain’s most significant outcrop of the rock which is distinctively Serpentine. It’s striking appearance was reportedly favored by Queen Victoria which heightened the industry in the 19th-century.

4. It’s an Area of Outstanding Beauty

This natural beauty is supplemented by the many famous gardens which lie within easy reach of Colvennor. From the gorgeous serpentines to the flora and fauna, the lizard peninsular truly gives a full circle of beauty.

5. The Origins of Its Name is Not What You Assume

The name ‘Lizard’ is unfortunately not derive from mystical origins nor the Serpentine rock which the area is renowned for.

The roots of its name are relatively ambivalent. One proposal is that it comes from the Cornish term ‘Lys Ardh’ which means ‘high court’ or fortress. It is also said to be derived from another Cornish word ‘lezou’ which is translated to ‘headland’.

6. A Great Spot for Diving.

Lizard Peninsula Lighthouse By Kalivon Gall –

The water around the Lizard is some of the clearest to be found in Cornwall. Moreover, the eastern coast has relative shelter making it a great spot for diving. In addition, there is abundance of sea life in these Cornish waters making it great for scuba diving and  snorkeling.

Visibility is generally pretty good off the Lizard at around 30 meters on a good day. From shallow reefs to impressive drop offs the rocky sea floor here has some excellent sites. 

7. The Lizard Peninsula is well known for its wildlife

Peninsula Mole skink By USGS –

The Lizard is one of the best places in Cornwall for seeing some wildlife, particularly marine life. From seals, dolphins and even the odd whale you can catch them off the shore. The National Trust has a great watchpoint with volunteers to help you spot the range of marine visitors, along with a huge variety of sea birds that pass this point on their travels up the English Channel. 

Also keen bird watchers will want to keep a sharp eye out this iconic red-billed bird. Peregrine falcons are also fairly common and make for some spectacular watching if you can catch one in flight. These fast flyers can be hard to spot, so packing a pair of binoculars will give you the best chance of seeing them in action.

8. It has the best beaches.

The Lizard Peninsula has endless offerings if you’re on the hunt for a good beach. Surrounded by water on three sides, there are wide sandy options popular with surfers and sunbathers, and smaller coves tucked into the coastline.

One of the most well-known popular places is Kynance Cove, where cliffs and sand meet. There are many beautiful beaches that one can visit and bask.

9. It has received many rewards and accolades

The Lizard Peninsula has received many awards and is largely recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). In addition, it has as well provided eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest. These awards and sites are specifically bestowed to protect the geology and wildlife of the area.

The Lizard Peninsula is cared for and under the ownership of a variety of organisations including the National Trust, Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Natural England. Off land, the surrounding ocean at the Manacles has been awarded as a Marine Conservation Zone which is rich in marine biodiversity