Guide to Bossiney Cove

Guide to Bossiney Cove

Here at OA Surf Club, surfing is only part of what we do! We also run coasteering sessions at the iconic Bossiney Cove. A picturesque, secluded little beach near Tintagel- Bossiney Cove boasts rugged cliffs surrounding the cove, crystal clear waters and abundant wildlife.

Bossiney Cove isn't just ideal for exploring the coastline, it's a stunning place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Kernow.

Here is OA Surf Club's guide to everything you need to know about Bossiney Cove!

Access

There is parking available above the cove at (PL34 0AY) Bossiney Cove car park, for just £1 which can be paid via the honesty box at the car park entrance. Camping is also available in this carpark for self-contained campers only (no tents!) for just £5, however the farmer must be paid in cash before 7pm as the gate is locked at that time. Find out more here.

From the carpark you can walk down to Bossiney Cove, however it is worth mentioning that access is via a field containing livestock, followed by a rocky dirt track with steep stairs leading down the side of the cliff. Therefore it is not advisable for those with limited mobility as the descent can be quite tricky, especially if the ground is wet! Families with small children and/ or dogs should also take care as much of the path is unbarriyred, making slips and falls a real hazard.

Facilities

Next to the carpark you can find public toilets that are accessible to the public. There is also Bossiney Tea Room, which is open from 10am daily except Wednesdays, over the road. However, the toilets in the cafe are for paying customers only.

Bossiney Tea Room is a great option for a quiet cuppa when visiting Bossiney, and during the summer months  (from around Easter holidays to end of summer/ start of Autumn) you can find the Proper Vintage ice cream van in the car park- with exquisite vegan ice cream options available as well as traditional!

Activities at Bossiney

Bossiney Cove is incredibly protected due to its positioning, meaning it often stays well sheltered from incoming westerly swell and wind. However despite its crystal clear water and white sand, Bossiney is not a recommended swimming spot. When the swell comes in the right direction, Bossiney is incredibly rippy. Also, Bossiney is not a lifeguarded beach at any point during the season, so swimming here must be done at visitor's own peril. If you do plan to swim here, be sure not to go alone, however it is also worth noting that Emergancy access to the beach is only available via air- so think hard about the conditions and your own water abilities before taking a dip here.

Aside from swimming and relaxing on the sand- you can also Coasteer at Bossiney! Coasteering involves a combination of swimming, scrambling and jumping off rocks into the sea. Here at OA Surf Club, we have been operating Coasteering sessions at Bossiney for around twenty years- so you can be sure that you'll be in safe and experienced hands trying out Coasteering with OA!

Bossiney Cove is not a surfing spot, for surfing you can check out Widemouth Bay.

Benoath Cove

At High tide, there are actually two separate beaches at Bossiney. Bossiney Cove is to the South,  and to the North side you can find Benoath Cove. During the low tide, the two beaches are accessible from one to the other via the sand, becoming 'Bossiney Haven'. It is important if you are enjoying both beaches to be mindful of where the tide is at so that you don't get caught out by the rising tide between the two.

Access to Benoath is similar to Bossiney in that it's not access friendly- it involves a steep walk down a dirt track that becomes quite slippy when wet. Furthermore access at the beach is incredibly steep and a rope is required to descend the rocks. Therefore caution is advised if exploring Benoath, particularly solo.

Wildlife

Around Bossiney Cove you will find abundant wildlife- particularly in the form of limpets and muscles on the rocks covered the cove. Furthermore, the secluded nature of Bossiney makes it idyllic for numerous creatures to call home such as sea birds, fish and seals.

It is important that if you are visiting Bossiney, you respect the local marine life and fauna. Seaweed makes up an essential part of the ecosystem- providing nutrition and shelter for numerous animals, so be sure to avoid disturbing, destroying or polluting the abundant clumps found in and around the water.

Furthermore, if you are fortunate enough to find yourself face-to-face with other animals, particularly seals (who sometimes raise their pups around these areas), it's important that you maintain a respectful distance, be quiet and calm, and avoid distressing the animals in any way.

Occasionally, due to environmental factors or human interference, animals will become stranded on the beach. If this happens, you can contact the Marine Strandings Network for advice and assistance in aiding the animal. Never try to relocate marine creatures on your own, especially without correct experience/ resources, as this is dangerous for both you and the animal.

To conclude

Bossiney Cove is a stunning location to enjoy the natural wonder and beauty of Cornwall. However, part of its charm and allure is the rugged view of the coastline it offers, making it less accessible than other locations in the area.

If you do plan to visit Bossiney- it's important to stay safe when accessing and enjoying the beach. Also, being an ally to the local wildlife and environment goes a long way in ensuring the natural beauty of the cove is preserved for others to enjoy.