I know I'm always banging on about Prussia Cove but there's a reason; it's an absolutely magical spot especially at this time of year when the days are long and the water is warm. Just a couple of miles from the cottages here at Middle Colenso Farm, it's the perfect spot for swimming, rockpooling or just basking in the sun.
Apart from being gloriously beautiful - it can easily be mistaken for the Mediterranean on a summer's day - it has a fascinating history as the headquarters of a notorious gang of smugglers. In fact it was their leader, John Carter, known as The King of Prussia, who gave his name to the cove.
I say cove but Prussia Cove isn't actually a single cove but a series of four situated between Praa Sands and Perranuthnoe: Coule's, King's Bessy's and Piskies. The largest and most accessible one, often called Prussia Cove, is actually Bessy's Cove.
Here are my top tips for making the most of your visit:
Prussia Cove is part of a private estate. The owners very kindly allow visitors to park for free so please be respectful and follow all of their rules. The car park is accessed via a narrow lane and gets busy quickly so we like to visit first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.
There's a five-minute walk down from the car park and it's a bit of a scramble across the rocks to the beach so isn't ideal for pushchairs or anyone with mobility issues.
There are no lifeguards at Prussia Cove and although it's a comparatviely safe area for swmimming, make sure you take any necessary precautions.
There are no toilets either so bear that in mind before you make your way down to the beach.
Bessy's Cove is the most easily accessible and most popular. There's a beach at low tide but you can still swim off the rocks at high tide. The slipway to the right is also a good spot for swimming.
My personal favourite is the more secluded Piskies Cove which is accessed by following the South West Coast Path to the right, past the memorial to HMS Warspite and through a narrow path between the tamarisk trees. The tide comes in quickly so make sure you're aware of tide times to avoid getting cut off.
Dogs are allowed. If you're looking for a long, sandy beach to give them a run then head left down the drive and past the main house to Kenneggy Sands. Access from the coast path crumbled away a few years ago but you can still get there across the rocks at low tide.
It's a great area to explore by paddle board or kayak but difficult to access carrying your board or kayak. We recommend launching at nearby Praa Sands or Perranuthnoe and you can read more about that here.
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