Melrose Guidebook
Sightseeing
This is our favourite beach. It’s a short 20 minute drive from our property and has a pub and a top class restaurant. Water sports equipment (kayaks, paddle boards) are available to hire.
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Polkerris Beach
This is our favourite beach. It’s a short 20 minute drive from our property and has a pub and a top class restaurant. Water sports equipment (kayaks, paddle boards) are available to hire.
World famous visitor attraction situated in an old clay pit near St Austell. It is but a short 10 minute drive from our property and is sometimes described by horticulturalists as the eighth wonder of the world. www.edenproject.com
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Eden verkefnið
World famous visitor attraction situated in an old clay pit near St Austell. It is but a short 10 minute drive from our property and is sometimes described by horticulturalists as the eighth wonder of the world. www.edenproject.com
Fowey today remains the main China Clay Port of Cornwall. It manages to combine a busy commercial port with a popular yachting harbour. Since 1869 the harbour including the estuary has been managed by the Fowey Harbour Commissioners. More than 7000 yachts and pleasure craft visit Fowey during a typical season. This wonderful town is a 25 minute drive from our property and has many pubs and top class seafood restaurants.
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Fowey
Fowey today remains the main China Clay Port of Cornwall. It manages to combine a busy commercial port with a popular yachting harbour. Since 1869 the harbour including the estuary has been managed by the Fowey Harbour Commissioners. More than 7000 yachts and pleasure craft visit Fowey during a typical season. This wonderful town is a 25 minute drive from our property and has many pubs and top class seafood restaurants.
When the ancient Cornish settled in the area many centuries ago they chose the site for Padstow with great care and foresight. Nestling in a narrow gulley on the western side of the River Camel estuary, the town is sheltered from the prevailing winds and the air is generally soft and balmy. Moving down the hill the buildings huddle closer together until they crowd around the harbour. There you’ll find a great mixture of houses, quays, boat slips, inns, cafés, restaurants, gift shops, a fishmonger and the like. None of this was planned; it just evolved as the years moved on. No architect could have designed the magic of Padstow. It is just the result of years of adaptation to change, of getting the best out of local materials and then using the buildings and the surrounding environment to meet the needs of a working and friendly harbour town.
The harbour is undoubtedly the strongest attraction in the town and visitors find themselves drawn to it like a magnet. Fishing and pleasure craft rock side-by-side on their moorings, children fish for crabs from the harbour wall, quayside inns and cafes overlook the calm water. There are seats all around the harbour and because there’s always something going on and it’s such a restful and interesting place it’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. While you’re here please try to set aside some time to share in our heritage. Our museum may not be large but it does contain many of our historic treasures and artefacts. The church too reflects the life, past and present, of our seafaring town; a warm welcome awaits you at its services, as does the town’s Methodist Chapel and Catholic Church.
But the town and its harbour is just the first step in getting to know the area. Walk or cycle the Camel Trail toward Wadebridge, Bodmin and beyond or take a stroll along the Southwest Coast Path towards one of several sandy beaches or take the ferry across the river to Rock. There’s something for everyone in Padstow and the surrounding area!
Leave behind the high summer hustle and bustle and Padstow steadies to a more leisurely pace. Outside the main visitor season, there’s more time and space for everyone to appreciate the true beauty of the area. To spend time soaking up the atmosphere on the quay, to watch the nets being mended or the fishing catch landed or to just stroll along the deserted shoreline or over the cliff path. 30minute drive.
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Padstow
When the ancient Cornish settled in the area many centuries ago they chose the site for Padstow with great care and foresight. Nestling in a narrow gulley on the western side of the River Camel estuary, the town is sheltered from the prevailing winds and the air is generally soft and balmy. Moving down the hill the buildings huddle closer together until they crowd around the harbour. There you’ll find a great mixture of houses, quays, boat slips, inns, cafés, restaurants, gift shops, a fishmonger and the like. None of this was planned; it just evolved as the years moved on. No architect could have designed the magic of Padstow. It is just the result of years of adaptation to change, of getting the best out of local materials and then using the buildings and the surrounding environment to meet the needs of a working and friendly harbour town.
The harbour is undoubtedly the strongest attraction in the town and visitors find themselves drawn to it like a magnet. Fishing and pleasure craft rock side-by-side on their moorings, children fish for crabs from the harbour wall, quayside inns and cafes overlook the calm water. There are seats all around the harbour and because there’s always something going on and it’s such a restful and interesting place it’s a favourite spot for both locals and visitors. While you’re here please try to set aside some time to share in our heritage. Our museum may not be large but it does contain many of our historic treasures and artefacts. The church too reflects the life, past and present, of our seafaring town; a warm welcome awaits you at its services, as does the town’s Methodist Chapel and Catholic Church.
