On Cornwall’s far western edge, where the land narrows before giving way to the Atlantic, lies a beach that still feels undiscovered, according to those who have visited it.
Nanjizal, also known as Mill Bay, is a place that many visitors to the county have never heard of, let alone seen. With no road leading directly to it and no signposts drawing in the crowds, it remains one of Cornwall’s most unspoilt secrets.
Unlike the tourist hubs of Porthcurno or the busy cliffs at Land’s End, Nanjizal is wild, rugged and entirely natural.
There are no cafés, no lifeguards, no kiosks selling ice creams. Instead, you find a sweep of golden sand punctuated by huge boulders and caves, framed by cliffs that have been battered by centuries of Atlantic storms.
The beach’s most iconic feature is the natural rock arch cut into the cliff face, known locally as the Song of the Sea. The ocean has carved a slender slit through the stone, tall and narrow like a Gothic window. When the light hits at the right angle, it creates an almost ethereal glow, casting reflections across the tidal pools below.
Visitors who time their trip for low tide are rewarded with more than just the view of the cave. Shallow pools are revealed across the sand, perfect for paddling or spotting marine life. Children clamber over rocks and peer into crevices where crabs and small fish dart for cover. At high tide, much of the beach disappears beneath the waves, adding to its mystique and making tide times essential for anyone planning a visit.
The remoteness of Nanjizal is both its challenge and its charm. The nearest parking space is a 20 to 30-minute walk away, either from Trevescan or the Land’s End complex. Walkers along the South West Coast Path can also drop down to the cove. The journey is part of the experience and somewhat ensures that even in the height of summer you are unlikely to find the beach crowded.
That sense of seclusion has made Nanjizal a favourite among photographers, hikers and wild swimmers. Its clear, turquoise waters are inviting – and those who make the plunge often describe it as unforgettable, particularly when swimming close to the Song of the Sea cave with its shafts of light playing on the water.
TripAdvisor reviews echo the sense of discovery. One visitor wrote: “This beach has the most beautiful turquoise water and white sand, and is the perfect escape from the tourist traps like Land’s End. The walk around the Coast Path is incredible when the sun is shining, and you can see Nanjizal Beach glistening in the distance as you come around the headland.”
Another described it as “a lovely beach with beautiful blue water, clear pools to splash around in and a fresh water stream dropping down off the cliff. Very scenic. Large boulders scattered across the beach make it a little hard to access parts of the beach.”
Nanjizal has even caught the eye of film crews over the years, its dramatic backdrops lending themselves to period dramas and nature documentaries. But unlike other scenic spots in Cornwall, it has never become a magnet for large-scale tourism – likely due to its lack of easy accessibility and commodities.
And if you’re planning a coastal walk, Nanjizal is just one of several hidden gems along this stretch of Cornwall. Nearby Pedn Vounder is famed for its dazzling white sands, – though access is steep and tide-dependent – Porthchapel, tucked between Porthcurno and Land’s End, offers a quieter alternative with dramatic cliffs and golden sands, and, further north, Pentire Steps and Leggan Cove also remain off the beaten track.