Sunset chasing, Cornwall style

Mother Nature constantly amazes with her spectacular displays of beauty, but you’d be hard pushed to find anything more spectacular than a sunset. And in the far west of Cornwall, you’re in the best place to watch them in some of the most gorgeous locations so make sure to spend at least one evening watching this astonishing performance.

Obviously, you’ll need a clear evening to catch a sunset (although a few wispy, fluffy clouds are perfect too), but it needn’t be summer either, when you’ll have to stay up later to witness them (well, late for little ones anyway!). Spring and particularly autumn offer excellent opportunities, and chances are the light will be clearer and crisper.

But where to go? West is best, obviously. For me, Cape Cornwall is one of the most dramatic locations; stuck out to sea with its majestic brick tower, it makes for an epic setting, watching the colours of the surrounding cliffs deepen and glow under the rays of the setting sun.

There’s a National Trust car park nearby, and then it’s a short, sometimes steep climb up to the point. From here you have uninterrupted sea views and over The Brisons, a rocky outcrop. Make sure to look at the little ruined church of St Helen’s Oratory, the remains of which date back to the medieval times.

If you want a sunset but a bit of culture too, head to the Minack Theatre, the famed outdoor theatre set in the rocks overlooking Porthcurno Beach. During the summer months, many plays and shows are performed here. Last year, I was lucky enough to watch The Fisherman’s Friends perform live there – it was an amazing, unforgettable experience.

Another gorgeous spot is slightly further up the coast, a testament to Cornwall’s past – the breath-taking Botallack Mine. Clinging to the cliffs, its impressive now-silent buildings reach out to sea, making this the perfect setting for sunset watching.

You might recognise it from its appearances on the BBC’s recent version of Poldark. Make sure you give yourself enough time to walk down from the car park, so you don’t miss it!

If you want a glorious sunset but don’t want anything too steep, Sennen Cove is an excellent spot and makes for impressive photos with the setting sun reflecting beautifully on the wet sand. There’s the bonus of a visit to the pub opposite the beach afterwards too…perfect!

But it’s not just about the far west. Another wonderful spot is the UK’s most southerly point – The Lizard. Here, you can catch some majestic displays, such as at the iconic Kynance Cove. A popular spot, there’s few people around later in the day and the dramatically brooding rocky outcrops rise darkly against the blushing evening sky…so beautiful, and very romantic too! The perfect spot for an evening picnic for two. 

Alternatively, head to the north coast and just past St Ives you’ll discover Gwithian, a huge sandy beach and the perfect spot for a sunset stroll. If the surf is right, local surfers love to come here and go out to sea at twilight so don’t be surprised to see them bobbing amongst the waves as night draws in.

Those are just a few of my favourite spots, but truth be told if you take to the South West Coast path on a clear evening, you’ll witness something – the gently changing colours of the sky over the sea, as it turns from blue to yellow, gold to red and finally to an inky black, dotted by stars. There’s nothing better, I promise.

Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Cornwall here.