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Kelsey Head

Hidden Gem

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Cliffs

Walking, Photography, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching

Spring to Autumn

Steve Daniels / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Kelsey Head is a grassy headland on the north Cornwall coast near Holywell Bay, held by the National Trust. The low bank and ditch of an Iron Age fort still ring the tip of the headland, cut off above the sea. Just offshore lies a small island called the Chick, where seabirds nest and seals can be s...

10

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

3

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

9 day, 1 overnight

Lewinnick Lodge​, Fern Pit Café​, Sushea​

Blue Room Hostel, Tolcarne Beach Cabins, The Annexe at Tenniside

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Kelsey Head?
Cornwall's rugged northern coastline conceals this dramatic promontory just past the busy local beaches. Walkers frequently spot the high ridges while exploring the coastal paths around the region.

What type of place is Kelsey Head?
Kelsey Head is a coastal headland in North Cornwall.

When is the best time to visit Kelsey Head?
Spring through to autumn offers the most reliable weather for trekking across the open clifftops. Bracing morning light provides excellent conditions for watching migratory seabirds and spotting grey seals on the rocks below.

What can you do at Kelsey Head?
Hikers can explore the subtle earthwork remnants of an ancient Iron Age clifftop castle while walking the sandy tracks. Nature enthusiasts also enjoy scanning the high coastal ledges to observe nesting fulmars and razorbills.

How long should I spend at Kelsey Head?
An hour or two allows sufficient time to traverse the maritime grassland and take photos of the open Atlantic horizon. Anyone wanting to fully explore the shifting sand dunes should schedule a longer stay.

Where do I park at Kelsey Head?
Vehicles can use the ten spaces available nearby, which provide nine day and one overnight spot. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Kelsey Head?
Lewinnick Lodge, Fern Pit Café, and Sushea provide three places to enjoy a meal in the surrounding area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Kelsey Head?
Blue Room Hostel, Tolcarne Beach Cabins, and The Annexe at Tenniside offer three spots to spend the night nearby. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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