Poldhu Cove Beach

Poldhu Cove Beach, on the west coast of the Lizard in Cornwall, is a sandy family beach with gentle waves and a historically significant clifftop site above: in 1901, Guglielmo Marconi transmitted the first transatlantic wireless signal from here to Newfoundland. The beach is soft sand sloping gently into the Atlantic, and the shallow water and gentle waves suit swimming, paddling and bodyboarding, particularly for families with young children.

There is a council pay and display car park near the beach, charged from 1 April to 31 October (9am to 5pm), and free outside those dates. Toilets are at the beach entrance, though they are only open in the summer season, and the seasonal Poldhu Beach Cafe sits at the edge of the beach.

Another notable aspect of Poldhu Cove’s rich past is its association with the inception of wireless communication. On the cliff above the beach, the Marconi Centre commemorates Guglielmo Marconi’s work here. It offers exhibits on wireless communication and Marconi’s work. It is run by volunteers from the Poldhu Amateur Radio Club, so check the centre’s website for opening times before making the trip.