Top 10 Storm-Watching Locations In Cornwall

As much as we hate to leave summer, the winter storms of Cornwall are inevitably coming in the nearing months. With the weather in the South-West known for being turbulent and unforgiving, it’s good to be aware of where the stormiest spots are, so you can happily watch from a distance. For the storm-chasers out there, we’ve got some of the best places for you, to follow the weather and watch the clouds cry out.

As exciting as storm-watching can be, it’s important to ensure that you stay safe during the unpredictable weather. Here are some of our top tips for putting yourself first, in these situations.

1. Don’t go alone. Make sure you admire those blustery breezes with a friend, and don’t go by yourself. The storms of Cornwall can be quite tempestuous at times, especially along the coastline, so you’re going to want some support to keep your feet on the floor!
2. Avoid going in the sea. Don’t try to go for a swim during a storm, if there are no lifeguards around. It’s certainly tempting to splash around and try your hand at surfing, when the waves are that colossal, but without a lifeguard on the lookout, it can be dangerous. Think of your safety first.
3. Keep yourself dry and warm. Hopefully this one is self-explanatory, but make sure you bring some waterproofs and cosy clothes, as you don’t want to be catching a cold, after an exciting day of chasing the storms. If you need to, bring a change of clothes, so that you can go home, as snug as a bug.
4. Always check before leaving. Sometimes the storms are a little too powerful, so the coast guard and the Met Office suggest it’s best to stay inside. Although that’s disappointing, when you’re gearing up for an adventure, it’s better to stay safe and admire the wild weather from the warmth of your home.

Throughout the winter months, and even sometimes in summer, there are a number of storms that flush over Cornwall. Because the county is so close to the Atlantic Sea, the winds tend to be rapid and the rain is torrential. If you’re not much of a storm-explorer, then why not grab a hot chocolate in one of our Gems, with a sea view, and listen to the waves crash, whilst you’re snuggled in by the fire. But, maybe you’re feeling adventurous and want to explore wild Cornwall, as the weather is a little wobbly. Check out some of our favourite places to watch the storms pass by.

Padstow

The north of Cornwall is known for being a surfer’s haven, largely because of the big waves that don’t compare to anywhere else in the UK. Because of this, the storms dramatically hit these spots, especially in locations such as Padstow. This seaside town is beautiful on a sunny day, but on a wild weather day, the views are phenomenal. Along the South-West Coast Path, the bends lead around to Stepper Point, a couple of miles outside of Padstow. This headland trail gives panoramic views of the River Camel, and the Doom Bar, which is known to be the spot where sailors would be lured to disaster by mermaids! Hopefully the storms will scare those pesky mermaids away.

Polzeath

Just across from Padstow can be found Polzeath, which is home to some spectacular beaches. Throughout this seaside village, there are a number of places which make extraordinary storm-watching locations. In spite of the peculiar name, The Rumps is a twin-headland promontory, which sits to face the Atlantic Ocean, where a vast number of our storms approach from. As well as this, it has expansive views that also overlook the Camel Estuary, amongst other natural beauties on the north coast. Additionally, The Rumps are the north-east friend of the north-west Pentire Point, which is a similar peninsula, with boastful walks. These two Polzeath hot spots make a dramatic place to watch the whirlwinds commence.

Newquay

Newquay is known nationwide for many reasons, whether it’s for their summer festivals, surfing stories or fantastic eateries. Alongside all these fun events and more, this coastal town is an amazing place to chase the storms. If you fancy surveying these storms from high up in the sky, try using Bedruthan Steps as a watching platform. The unforgettable location promotes glorious cliff top views and sea stacks, which are beautiful to see throughout any season. When the storm clouds are hovering above, the sea seemingly whisks around the coastline and pushes up the cliffs, creating a spectacular typhoon appearance below. 

Porthleven

Does anyone remember Storm Eunice from 2022? Her almighty wind whirled around the south-coast at 80mph and famously slammed the seawalls in Porthleven, so this evidently makes the town a storm-watching haven! Prior to Eunice’s arrival, Porthleven has encountered many storms, all making incredible exhibitions, because of the choppy seas. The town itself is a postcard perfect fishing village, with an array of attractions, from tasty bakeries to unique galleries. On the next murky day, grab a pasty and your welly boots to discover the merciless weather in this quaint town.

Perranporth

Also neatly positioned on the north-coast, Perranporth is a bustling seaside town, full of classic Cornish charm. Above the long stretch of beach in this town is Droskyn Point, which towers over the Atlantic Ocean. Beyond these gorgeous cliffs, you can spot the renowned sand dunes, as well as Perranporth beach itself. The unbalanced weather around this idyllic town creates small sandstorms, as well as huge waves, which make a perfect picture moment. Marking the end of the beach, Droskyn Point is a great place to watch the storms unravel and expand across the coastline.

Sennen

Sennen is situated just outside of Land’s End, which marks the bottom of the county. As these stunning locations are exposed to the sea, they make an exceptional place to view the storms hurling around in the sky above. The parish of Sennen is complete with beautiful beaches and incomparable landmarks, which are popular between tourists and locals, come rain or shine. Due to the revealed landscape of Sennen and Land’s End, the winds are harsh, and pass on a great deal of energy into the heart of a storm. This tumultuous weather is well-worth a watch on your visit to the west of Cornwall.

Marazion

Home to the iconic St Michael’s Mount, Marazion is ever-popular for beach retreaters and wave catchers. Although only small, Marazion offers various locations that make perfect storm-watching grounds. Perhaps you want to watch the clouds swell above the renowned St Michael’s mount, or venture down the cycle path towards Penzance – both of which provide an excellent window of storm viewing. If you don’t want to brave the wet weather, stay seated in the car with the heated seats on, and park up in the beach car park, where you can still see all the action.

St Just

Based in west Cornwall, St Just exhibits the pure natural beauty of the county, from historic mines to iconic landscapes. Across all seasons, one particular landmark in St Just is most prominent – Cape Cornwall. This beautiful headland, owned by the National Trust sits above the Atlantic Ocean and presents gorgeous wildlife, all year round. This stunning location is also known for being battered by waves, trying to reach the highest point, during the stormier seasons. For the best lookout, head to the top of Cape Cornwall, where you’ll access panoramic views of the sea beneath you, to watch the waves and the wind dance amongst each other.

The Lizard

Along the south coast of Cornwall, you’ll find The Lizard. Known for its geological importance and stunning landscapes, The Lizard is the southernmost point of the British mainland. The South West Coastal Path leads to The Lizard Point, and also passes Kynance Cove, which are both prime storm-watching territories. This remote peninsula beholds stunning sights of the Cornish coastline, especially when the weather takes a wild turn. Due to the unsheltered nature of The Lizard, the storms can be quite relentless, but they create an outstanding performance above the sea.

Godrevy

Godrevy is full of dramatic coves and expansive beaches, which are popular throughout the entire year. It’s well known for its lighthouse, based on Godrevy Island, which can be spotted across many areas of the coast, including Portreath and St Ives. In the blustery weather, you can spot Godrevy Lighthouse hidden behind thundery clouds and smog, which creates an unmissable, dramatic landscape over the stormy seas. The best view for watching this phenomenon is on Godrevy Point, where you can often spot dolphins and seals (although, they may be tucked away during a storm!).