England Guide
Devon and Cornwall
Lizard Point
The flat and treeless expanse of England's southernmost promontory, the Lizard peninsula – from the Celtic lys ardh, or "high point" – is mostly wild and undeveloped. Its southern tip, and mainland Britain's southernmost point, is Lizard Point, marked by a plain lighthouse above a tiny cove and a ceaselessly churning sea.
From the point, a road and footpath lead a mile inland to the nondescript village called simply THE LIZARD, with several central accommodation options, including Caerthillian, a comfortable Victorian guesthouse ( 
01326/290019, 
www.thecaerthillian.co.uk ; no credit cards; Price: ₤51-60), Parc Brawse House ( 01326/290466, www.cornwall-online.co.uk/parcbrawsehouse ; Price: ₤51-60), and Penmenner House ( 01326/290370, www.cornwall-online.co.uk/penmennerhouse-thelizard ; no credit cards; Price: ₤51-60).
Signposted from The Lizard, a Victorian villa houses a YHA hostel right on the coast, with majestic views ( 0845/371 9550, www.yha.org.uk; closed Nov– March; £18). In the village, the Top House pub provides snacks.
A mile west, the peninsula's best-known beach, Kynance Cove, has sheer hundred-foot cliffs, stacks and arches of serpentine rock and offshore outcrops. The water quality here is excellent – but take care not to be stranded by the tide.