The key landscape characteristics of the coastal landscape in this area of Cornwall National Landscape is a soft profile. It benefits from the protection offered by the Penwith peninsula against the full force of the Atlantic storms. The iconic rocky granite intrusion of St Michael’s Mount dominates Mount’s Bay with its cobbled granite causeway leading out to the Mount at low tide.

The Lizard coast has tall cliffs with small coves beneath. It is the most southerly point of mainland Britain where the distinctive towers of the Lizard Lighthouse warn of the hazardous waters off Lizard Point.

The Helford River is an area of great individual character and tranquil beauty. Rounded landforms slope to deep, narrow valleys with dense woodland of predominately sessile oak and it is one of the few places in England were the ancient woodland meets the sea. The romanticism and ambience of the river with its hidden creeks provided a perfect setting for the famous Daphne Du Maurier novel, Frenchman’s Creek.