Beaches

The Barn is only 3km from the south coast, as the crow flies, and we’re lucky enough to have two of the best beaches in Cornwall right on the doorstep – Lansallos Cove, and Lantic Bay.

Lansallos Cove – A trip to Lansallos cove starts with the walk down the path through the woods that’s like a green tunnel when the trees are in leaf. Then cross the meadow, and go through the curious ‘smugglers passage’ which brings you onto the beach. A family day on the beach is great, but my favourite is going down at the end of a summer day and swimming around the sheltered waters of the cove. There’s good snorkelling around the edges of the cove. On the way home stop at Lansallos Church and look for the gravestone of the unfortunate chap who had his head knocked off by a cannon ball, by ‘persons unknown’.

Lantic Bay – Walk down the steep path to get Great Lantic beach, featured in local author Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek. More exposed than Lansallos Cove.

Polperro Tidal Pool – A tidal pool cut into the rock for swimming at low tide. Walk all the way down through Polperro village, to the beach, cross the beach, and climb over the hill to find the tidal pool hidden behind.

Gardens

There are many fantastic gardens to visit in Cornwall. These are our favourites, starting with the closest to the barn.

Boconnoc – A private estate that’s well worth a visit when there’s an event or open day. Link.

Lanhydrock – National Trust house set in a wooded estate. Walk the beautiful parkland and woods, or hire bikes and cycle the family friendly cycle trails. Link.

Cotehele – National Trust Gardens overlooking the Tamar Valley. Great walks along the valley – walk up to the riverside village of Calstock for lunch in the pub. Link.

Lost Gardens of Heligan – Beautiful gardens with a great story. A 19th Century garden which fell in to decay and way ‘lost’. The gardens were rediscovered in 1990 by Tim Smit (Eden Project) and John Willis, and restored. Link.

National Garden Scheme – NGS opens outstanding garden, not normally accessible, for charity. Check the dates local gardens are open on the NGS website.

Castles

Restormel Castle – This castle is really hidden away, close to Lostwithiel. Link.

Castle Dore – An Iron Age hill fort close to Fowey. Seat of the legendry King Mark of Cornwall in the 6th Century, possibly linked to the tragic love story of Tristan and Iseult, and featuring in the Daphne du Maurier novel Castle Dor. Link.

Local Food and Drink

Hayle Farm Cider – The cider is sold in shops, but it’s far more fun to take the 5 minute drive over to the farm and buy from the cider makers themselves. See the ancient press where the apples are pressed through straw, in the same way it’s been done since the 13th century. Taste the cider before you buy. Link.

Lesquite Farm Organic Beef – Take the 5 minute walk over to the farm to pick up some meat for the BBQ. Organic Aberdeen Angus. Link.

St Winnow Farm Meat – Buy beef and pork from the farm in beautiful St Winnow, next to the river Fowey.

Lostwithiel Farmers Market – Producers from within 35 miles of Lostwithiel selling their goods. Every other Friday 10:00-14:00. Link.

Guides

Lanteglos Parish – A really nice guide to to area. Link.

Wild Guide to the South West – A great book to plan a day, and to have in the car to find somewhere good to eat. Link.

Hidden Beaches – Secret Coast – A guide to the best UK beaches, including Lansallos Cove ! Link.

Getting to the Barn

See travel options here

 Alternative Accommodation

If Trenedden barn is not what you’re looking for, or maybe you want additional accommodation for friends or family, why not take a look at other places available locally, here.