Places to Visit
Cheesewring, Minions, Bodmin Moor (approximate location: PL14 5LL).
The Cheesewring Moor is perfect for those wishing to get away and experience nature at its very finest. On the moors, you will hear nothing but the wind and songs from the birds. You’ll see lots of lambs bouncing in the spring, wild cattle, and horses roaming freely; it’s truly one of the most peaceful places I have ever been too.
On the Moor, you will find an engine house museum with information about the local mining heritage. The museum is free and is located next to the car park, which is also free. You can explore all the engine houses on the moors, and I suggest you do, as they are amazing. You can also walk into the bases of the quarries, or if feeling a little more adventurous walk to the top of the Cheesewring monuments…..you can see for miles.
If the hurlers interest you, there is a very pleasant walk for all the family. The hurlers go back 1000s of years. If you really like history, research Daniel Gumb and his house on the moors. After a day out walking, why not visit the highest pub in Cornwall, The Cheesewring. Be warned, booking prior, it is very popular with the locals.
Goliath Falls Waterfalls (approximate location: PL14 6RU).
Goliath Falls is suitable for all the family; it offers a fully pathed walk for those who do not have the right equipment (walking boots). The waterfalls are set in a beautiful old woodland and are great to have a quick hour mooching about. Again, if you want to see nature at its best, this is highly recommended.
I have personally seen wild deer here in huge groups as I’m sat watching and listening to waterfalls. As well as being a lovely walk through the woods, Goliath Falls is in a prime walking district. This river is near its start and is known as the River Foy. You can see the very start of the River at Rough Tor (PL32 9QJ) as a stream from the landscape. Again, Rough Tor is well worth a visit. You’ll be able to get to the highest point of Cornwall from here, Brown Willy Tor.
Looe Valley Railway (approximate location: PL14 3DZ).
The post code above is for Liskeard train station; however, you can catch the train from Menheniot Station. If you do decide to catch the train from Menheniot, it may be worth calling Liskeard to notify the driver to stop. It’s a little back in time here in Cornwall.
The Looe Valley Railway is perfect for those wishing to view the valley of Liskeard and Looe. You’ll go through the countryside, seeing wild animals, Cornish landscapes and the estuary of Looe. Looe is a magical seaside town, there are no other words to describe it, especially in an evening. A trip highly recommended.
Looe Town & Harbour (approximate location: PL13 2AF).
Looe town is my favourite town in the UK. It can become a little busy in the summer, but out of summer it is completely different. However, whether in or out of season, Looe is perfect for the family. Looe is very picturesque; a beautiful peaceful fishing harbour with a few little old pubs where you can get fine wines, ales, ciders and foods. Looe also has little sea side shops for those wishing to have a bit of retail therapy.
New Year at Looe is voted one of the best places to be, there is a huge firework display, and everyone dresses up in fancy dress. The streets become busy and full of life.
From the harbour you’ll be able to get on various boat trips and, a little further along, the golden sands of Looe Beach. Some days, you can see the seals dancing in the sea as they swim up the harbour to beg for fish.
Siblyback Lake (approximate location: PL14 6ED).
Siblyback Lake is located on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Surrounded by moorland and dramatic tors, this impressive lakeside location offers a great day out for the family. Siblyback offers a wide range of activities both on and off the water. A great place for adults and children.
It has a 3.2 mile circular path that runs adjacent to the lake, venture through woodlands, build dens, spot birds and discover Siblyback Dam, everyone loves a megastructure! It’s not until you look over the side, you realise what a megastructure it is. Again, I highly recommend it on a lovely day.
Polperro (approximate location: PL13 2PL).
In Polperro it is easy to step back in time in what is a largely an unspoilt fishing village on the South East coast of Cornwall. It’s just up the road from Looe so not far. Its beautiful cottages cling to steep hillsides around a small harbour with spectacular views of land and sea, making it an artist’s paradise. Like its neighbour Looe, Polperro offers plenty of places to eat, drink and relax.
Dotted around the village are several galleries selling art work by local artists. Many of these artists are involved in the arts and music festival in June, which includes the crowning of the mock mayor and parades through the narrow streets. I do advise you to use the car park in the postcode above, the streets are very narrow for a vehicle, but it can be done if you’re confident.
Fowey (approximate location: PL23 1DF).
Fowey is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town of Fowey hangs off the west side of the Fowey estuary, where the large, deep water harbour is a magnet for boating fans. As you walk the ever-narrowing streets of the old town where medieval and Georgian buildings cast shadows over each other, a vibrant maritime history comes to life. Lining the main Fore Street you will find many small, independent shops selling unusual gifts, artwork, clothing, and books.
If you’re a foodie, then Fowey is home to many bistros, cafés, and restaurants where you will find menus offering the best in local produce – Fowey River mussels are a highlight and are very popular with locals.
Tavistock (approximate location: PL19 0AE).
Tavistock is a flourishing, beautiful, friendly town, that is worthy of any visitor. The ancient tin mining town possesses world heritage status, setting this town apart from the rest. The vibrancy and uniqueness of Tavistock is undeniable with a range of beautiful local independent shops, which are a far cry from today’s typical high street. Not to be overlooked is the famous pannier market, it is truly a shopper’s paradise.
