Imagine waking up on your dream holiday, opening the curtains and its a beautiful mornings with clear skies and a glowing orange tint coming over Cornwall. The magic of a sunrise in Cornwall is just as good as sunset, it may be harder to wake up in the mornings but its well worth it.
Sitting there enjoying your coffee or tea with the gentle mist in the air and that glow is a PROPER Cornish morning that you should be able to enjoy. Wether you’re camping, touring around Cornwall or renting a holiday home, we have the 7 best places for you to enjoy the sunrise in Cornwall.
Marazion
Marazion holds sweeping views of St Michael’s Mount and the serene expanse of Mount’s Bay, Marazion is the perfect spot to witness a breathtaking sunrise. As the first light of day creeps over the horizon, the sun sets the sky ablaze with hues of pink, orange, and gold, reflecting off the tranquil waters and casting a magical glow on the iconic silhouette of the mount. At this early hour, the beach is peaceful and quiet, with only the gentle sound of the waves and the occasional call of seabirds breaking the stillness. It’s a moment of pure tranquility
Marazion beach sunrise
St Ives
With its charming harbour and panoramic views across the Atlantic, St Ives is an idyllic location to catch a stunning sunrise. As dawn breaks, the sun bathes the sky in soft shades of pink and orange, perfectly complementing the sparkling blue of the ocean. The early morning light casts a golden glow over the town’s whitewashed cottages and sandy beaches, creating a scene straight out of a postcard. At this hour, St Ives is still and serene, the only sounds being the gentle lapping of the waves and the distant cries of gulls. It’s a magical time, where you can wander the empty streets and leave your footprints on the untouched sand, soaking in the peaceful beauty before the town comes to life.
7 Places to Watch the Sunrise in Cornwall 8
Photo by Wedding Photographer Josh Harkon
Mevagissey
Nestled along the rugged south east Cornish coast, Mevagissey offers a truly enchanting sunrise experience. As the sun begins to rise, it paints the sky with delicate hues of pink and orange, reflecting off the calm waters of the harbor and highlighting the colorful fishing boats that bob gently in the morning light. The quaint, narrow streets of the village are still and quiet, with only the soft sounds of the sea and the occasional call of a seagull to keep you company. At this peaceful hour, the charm of Mevagissey is yours to savor, as you stroll along the harbour before the village awakes.
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Whitsand Bay
Whitsand bay is home to an expansive stretch of golden sand and dramatic cliffs, an awe-inspiring spot to witness the sunrise. As the dawn breaks, the sun casts a warm, golden light across the bay, painting the sky in vibrant shades of pink and orange that perfectly contrast with the deep blue of the ocean.
With the beach being beautifully serene, with only the gentle sound of waves lapping against the shore and the distant calls of seabirds resonating off the cliffs. It’s an ideal moment to wander along the pristine sands and rugged coastline.
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Gorran Haven
As dawn breaks over Gorran Haven, the cobbled streets and beautiful harbour come alive with the soft glow of morning light. The rugged cliffs, standing sentinel over the village, are bathed in warm hues, creating a scene that’s both breathtaking and unforgettable. As you stroll through the quiet streets and along the harbour, the tranquil beauty of this coastal gem leaves a lasting impression—a memory that will stay with you long after you’ve left its shores.
Gorran haven beach
Cadgwith Cove
At dawn, Cadgwith Cove reveals its timeless charm, with narrow, winding streets lined by thatched cottages reflects this is still a working fishing village. Unlike the sandy shores of other Cornish beaches, Cadgwith Cove Beach offers a pebbled shoreline, perfect for skimming stones as the morning light dances on the water. The rugged cliffs that cradle the village are particularly striking at this hour, casting long shadows and creating a dramatic backdrop. For those seeking an even more breathtaking view, a walk up the path to the left side of the cove rewards you with panoramic vistas across the Lizard Peninsula.
Cadgwith cove beach
Helford River
The Helford River embodies a serenity that is unparalleled. The peacefulness with only sounds being the distant calls of gulls and the gentle bobbing of boats on the still waters—so calm that not even a wave disturbs the surface. As the sun rises over the hills lined with trees, the scene is painted in soft, golden hues, reflecting beautifully off the tranquil river. The air is fresh and crisp, carrying the subtle scent of morning mist as it lingers along the riverbanks. This quiet, reflective moment by the Helford River is one of pure tranquility, a perfect start to any day in Cornwall.
helford river
