Penberth Cove (meaning "bushy headland" in Cornish), is a beautiful natural inlet that has been in use as a fishing cove for many generations. In the early 1800's a thriving pilchard industry was situated here, with a fleet of small boats using the cove. Remnants of this important industry can still be seen in the valley through the presence of large cellars, which were used for pressing the pilchards for their valuable oil. Today they are still used for storing fishing equipment. At the top of the cliff opposite Shell Cottage the remains of a stone-built structure can be found amid the gorse, which is the "huer's hut". This overlooks the sea, and was used for watching for shoals of fish in the past. Once a shoal was seen the hue and cry was raised, and the boats were taken out from the cove - hence the name "huer". Today the main catch is mackerel, which are still caught with hand lines, as well as lobster and crab.
The boats are pushed down the slip and are pulled up by an electric winch. Before this was installed, the boats were pulled up using a capstan which is still in place.
The cove is ideal for swimming, although there can be strong currents so care is needed.
St. Levan is the local church of the parish, and unlike its neighbour of St. Buryan is not the centre of the parish in the conventional sense, instead being situated in an isolated position at the bottom of a wooded valley. Togther with Sennen, St. Levan was a daughter church to the Royal Deanery of St. Buryan until 1864. St. Levan himself was probably from a Cornish noble family and lived in the 5th century.
Within the churchyard is a natural granite boulder that has split into two parts, the fissure being about a foot wide. This is St. Levan's stone and it is said that when this split is wide enough to allow a packhorse with panniers through, the world will come to an end.
At present there is an interregnum at St. Levan but there is a service there every Sunday at 9.30 a.m., usually a Eucharist, and weekly services also in the other two churches in the benefice, both of which are ten minutes away by car.
Penberth is situated in a stunning stretch of coast, with many walks in both directions and much to do and see. Over the cliffs at Porthcurno is the world famous open-air Minack Theatre with performances every night from May to September. There is an interesting visitor centre at the theatre and an excellent café, which is open all the year. There is another beautiful expanse of sand below the theatre, with relatively easy access from Porthcurno.
Also at Porthcurno there is the award-winning Telegraph museum, a reminder of the Cable and Wireless Telecommunications college that was once here.
