My Britain: LIZARD Peninsula

The UK's most southerly point, the Lizard Peninsula is one of Cornwall's undisputed gems of natural beauty. But despite boasting miles of one of the most stunning coastlines in the UK, diverse wildlife and a beguiling history, the Peninsula remains one of the lesser-visited spots in Cornwall, and is all the more special for it.

- Anna Walker

Just two roads lead onto the Lizard Peninsula, and little redevelopment has taken place in the seafaring villages that call this stretch home. As a result, the area wears its history proudly and offers a glimpse into a very traditional Britain.

The rather curious name of this Cornish jewel doesn't indicate an above-average number of reptiles, as you might suspect, but is in fact derived from the old Cornish "Lisardh", which can mean "fortress", "high court" or "headland", depending on your interpretation.

Visitors to the Lizard Peninsula will be spoiled with places to explore. There's Poldhu's surf school, where you can learn how to catch the waves alongside locals and visitors alike. Mullion Cove is home to the pretty, and once bustling, Mullion Harbour with a fascinating history and plenty of wildlife. Goonhilly Downs boasts an Earth station working on a Moon exploration project. Meanwhile Gunwalloe was once the location of Cornwall's oldest settlements and is now a bird watcher's paradise.

We spoke to two long-term residents of this special part of Cornwall to get a sense of what daily life is like on the Lizard Peninsula.

Daniel Thompson

Daniel Thompson, 35, is the general manager at the Mullion Cove Hotel and Spa and has worked on the Lizard Peninsula for seven years

Hospitality has always been in my blood and when the opportunity arose to manage the Mullion Cove Hotel, it was an offer I couldn't refuse. My wife and I have always loved the Lizard, holidaying here annually, so it was a dream come true for both of us. We are bringing up our children here and it is the perfect place to give them an active outdoor life.