But the town and its harbour is just the first step in getting to know the area. Walk or cycle the Camel Trail toward Wadebridge, Bodmin and beyond or take a stroll along the Southwest Coast Path towards one of several sandy beaches or take the ferry across the river to Rock. There’s something for everyone in Padstow and the surrounding area!
Leave behind the high summer hustle and bustle and Padstow steadies to a more leisurely pace. Outside the main visitor season, there’s more time and space for everyone to appreciate the true beauty of the area. To spend time soaking up the atmosphere on the quay, to watch the nets being mended or the fishing catch landed or to just stroll along the deserted shoreline or over the cliff path. 30minute drive.
Located on Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast, Newquay has previously been voted as “One of the Nation's Favourite Seaside Towns” in the prestigious Which Holiday Survey, “Best Family Holiday Destination” by readers of COAST magazine, and recently won Gold for “Best Seaside Towns for Families 2019” by Days Out with the Kids. Newquay also has some of Cornwall’s finest beaches! Newquay’s laid-back charm is here for everyone to enjoy.
Newquay is open all year and offers a range of top quality attractions within easy reach, alongside classic events and exhilarating activities both in and out of the water, and some of Cornwall’s best beaches. 30 minute drive.
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Newquay
Located on Cornwall’s Atlantic Coast, Newquay has previously been voted as “One of the Nation's Favourite Seaside Towns” in the prestigious Which Holiday Survey, “Best Family Holiday Destination” by readers of COAST magazine, and recently won Gold for “Best Seaside Towns for Families 2019” by Days Out with the Kids. Newquay also has some of Cornwall’s finest beaches! Newquay’s laid-back charm is here for everyone to enjoy.
Newquay is open all year and offers a range of top quality attractions within easy reach, alongside classic events and exhilarating activities both in and out of the water, and some of Cornwall’s best beaches. 30 minute drive.
St Ives is one of the most popular and beloved locations in Cornwall, and it’s not hard to understand why! From sandy beaches to picturesque views and breathtaking scenery, you’re bound to fall in love with this town as well. St Ives is around an hours drive from our property but you can also get to this idyllic location via train from St Austell.
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St Ives
St Ives is one of the most popular and beloved locations in Cornwall, and it’s not hard to understand why! From sandy beaches to picturesque views and breathtaking scenery, you’re bound to fall in love with this town as well. St Ives is around an hours drive from our property but you can also get to this idyllic location via train from St Austell.
Polperro, lies just a few spectacular miles along the coast from Looe. Sheltered from the ravages of time and tide in its cliff ravine, it's an enchanting jumble of cottages, each one unmistakably the work of a Cornish fisherman. What he wanted was a place on shore to store his gear and his pilchard catch, and over that a loft divided into rooms like the cuddy of his boat. He reached the ground by means of stone or wooden steps, like a ship's gangway. You see, his idea of a dwelling was that of a ship in stone. And there's a fleet of them at anchor in Polperro.
Navigating your way through the traffic-free streets to the small harbour, you're treading the paths where barrows of fish were once carted and, under cover of night, brandy casks and tobacco bales were carried into their hideouts. Make no mistake, this peaceful fishing cove, mellow Polperro, was once a thriving centre for the area's smuggling.
Wagonloads of contraband left here, some heading across Bodmin Moor en route to London. The 'freetraders' have long since sailed into folk history and the shining shoals of pilchards have gone, but a visit to the smuggling museum brings this rich heritage back to life.
Today, in cellars where furtive smugglers once dodged the customs men's muskets, you can see displays of local crafts and fishermen's smocks, or you can dine in style at one of Polperro's excellent restaurants. 40 minute drive.
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Polperro
Polperro, lies just a few spectacular miles along the coast from Looe. Sheltered from the ravages of time and tide in its cliff ravine, it's an enchanting jumble of cottages, each one unmistakably the work of a Cornish fisherman. What he wanted was a place on shore to store his gear and his pilchard catch, and over that a loft divided into rooms like the cuddy of his boat. He reached the ground by means of stone or wooden steps, like a ship's gangway. You see, his idea of a dwelling was that of a ship in stone. And there's a fleet of them at anchor in Polperro.
Navigating your way through the traffic-free streets to the small harbour, you're treading the paths where barrows of fish were once carted and, under cover of night, brandy casks and tobacco bales were carried into their hideouts. Make no mistake, this peaceful fishing cove, mellow Polperro, was once a thriving centre for the area's smuggling.
