Gwithian Beach

Overlooking Godrevy lighthouse, which was built in 1859 to protect shipping from a dangerous reef called the Stones, this extends across the bay in the direction of St Ives. This solar powered lighthouse is automatic and is controlled by Trinity House in Harwich. It is believed to have been an influence in Virginia Woolf's novel To the Lighthouse. Although the book's lighthouse is in Scotland, as a child Woolf regularly holidayed with her family in St Ives, where they owned a house.