Prussia Cove

Visit Prussia Cove

Prussia Cove is a small, secluded cove located on the south coast of Cornwall, near Mount’s Bay and Penzance. It is renowned for its rugged beauty and rich history, particularly its association with smuggling in the late 18th century.

Prussia Cove actually consists of four small coves: Piskies, Bessy’s, King’s, and Coule’s. The area is part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The surrounding area includes a manor house and former coastguard cottages, now used for holiday accommodations and events. Visitors can explore the rocky coastline, enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the calm waters during high tide, and take in the historical ambiance of this once-bustling smuggling hub.

Prussia Cove Beach can only be reached on foot, from the nearby car park.

Did you Know? Prussia Cove is named after an infamous smuggler, John Carter who was known as the ‘King of Prussia’

Prussia Cove is most famously linked to the Carter family, a group of notorious smugglers who operated in the area during the late 18th century. The cove was named after John Carter, who was nicknamed the “King of Prussia” due to his admiration for Frederick the Great, the actual King of Prussia at the time. The Carters used Prussia Cove as a base for their smuggling operations, taking advantage of the secluded location to evade customs officers and transport contraband goods such as wine, tea, tobacco, and spirits from France and Holland.

Parking is limited, and for daytrippers, it can get busy during the summer.

Dogs are allowed all year-round at Prussia Cove.