Five storm watching spots in Cornwall

A Visit to Cornwall can be spectacular over the winter months when Atlantic storms buffer our rugged coastline. Enjoy the thrill of storm chasing and watching the waves, but please be careful and don't get too close. Keep well away from the water, preferably from a higher viewpoint, or inside a cosy café or bar.

Here's a list of five storm watching spots for your wild winter getaway.

Lizard Point

The most southerly point of the UK mainland provides any lover of raging seas all they desire. There's not much shelter from the elements and many a ship has come to grief as they have tried to round this rocky headland. Because of this a lighthouse was built in the mid 18th century, though not without complaints from the locals who quite enjoyed the produce they salvaged from ships wrecked on the rocks below. The point is also a great place to watch for migrant birds, blown off-course during the storms.

Porthleven

The clock tower at the entrance to Porthleven harbour has become synonymous with stormy images of Cornwall. Waves crashing up against it feature regularly on winter news reports on tv, but please beware, stay well away when the waves come pounding in. The harbour area itself has become a foodie heaven over recent years, so there's no shortage of places to seek shelter after witnessing the power of nature.

Bedruthan Steps

The rugged granite rocks at Bedruthan Steps offer a dramatic backdrop for storm watching and conjure up images of shipwrecks and smugglers. The stretch of coastline to the northeast of Newquay can be easily accessed by road, and at both Watergate Bay and Mawgan Porth you will find some of Cornwalls finest hotels and restaurants, all offering stunning views while you enjoy your lunch.

Penzance Promenade

Penzance is famous for large waves during stormy weather, washing in and over the promenade or the open air pool. This powerful scene was captured on canvas by the artist Norman Garstin in the late 1800s. See his 'The Rain it Raineth Every Day' at the Penlee Gallery, where the cafe is a great place to relax after your breezy walk along the only promenade in Cornwall.

Sennen Cove

Situated right at the far end of Cornwall, Sennen Cove is just around the corner from Land's End, and is the ideal spot to watch the wild ocean. The long sandy beach here is beloved by surfers capturing waves that started life right out in the Atlantic and at the southern end of the beach, waves break over the Cowloe Reef or up against towering granite cliffs. The lifeboat station here confirms what a dangerous bit of coastline it is, but if you are sensible a walk along the South West Coast Path, even in stormy weather, can produce an exhilarating walk.

Storm watching can be fun and exciting but it’s vital to put your safety first. The winter weather can bring high winds and huge waves, so it’s important to keep a safe distance. Storms in Cornwall can be highly dangerous, so check tide times, be cautious and don’t take any risks.

Remember, a good photograph is not worth risking your life for.