St Agnes and Surrounding Area

Wonderguide by

Tracy Kirton

St Agnes and surrounding area

Welcome to St Agnes, a most beautiful part of Cornwall and officially declared an AONB. Here you will find a stunning coastline with beautiful beaches, a host of pubs, cafes and restaurants and a truly welcoming community where the locals want you to feel at home. Created for guests of Rosenn Teyr.

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Local cafes & restaurants

All thoroughly recommended and within walking distance of Rosenn Teyr (find us on Facebook)

Image - The Tap House

Tracy:Lively atmosphere, consistently good food and service. Highly recommend.

Image - Schooners

Tracy:Delightful location overlooking the beach. Vasey is a very talented chef and the flavour combinations are nothing short of superb. Prepare for a leisurely visit as the service can be a bit hit and miss. Still definitely worth a visit. Usually open Easter to October only.

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Image - Bear Bar & Kitchen St Agnes

Bear Bar & Kitchen St Agnes

Tracy:There’s a nice vibe in the Peterville Inn. It’s a pub serving great food at value for money prices.

Image - Taste Restaurant

Taste Restaurant

Tracy:Looks like a traditional restaurant but looks can be deceiving. Excellent food and great service. Trip Advisor rating 5 star and often in the top 10 restaurants in Cornwall.

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Image - The Greenroom

Tracy:A great cafe, bright and cheery decor and offering a good range of foods with breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon teas. Good value.

Image - Canteen

Tracy:A hidden gem and another ‘must’ to visit. The owners run a successful catering company but they open their doors of their base and prep area in Wheal Kitty Workshops to locals and passers but there’s no signage so you need to know where you’re going. Lunches cost £5 and there are just two choices - a meat or veggie option which change daily. Usually open for breakfast through to mid-late afternoon but close occasionally when catering at big festivals. Outstanding value for money and highly recommended.

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Tracy:A quirky beach hut Cafe on the road down to the beach. Small but perfectly formed as they say. Serves smoothies and lots of healthy, yummy foods and a good selection of cakes. Great coffee too. Genki is seasonal and usually open just before Easter to the end of October.

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Image - The Sorting Office Coffeehouse

The Sorting Office Coffeehouse

Tracy:Right in the heart of St Agnes and reportedly serves the best coffee in village. A small but characterful coffee shop with a great reputation for good food and service.

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The Beaches of St Agnes

We are lucky to have four stunning beaches, all delightful but different

Image - Trevaunance Cove

Trevaunance Cove

Tracy:This is the main beach of St Agnes with a mix of golden sands and a few stones and at low tide, enchanting rock pools. The beach looks very different if you visit at high tide compared to low water! Lifeguards are on duty in the summer months.

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Image - Trevellas Cove

Tracy:There’s a small car park down a rocky narrow lane or it's a steepish walk from Wheal Kitty. The beach is sheltered with a freshwater stream which spills onto the beach. There’s no facilities but still ideal for an evening picnic or BBQ as the beach gets the sun well into the evening.

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Image - Chapel Porth Beach

Chapel Porth Beach

Tracy:A little further down the coast Chapel Porth is a fantastic, sandy, mile long beach at low water. Be warned though that if visiting at high water there is no beach! It’s a popular spot for surfers. There’s a wonderful cafe at the beach serving a good range of snacks where you can also indulge in a Hedgehog ice cream. It’s a cone with vanilla ice cream, a layer of Cornish clotted cream and then covered in roasted hazelnut pieces. Delicious! Head to this beach for easy access to Wheal Coates engine house, an iconic landmark often featured when depicting Cornwall’s heritage.

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Image - Porthtowan Beach

Porthtowan Beach

Tracy:This is another great surfing beach, still in the St Agnes parish. It features a wide expanse of sand. Facilities include The Blue Bar which is adjacent to the beach and a great spot to stop for a drink or a bite to eat.

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Things To Do in St Agnes

Suggestions for exploring locally

Image - Koru Kayaking

Tracy:Tom and Hetti are expert tour guides who offer two hour kayaking sessions from Trevaunance Cove, our main beach in St Agnes. The coastline is stunning and their passion for the area is apparent as they explain all about the mining history and the wildlife in the area. Join them on a tour and you won’t be disappointed. When the weather is not so kind they can switch the launch to the sheltered Helford River where they offer kayaking on Frenchman’s Creek. The two person kayaks are very stable so ideal for beginners as well as the more experienced and the tour price includes wetsuit hire. Thoroughly recommended.