Whether you come to experience the wonderful architecture, the unique shops, the amazing locally produced food or the breathtaking Dartmoor, I can guarantee Tavistock will not disappoint. Why not visit Dartmoor while you are here? It is only up the road.
Morwellham Quay (approximate location: PL19 8JL).
Morwellham Quay is an historic river port on the outskirts of Tavistock. It was developed to support the local mines and the port had its peak in the Victorian era. It is now run as a tourist attraction and museum. It is the terminus of the Tavistock Canal, and has its own copper mine where you can get on a small train for a visit. Morwellham is very educational and will teach the basics of: ore extraction, blacksmith work, rope making, pulley systems and barrel making just to name a few. It’s a great place for children (and adults) to learn in a fun environment. My children have learnt a great deal from Morwellham, and the best bit, they don’t realise i am trying to educate them at the same time.
Charles Town (approximate location: PL25 3NH).
Situated on the outskirts of St Austell, on the South Coast of Cornwall is Charlestown Harbour, an unspoilt, original Grade II Listed Harbour. Used recently as a key location for the filming of the BBC’s Poldark, it has also been used for Dr Who, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, and many other films and TV programmes.
The harbour is the home port for a famous collection of old ships, which are employed in film projects all over the world; they have brought work and life to the quays, and in particular the draw for visitors. There are plenty of bars, restaurants and gift shops to be enjoyed, whilst taking in the breathtaking views out over St Austell Bay. The shipwreck museum is well worth a visit too.
Minack Theatre & Porthcurno Beach (approximate location: PL25 3NH).
The Minack Theatre is Cornwall’s world-famous open-air theatre, carved into the granite cliff and set in glorious gardens overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay. It is a good drive from the property, but well worth it, more so on a summer’s day.
From above, it looks as though some wandering Greeks, two thousand years ago, had carved a theatre into the granite cliffs of Porthcurno. In fact, it was just under eighty years ago that there was nothing there except a sloping gully of gorse and heather and below that, the sea of the Atlantic Ocean.
Presenting drama, musicals and opera in this most dramatic of settings. Day visitors are able to explore this world-famous open-air theatre created from a cliffside. The subtropical gardens have become an established favourite, especially for gardeners with a taste for the exotic. The succulent plants thrive on the open cliffside, providing an added dash of colour to the Minack all year round. On a bright summer day, you would think you were in the Mediterranean.
The Rowena Cade Visitor Centre tells the remarkable story of how a girl from the Victorian era grew up to build this internationally famous Theatre with her own hands. From the start of April to the end of October, the theatre is open to day visitors from 9.30 until 5pm, except during ticketed matinée performances on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and children’s story telling performances, which are usually on Wednesday and Friday mornings during school holidays. Matinée performances start at 2pm and evening performances at 8pm.
Rough Tor & Brown Willy Tor (approximate location: PL32 9QG).
Rough Tor (sometimes known as Roughtor) boasts a wealth of natural beauty. Its peaks provide a manageable and enjoyable 3-4 mile walk, complete with stunning views.
The keen eye will spot not only stunning views, but also Iron Age remains, Bronze Age hut circles, and even a Neolithic tor enclosure. Perfect for explorers who like to stumble across remnants of history!
From here you’ll be able to see the Cheesewring, and the cottage is only about 5 miles from there. Why not take advantage and visit Davidstow woods, it’s only around the corner.
Highly recommended in my opinion, although I would recommend a good pair of walking boots.
St Annes Woods, Looe (approximate location: PL13 1QJ).
St Annes Wood is a lovely quiet woodland where only the locals go; it is not a tourist hotspot at all, and very few people actually know about this wood. Follow the road to Seaton, and you’ll see many places to park up. There’s a U bend in the road, and this is probably the best place to park. The path is a circular, and you can make it as long or as short as you wish. Again, I recommend good footwear.
If you like woodlands, have a look at Davidstow Woods, Newbridge Woods, Laneskin Woods and Cardinham Woods. If you want extremely quiet woodlands, like St Annes, do feel free to contact me and I can give you numerous suggestions.
Sharp Tor (approximate location: PL14 5AT).
Sharp Tor is only about 2 miles from the Cheesewring Moor. It is a pleasant walk for all the family, and again i highly recommended it. Once you reach the top you’ll be able to walk for miles, in an area of outstanding natural beauty. You’ll see a wood in the distance, why not take lunch and explore for the day. Parking is not displayed, so park up on the side of the road. I park just inside which appears to be a farm entrance, but it’s not.
Plymouth (approximate location: PL1 1PZ).
The postcode above should direct you to the car park i tend to park in, because it is quite centralized. Plymouth is a great place to visit, it is full of life and has a lot of history to it.
Whatever you are after, Plymouth has it all. From Cinemas, fast food outlets, museums, shopping, Sea Life Centre, the list is endless.
The Barbican has some lovely little outlets on the waterfront, why not stop there for lunch?
Port Elliot Estate (approximate location: PL12 5ND).
Port Elliot House and Gardens is an incredible Grade-I listed house and was remodelled by Sir John Soane in the 18th century, a renowned landscape gardener Humphrey Repton then created the gardens and park. Port Elliot holds events all year round, so it’s worth a look at their website (www.porteliot.co.uk).
Other Areas of Interest
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