Wagonloads of contraband left here, some heading across Bodmin Moor en route to London. The 'freetraders' have long since sailed into folk history and the shining shoals of pilchards have gone, but a visit to the smuggling museum brings this rich heritage back to life.
Today, in cellars where furtive smugglers once dodged the customs men's muskets, you can see displays of local crafts and fishermen's smocks, or you can dine in style at one of Polperro's excellent restaurants. 40 minute drive.
The Cornish fishing village of St Mawes, at the mouth of the Percuil River, has epic views that stretch languidly to Falmouth Bay. They say it's named after Maudez, a Celtic saint who spent years in solitary contemplation looking out at the calming waters. St Mawes is buzzing right now, thanks to the relaunch of two hotels: The Idle Rocks and her funkier sibling The St Mawes Hotel. The owners, Aston Martin chairman David Richards and his wife Karen, are attracting a party crowd who catch the sleeper from Paddington or fly in by chopper for long weekends at this laid-back hotspot.
Back in the 1970s, the harbour was so crowded you had to step across boats to make it to shore, and those times may be returning. Olga Polizzi put St Mawes back on the map in 1998 when she opened Tresanton, turning the former sailing club into a sleek hotel that made going on a beach holiday in England smart again. Then last year, The Idle Rocks was revived. The general consensus is that competition has been good for the village, despite soaring property prices. It is now so affluent that Hasbro has launched a limited-edition St Mawes Monopoly, with St Mawes Castle and Tresanton representing Bond Street and Mayfair.
The rows of pastel and whitewashed cottages, the castle and the imposing lighthouse that stands guard on St Anthony Head all contribute to the fairytale feel. And the sailing is magical, too. 'If you go to Salcombe in Devon, all you have is the enclosed harbour or the English Channel. Here you have the sheltered bay and the Carrick Roads [a large natural harbour],' said a pro at the St Mawes Sailing Club, where weekly races and regular regattas culminate in August's Falmouth Week. It's no coincidence that the River Fal is where Sir Ben Ainslie honed his skills.
The St Mawes Ferry, which goes to and from Falmouth, shares the water with grand yachts, dinghies, shabby fishing boats and rowers in their pilot gigs. Children spend blissful hours rockpooling on the two small beaches. And there's plenty more to do: browsing the boutiques, lounging on nearby Carne beach, going for coastal walks or investigating the many fantastical gardens nearby. Or you could take a leaf out of St Maudez's book and quietly contemplate the view; but unlike him, why not do so on a hotel terrace with an invigorating cocktail or a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc? 50 minute drive.
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St Mawes
The Cornish fishing village of St Mawes, at the mouth of the Percuil River, has epic views that stretch languidly to Falmouth Bay. They say it's named after Maudez, a Celtic saint who spent years in solitary contemplation looking out at the calming waters. St Mawes is buzzing right now, thanks to the relaunch of two hotels: The Idle Rocks and her funkier sibling The St Mawes Hotel. The owners, Aston Martin chairman David Richards and his wife Karen, are attracting a party crowd who catch the sleeper from Paddington or fly in by chopper for long weekends at this laid-back hotspot.
Back in the 1970s, the harbour was so crowded you had to step across boats to make it to shore, and those times may be returning. Olga Polizzi put St Mawes back on the map in 1998 when she opened Tresanton, turning the former sailing club into a sleek hotel that made going on a beach holiday in England smart again. Then last year, The Idle Rocks was revived. The general consensus is that competition has been good for the village, despite soaring property prices. It is now so affluent that Hasbro has launched a limited-edition St Mawes Monopoly, with St Mawes Castle and Tresanton representing Bond Street and Mayfair.
The rows of pastel and whitewashed cottages, the castle and the imposing lighthouse that stands guard on St Anthony Head all contribute to the fairytale feel. And the sailing is magical, too. 'If you go to Salcombe in Devon, all you have is the enclosed harbour or the English Channel. Here you have the sheltered bay and the Carrick Roads [a large natural harbour],' said a pro at the St Mawes Sailing Club, where weekly races and regular regattas culminate in August's Falmouth Week. It's no coincidence that the River Fal is where Sir Ben Ainslie honed his skills.
The St Mawes Ferry, which goes to and from Falmouth, shares the water with grand yachts, dinghies, shabby fishing boats and rowers in their pilot gigs. Children spend blissful hours rockpooling on the two small beaches. And there's plenty more to do: browsing the boutiques, lounging on nearby Carne beach, going for coastal walks or investigating the many fantastical gardens nearby. Or you could take a leaf out of St Maudez's book and quietly contemplate the view; but unlike him, why not do so on a hotel terrace with an invigorating cocktail or a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc? 50 minute drive.
