04 – Carnewas to Stepper Point
Dinas Porthgwin
Late Iron Age
Cliff Castles such as Winecove are believed to date from the later Iron Age and Romano-British period, although it may have been used for a variety of purposes later.
1975
The site was registered as a Scheduled Monument in 1975 which offers legal protection to the monument from damage.
Today Winecove exists as three separate promontories, extending out into the sea. Experts have hinted that the monuments may once have been joined as one headland, however erosion has made this uncertain.
Each of the promontories is defended by steep cliffs and a complex arrangement of earth banks and ditches across the narrow neck of land connecting the site to the mainland.
The northern promontory has been the most eroded by the dramatic Cornish weather. It is defended by a rock cut ditch and inner bank which has suffered heavy erosion. The southern promontory has two possible hut circles and is defended by three rock cut ditches, one with an accompanying bank. The middle is better preserved, defended by a double ditch and narrow entrance. A possible hearth is visible in the cliffside and a spindle whorl was found in a small cave below. Local tales suggest a track for a steam engine was dug through the cliffside here to raise marble from a shipwreck in the cove below.
Winecove Cliff Castle was part of Cornwall National Landscape’s A Monumental Improvement Project, which aimed to ensure that 40 scheduled monuments across Cornwall National Landscape were better protected, identified and enjoyed by a wider range of people. Between 2022 – 2025, the Project delivered conservation repairs, installed new heritage interpretation signage, ran a range of community volunteering events and developed new website resources. The Project was primarily funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from our other partners – Cornwall Council, Historic England, The National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society.
Winecove like many other Cornish cliff castles has been the subject of comparatively little study, and as such evidence of its occupation is limited to the possible hearth in the cliff face and the single spindle whorl find. The complex nature of the defensive banks and ditches and size of the interior if the monument was once one promontory suggest a site of high status. Winecove is one of 65 possible (29 certain) cliff castles in Cornwall. Although cliff castles are present around the entire coast of Britain, Cornwall has the second highest concentration of cliff castles after Wales and almost all excavated examples have evidence of settlement on the interior, with roundhouses and associated building platforms identified.
Interpretations of cliff castles have traditionally focussed on militaristic functions and their construction has been attributed as a response to coastal threat. More recent interpretation of cliff castles have been much more varied, and recognised that their purpose and function could have changed over time.
Some popular suggested interpretations include:
The most accurate interpretation could be a mix of several of the above suggestions, or something else entirely. It is possible that archaeologists will continue to debate their function for a long time to come and future excavations may yet shed light on how the sites were built and used.
Panoramas
Gallery
Video Gallery
Explore the Iron Age cliff castle from the comfort of your own home with our 3D model, created by merging lots of photos taken of the site from all angles.
Winecove Cliff Castle is made up of three separate rocky headlands, each with its own unique story to tell. These Iron Age promontories are linked by steep cliffs and defended by once deep ditches and raised banks cut into the land to protect against intruders.
The northern promontory has suffered the most from time and weather. Its defences include a rock-cut ditch and a raised inner bank, though much has been worn away by the sea. The southern promontory holds clues to how people might have lived here. There are two possible round houses built from stone and three defensive ditches. One ditch still has its original bank beside it.
The middle promontory is better preserved. It has two strong ditches and a narrow entrance perfect for keeping watch. Tucked into the cliffside is a possible hearth, where fires may have once burned. Down in a small cave, a spindle whorl has been found, a simple tool used for spinning thread. These defences show just how important this place once was. If the promontories were once joined together as some experts believe Winecove might have been a large, powerful site with a strong community living on the edge of the sea.
You might spot sea thrift and bird’s-foot trefoil blooming in pinks and yellows across the clifftops, along with spear thistle, sheep’s sorrel and tufts of red fescue grass. These hardy plants cling to the windswept slopes, helping to hold the soil together and feed pollinators.
Look closer, and you may see butterflies especially common blues and small heaths and bees buzzing through the wildflowers. The cliffs and coves are also home to seabirds like fulmars and gulls. If you’re lucky, you might even glimpse a peregrine falcon soaring overhead or hear the cackle of a chough, a rare and special Cornish bird.
Winecove Cliff Castle is a special place, but it’s also fragile. The cliffs, earthworks and rare plants can easily be damaged without meaning to. You can help protect the site by sticking to paths, not climbing on the banks or ditches and taking all litter home. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on leads to avoid disturbing wildlife and livestock. By treading carefully and respecting the land, you’ll help make sure Winecove stays safe for future explorers and for the animals and plants that call it home.
Caring for Winecove Cliff Castle isn’t easy being right on the coast means it’s always under threat from the weather. Wind, rain and crashing waves are slowly wearing away the cliffs and defences, especially on the northern promontory.
It takes teamwork between landowners, experts and visitors to look after places like Winecove. Every careful step and thoughtful choice helps keep this wild and wonderful place alive. The Monumental Improvement project has run coastal erosion training, helping volunteers to monitor and record the rate of erosion of sites such as Winecove. If you’re interested in learning more get in touch with the team on monuments@cornwall-aonb.gov.uk
When enjoying the countryside, it’s important to follow the Countryside Code to protect nature and preserve its beauty for everyone. This includes simple, respectful actions like not littering always take your rubbish home or dispose of it properly in bins. Stick to designated paths to avoid damaging crops or wildlife habitats, and keep gates and property as you find them, whether open or closed. Be mindful of livestock and wildlife by keeping dogs under control and not disturbing animals. By following these guidelines, you contribute to the protection of the environment and ensure that others can enjoy the countryside as well.
The site is on open coastal farmland with uneven ground, steep slopes and no formal paths, so access may be challenging for some visitors.
There are no visitor facilities at the site, but nearby Trethias Farm and campsite offers amenities. There is a pay and display car park at Treyarnon Bay.
There is a pay and display car park at Treyarnon Bay.
You can play a part in preserving natural beauty and heritage for future generations. Volunteering opportunities range from helping with conservation efforts to assisting with educational programmes and community events. Whether you have a passion for nature, history, or simply love the outdoors, there’s a way for you to contribute. Join us and make a difference while connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for Cornwall’s heritage. Contact us to find out more about how you can get involved.
Cornwall National Landscape is a non-profit organisation that conserves the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Cornwall. Volunteering for the protected landscape provides a rewarding experience of giving back to the community and preserving the Cornwall's natural beauty.
Discover a wealth of knowledge in our Resources section, where you can download detailed research documents, reports, and source material compiled by our archaeology team to enhance your understanding of the site.
Results of a Geophysical Survey
