With over 400 miles of coastline, Cornwall often bears the brunt of some incredible weather systems rolling in from the sea. Hammering cliffs with titan waves and transforming peaceful coves into roaring cauldrons, these mighty storms make for some of the most incredible natural spectacles imaginable. 

Whether you’re in search of the perfect point to snap towering waves and stormy swells, or safe spots to experience the full force of Mother Nature as she collides with the coast, uncover some of the best adrenaline inducing spots to go storm watching in Cornwall.

Porthleven

Perhaps the most famous of all storm watching locations in Cornwall is Porthleven. Hitting the headlines for images of towering waves breaking over the town’s harbourfront clocktower a few years ago, this little fishing town often takes the full force when intense low-pressure systems decide to make their presence felt during storm season in Cornwall. There are many places where you can safely watch the storms here, but just remember to never try and wander out onto the pier and to not venture too close to the breaking waves. 

Take cover from the stormy scenes and shelter in a ocean-front Porthleven Hideaway, where you can enjoy a spot of storm watching in Boutique luxury… 

Portreath

On the north coast of the county, Portreath is another of our top picks for where to storm watch in Cornwall. A must-visit for avid storm chasers, Portreath often feels the full force when storms hit Cornwall, with numerous captures of waves crashing over the locally known “Monkey Hut”, which was completely destroyed in 2014 after a particularly turbulent storm. We recommend parking at the top of Lighthouse Hill for save viewing, where you can watch the stormy waters charge towards the beach’s iconic Gull Rock and violently crash against the rebuilt Monkey Hut on the edge of the harbour wall.

Bedruthan Steps

Sizeable sea stacks said to be the stepping-stones of giants, Bedruthan Steps are already an impressive sight whatever the weather. Throw in some towering waves and swollen, ominous skies and you have something almost apocalyptic. Viewable from a fenced-off cliff path far above the water, you can park in the site’s National Trust-run car park when the storms blow in and wander along the path to watch barrelling waves thunder-crashing into the stacks, capturing the dramatic stormy scenes from a perfectly safe distance. 

Land’s End

The south-western-most point of England, the Land’s End peninsula forces its way out to sea like an outstretched finger. Called Pedn-an-Laaz in Cornish, this formidable granite mass is surrounded by dangerous rocky reefs and striking rock formations, all overlooked by the Longships Lighthouse one mile away. One of the best places to storm watch in Cornwall, the peninsula has many viewpoints from which to safely stand and watch the frenzied sea seethe and churn below. Just around the corner, Sennen is also worth a visit if you have time to continue your storm-chasing journey, where in storms passed, incredible images have been captured of waves breaking over the rocky cliff face which shelters the village.

Marazion

If you are staying near Marazion in West Cornwall, then you won’t have to venture far for storm watching opportunities. Home to a number of seafront cafés and restaurants, you can safely enjoy the amazing displays from a sea-view window seat, gazing on as the mounting waves roll relentlessly towards the shore. Particularly special, we love watching storms in Marazion for the incredible views of St Michael’s Mount, which lend an even more mystical quality and sense of scale to the stormy scenes outside. 

If you’re looking to find the perfect hideaway for storm watching in Cornwall, our coastal jewel, Pearl, is located in Marazion, with far reaching ocean vistas. Observe stormy seas and enjoy a prime position for watching tumultuous waves lap the foot of St Michael’s Mount. 

The Lizard Point

The most southerly point of mainland Britain, the Lizard Point (also known as Polpeor) is a superb place to go for storm watching in the county. Jutting out into the sea, the point stands hundreds of feet above the water, protected by sheer cliff walls. Drive or walk down to the point and free your mind as the storm whips your thoughts away and transfixes your sight on slate-coloured giants raging all the way to the horizon. Shelter from the whipping winds within the heartwarming embrace of Polpeor Café, which is set in prime position on the cliff to enjoy a dose of storm watching with a comforting coffee.