Cornwall is famous for its unforgettable coastline, so ensure you make the most of your time here by heading down to one of the delightful sandy beaches.
Mevagissey has its own stretch of sand, perfect for a lazy day when you don’t want to travel too far. Less than 2 miles up the coast is the large sandy Pentewan Beach, an excellent area for swimming and water sports which you can reach by walking the South West Coast Path.
It’s 8 miles to Hemmick Beach, which you can see in our post uncovering Cornwall’s beautiful secret beaches. The unspoilt Gorran Haven beach sits in a bay 4 miles drive from Mevagissey while the dog-friendly Caerhays beach is 7 miles away. There’s a sandy shoreline in every direction for you to choose from during your holiday so take your pick of wonderful seaside spots to explore. 25 minute drive.
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Mevagissey
Cornwall is famous for its unforgettable coastline, so ensure you make the most of your time here by heading down to one of the delightful sandy beaches.
Mevagissey has its own stretch of sand, perfect for a lazy day when you don’t want to travel too far. Less than 2 miles up the coast is the large sandy Pentewan Beach, an excellent area for swimming and water sports which you can reach by walking the South West Coast Path.
It’s 8 miles to Hemmick Beach, which you can see in our post uncovering Cornwall’s beautiful secret beaches. The unspoilt Gorran Haven beach sits in a bay 4 miles drive from Mevagissey while the dog-friendly Caerhays beach is 7 miles away. There’s a sandy shoreline in every direction for you to choose from during your holiday so take your pick of wonderful seaside spots to explore. 25 minute drive.
The seaside town of Looe keeps visitors entertained all year round whilst still retaining a working fishing port. Stand on the quayside in the evening and watch the boats return before dining on fresh fish in a local restaurant. The town prides itself on it's fresh fish, and be it award winning fish and chips near the river or gourmet menus in smart restaurants overlooking the harbour, you know you won't be disappointed.
To work all that food off, Looe is a great place for walking. The South West Coast Path passes through the town, plus there are countless walks in the beautiful countryside, or along the two rivers that flow inland.
For children, a safe sandy beach with rockpools beside it is all they need. Hours of free fun, and if they want to take after mummy and daddy and go fishing, then there's always crabbing from the quayside. 50 minute drive.
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Looe
The seaside town of Looe keeps visitors entertained all year round whilst still retaining a working fishing port. Stand on the quayside in the evening and watch the boats return before dining on fresh fish in a local restaurant. The town prides itself on it's fresh fish, and be it award winning fish and chips near the river or gourmet menus in smart restaurants overlooking the harbour, you know you won't be disappointed.
To work all that food off, Looe is a great place for walking. The South West Coast Path passes through the town, plus there are countless walks in the beautiful countryside, or along the two rivers that flow inland.
For children, a safe sandy beach with rockpools beside it is all they need. Hours of free fun, and if they want to take after mummy and daddy and go fishing, then there's always crabbing from the quayside. 50 minute drive.
The Minack is built on a granite cliffside, sloping steeply down to the sea, and looking out over Porthcurno Bay towards craggy headlands and the Lizard peninsula on the horizon. The theatre faces South East across the mouth of the English Channel, an area rich with wildlife and a wonderful place to experience the wild beauty of the Cornish coast.
When there is no show on, you can explore the open air theatre itself, stand on the stage (even declaim a bit if you wish!), investigate the backstage paths and gaze down into the watery depths of the narrow 'zawn' almost under your feet. Enjoy our beautiful subtropical gardens and admire the extraordinary carvings around the theatre, all etched by Rowena Cade using only a rusty screwdriver. Raise your eyes from the theatre and look out to sea, where the waves surge around the Logan Rock and the gannets dive from heady heights into the foam. You may be lucky enough to spot a seal bobbing around the rocks, or a school of dolphins making their way down channel. Sometimes you may catch a workshop or a rehearsal in progress and you are welcome to watch. 75 minute drive.
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Minack Leikhús
The Minack is built on a granite cliffside, sloping steeply down to the sea, and looking out over Porthcurno Bay towards craggy headlands and the Lizard peninsula on the horizon. The theatre faces South East across the mouth of the English Channel, an area rich with wildlife and a wonderful place to experience the wild beauty of the Cornish coast.
