In the area

Discovering the beauties of this part of Cornwall has been special for us. Here are ten of our favourite places to visit in order of proximity to the house.

1. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The area surrounding the church opposite our house and leading down to the coast path is particularly rich in bird and plant life. We try to identify the different species (and we often enjoy the view with a bottle of wine!).

2. Boscastle Harbour. An exhilarating 10 minute walk takes you down the coast path into the harbour. There are good shops, restaurants and pubs.

3. Valency Valley. One of our favourite walks is along the valley to the romantic wooded Minster church. Valency was a favourite spot for Thomas Hardy who stayed several times in the area and met his wife Emma here.

4. Tintagel. A few miles south are the castle ruins at Tintagel, the legendary birthplace of King Arthur. It is easy to catch a bus there and have a lovely walk back along the coast path (or vice versa). You can stop off for a swim at Bossiney cove if the tide is out.

5. Trebarwith Strand. Just below Tintagel, a stunning spot with high cliffs, great rock pools and good sand. It is popular for surfing and swimming.

6. Crackington Haven. A few miles to the north, Crackington is another good spot for surfers. It is possible to catch a bus there and then walk back to Boscastle – a more demanding walk than the Tintagel one but for sheer dramatic, wild and unspoilt coastline it is hard to beat.

7. Wadebridge. An attractive small town, good for lunch or afternoon tea. You can hire a bike here and cycle the Camel Trail. It is 5 (flattish) miles to Padstow or you can go in the other direction up to Bodmin.

8. Padstow & Port Isaac. Both of these fishing ports are picturesque. Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow is excellent for a special lunch or dinner. (Port Isaac is the main location for the Doc Martin TV series.)

9. Stately Homes. Our favourites are Lanhydrock and Cotehele, both very interesting historic houses with beautiful grounds. Pencarrow House is a bit nearer and also worth a visit.

10. The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Both world famous gardens are popular with our guests – about an hour’s drive away.

Padstow Harbour
credit: Barry Hodges


Path leading to Tintagel Castle