Land's End

Land's End (Cornish: Penn an Wlas or Pedn an Wlas) is the most southwesterly point in Britain and part of West Cornwall in the South West.

It is not a town or village but rather a former small holding which is well known for being the starting/ending point for the Land's End to John o'Groats journey. It is now overdeveloped with a commercial "tourist trap" visitor complex including arcades, attractions and shops.

Understand
Land's End's main represents both the starting and ending points of the longest journey in Great Britain, Land's End to John O'Groats. Consequently, it is known as "The First and Last", due to its position at the extremity of the UK. It is an atmospheric, dramatic piece of coastline steeped in history and romance - or at least would be, without the commercialised tourist facilities.

Local people utterly detest the tourist attraction there, it is unwise to mention it to anyone, and for this reason locals are likely to advise you not to go if you do ask them. You can get unbiased advice from the tourist information centre at Penzance.

Get in
If you go there by car, be prepared to spend £5 for the parking area. If you want to avoid the parking fee to the complex you can walk from further afield. (about 1/2 a mile, medium rough terrain).

You can also park your car in Sennen Cove, close to Land's End and walk from there, enjoying the walk along the coast path.

There is also a regular bus schedule between Penzance and Land's End (one bus hourly daytime, except on Sundays: schedules may vary in winter). Buses depart from the central bus station in Penzance. Local tour operators in Penzance offer tours covering the whole peninsula including Land's End.

Get around
The whole area can be easily accessed on foot. Take care with clothing, because Land's End can be a rough, windy place due to its exposed location and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. Sturdy warm clothing and solid footwear is recommended; even in the summer months, it is advisable to take note of the weather.

Land's End Airport
Land's End Airport offers a great range of activities including:
 * Scenic Flights
 * Banner Towing
 * Aerial Photography
 * Pilot Training, Trial Lessons and Flying School
 * Skybus flights to the Isles of Scilly

Do

 * There is a complex of attractions on the site. A professional photographer takes photos of you in front of the signpost showing your hometown's distance (see photo above). He will charge you around £10 for the photos. There is a fence around the signpost, but you can, and many people do, just take their own photos standing in front of the fence.
 * Go to John O'Groats! The Land's End-to-John O'Groats (or vice versa) journey has been undertaken by many individuals as a personal challenge and to raise funds for good causes. It is often undertaken on foot or by bicycle to raise funds. Ian Botham, the former England cricketer, popularised the journey in 1985 when raising funds for charity.
 * Walk east along the coast to the first promontory. The sea arch is visible along with the extraordinary rock formations in this area (weathered Granite). The coast path continues on to Porthgwarra past various coves, many caves, another sea arch and possibly some of the most dramatic coastline in the entire UK. An extended walk will reach Porthcurno where there is a bus service.

Buy
The complex has various shops offering a wide range of souvenirs and other items of interest. Although these are significantly overpriced, you can sometimes find a good item there.

Eat
Land's End Hotel has a restaurant area which is open to non-residents as well. (see below)

Drink

 * There is a Bar at the Land's End Hotel.

Go next
If you wanted to see dramatic piece of unspoilt coastline, go 20 miles (32 km) along the coast following the South West Coast Path to Lizard Point, Britain's most southerly point. The natural scenery is just as good (if not better), there's a great atmosphere, no entrance fee, and not too many people around. Lizard village has a couple of shops and pubs. Also consider Cape Cornwall - 5 miles (8 km) to the north, once thought to be the most westerly point, but modern maps proved this wrong!
 * St Just in Penwith
 * St Buryan
 * St Levan
 * John O'Groats - the opposite of Land's End, being at the northeastern tip of Scotland. For those who want to travel long distances without ever going on the Continent, travelling from Land's End to John O'Groats would be an interesting activity.