When there is no show on, you can explore the open air theatre itself, stand on the stage (even declaim a bit if you wish!), investigate the backstage paths and gaze down into the watery depths of the narrow 'zawn' almost under your feet. Enjoy our beautiful subtropical gardens and admire the extraordinary carvings around the theatre, all etched by Rowena Cade using only a rusty screwdriver. Raise your eyes from the theatre and look out to sea, where the waves surge around the Logan Rock and the gannets dive from heady heights into the foam. You may be lucky enough to spot a seal bobbing around the rocks, or a school of dolphins making their way down channel. Sometimes you may catch a workshop or a rehearsal in progress and you are welcome to watch. 75 minute drive.
Food scene
Charlestown is a famous working port near St Austell. It has been used in many films and TV adaptations over the years the most recent of which was 'Poldark' (BBC). As well as the beach and harbour, there are top class restaurants and two pubs (Rashleigh Arms and The Harbourside). 15 minute drive.
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Charlestown
Charlestown is a famous working port near St Austell. It has been used in many films and TV adaptations over the years the most recent of which was 'Poldark' (BBC). As well as the beach and harbour, there are top class restaurants and two pubs (Rashleigh Arms and The Harbourside). 15 minute drive.
City/town information
Truro is the only city in Cornwall. It has fantastic high street retailers and independent shops immersed within the city's iconic history and heritage with attractions portraying Truro's past and present. Truro has a great selection of entertainment venues for nights out and evening entertainment. 30 minute drive.
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Truro
Truro is the only city in Cornwall. It has fantastic high street retailers and independent shops immersed within the city's iconic history and heritage with attractions portraying Truro's past and present. Truro has a great selection of entertainment venues for nights out and evening entertainment. 30 minute drive.
Family Fun
Football Golf uses the same rules as golf but instead of using a club players kick a football into a hole. There are hazards and obstacles along the way helping make the game fun and enjoyable for everyone.
The game of Football Golf is suitable for anyone from 5 to 80 years old. There are two courses to suit all ages and abilities. One on level ground called Parkland and one on the hills called Hillside.
So if you enjoy the outdoors then come and try this brand new fun game. 15 minute drive.
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Cornwall Fótbolta Golf
Trenowah RoadFootball Golf uses the same rules as golf but instead of using a club players kick a football into a hole. There are hazards and obstacles along the way helping make the game fun and enjoyable for everyone.
The game of Football Golf is suitable for anyone from 5 to 80 years old. There are two courses to suit all ages and abilities. One on level ground called Parkland and one on the hills called Hillside.
So if you enjoy the outdoors then come and try this brand new fun game. 15 minute drive.
Camel Creek Adventure Park is a vibrant and welcoming visitor destination year-round, uniquely interpreting the legends of the area and famous for delivering great adventures and days out for the whole family. The Park is an all-weather attraction and open all year round, with annual activities reflecting the seasons. Please note that only assistance dogs are allowed. 30 minute drive.
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Camel Creek ævintýraparkur
Camel Creek Adventure Park is a vibrant and welcoming visitor destination year-round, uniquely interpreting the legends of the area and famous for delivering great adventures and days out for the whole family. The Park is an all-weather attraction and open all year round, with annual activities reflecting the seasons. Please note that only assistance dogs are allowed. 30 minute drive.
There are amazing rides for thrill-seekers! Take a spin on the Hornet Rollercoaster and check out the view from the top of SkyRaker, the twisting drop ride. Brave the Thunderbolt, journey through the dark on Space Race and prepare to get wet on the Colorado River log flume.
For those adrenalin junkies, why not ride Sky-Force, whizzing high above the park, this ride is the largest thrill ride in the South West.
Young families will love the traditional rides in Ferdi's Funland including the Teacups, Space Shuttles and Pirate Ship. Go on an adventure and discover dinosaurs in the Jurassic Journey before uncovering fossils in the Dino Dig. You can also see the new arrivals hatching in the Dino-Nursey.
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Flambards Theme Park
Clodgey LaneThere are amazing rides for thrill-seekers! Take a spin on the Hornet Rollercoaster and check out the view from the top of SkyRaker, the twisting drop ride. Brave the Thunderbolt, journey through the dark on Space Race and prepare to get wet on the Colorado River log flume.
For those adrenalin junkies, why not ride Sky-Force, whizzing high above the park, this ride is the largest thrill ride in the South West.
Young families will love the traditional rides in Ferdi's Funland including the Teacups, Space Shuttles and Pirate Ship. Go on an adventure and discover dinosaurs in the Jurassic Journey before uncovering fossils in the Dino Dig. You can also see the new arrivals hatching in the Dino-Nursey.