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Image - AggieCycles

Tracy:Based in the village, a local company offering bike hire at reasonable rates. Be warned there are hills in this part of Cornwall but there's no need to worry as they even have some electric bikes. Whether pedalling or assisted pedalling with an electric bike, getting around on two wheels is a great way to see the area.

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Image - Saint Agnes Museum

Saint Agnes Museum

Tracy:Situated on the main road driving from the A30 into the village the museum showcases artefacts from the mining history of the area. Lots of interesting facts to discover.

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Image - Pareusi

Tracy:Needs to be pre-booked but if knife making appeals, this is the place to go. Dan, an ex-chef runs short courses teaching the art of knife making. It starts with you choosing the wood for the handle and then handcrafting the blade. What you’ll end up with is a unique and utterly stunning knife that will last a lifetime.

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Venturing Further Afield

If you're happy to drive, here are a few recommendations of other things to do and places to see in the Duchy.

Image - Eden Project

Tracy:Eden is not so much a garden but more of an educational showcase set in a disused quarry, but you’d never know as the transformation is staggering. Wander through the Mediterranean biome or venture into the Tropical biome. For the latter remember to dress with layers as the higher the path climbs the hotter it gets. There’s also a high viewing platform right at the top if you’re not afraid of heights.

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Image - Lanhydrock House and Garden

Lanhydrock House and Garden

Tracy:Lanhydrock House is a National Trust property near Bodmin. Close to the free parking area is a lovely little cafe and further on, as you walk past Lanhydrock House, there is a delightful woodland walk. Admission charges apply only if you tour the house and gardens but it is worth it. The house was completely refurbished after the catastrophic fire of 1881 and it was then it became the family home of the Agar-Robartes family. The room settings transport you back in time to the Victorian period when life was luxurious for this privileged family. Meander through these historic rooms and understand what life was like for their well-cared for servants as well. A visit is both fascinating and educational.

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Image - Camel Trail (Cycle Way)

Camel Trail (Cycle Way)

Tracy:The Camel Trail runs from Bodmin through Wadebridge and onto Padstow. It follows the old tramline along the banks of the River Camel and is therefore reasonably level. Padstow can get busy and parking difficult so an excellent way to visit is by picking up a bike hire from Wadebridge and cycling along the car free "Camel Trail" into Padstow. Once there you can park your bike in one of the secure, undercover bike parking areas and head off on foot to explore the delightful harbour town of Padstow and possibly consider taking the ferry over to Rock, the other side of the estuary where you’ll find a good pub and some beautiful sandy beaches. Image courtesy of Visit Cornwall.

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Image - St Ives

Tracy:Sitting on a peninsula and surrounded by turquoise waters, St Ives is stunning. It can get very busy in peak season with parking difficult and so the best way to arrive is by train. Park at Lelant or St Erth railway stations and remember to sit on the right hand side for the best views. It is reportedly the most scenic rail journey in the UK and the journey is only fifteen minutes or so.

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Image - Padstow

Tracy:Padstow is a charming working fishing port and now a famous foodie destination thanks to celebrity chef, Rick Stein who has made it his home and has a number of eateries in the town including The Seafood Restaurant, Stein's Fish & Chips and Rick Stein's Cafe. There is however much more to Padstow than a great selection of restaurants. This historic town oozes character and charm. You'll find cobbled streets, craft shops, pleasure craft and a delightful array of independent shops. A great way to arrive in Padstow is by bicycle! Park at the more accessible town of Wadebridge and hire a bike to cycle in along the car-free Camel Trail. It's about a five mile trail which meanders along the River Camel and makes for a most pleasant cycle.

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Image - Saint Michael's Mount

Saint Michael's Mount

Tracy:St Michael's Mount is a small tidal island in Mount's Bay which is close to Penzance. The island is a civil parish and is linked to the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway of granite setts, passable between mid-tide and low water. At other times a boat runs the short distance to the Mount. Walk through sub-tropical gardens, explore the castle and take a look round the village and harbour. A visit makes a great afternoon out.

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Tracy:Fowey (pronounced “Foy") is a charming fishing village on the south coast and makes a delightful day out. If you have time and enjoy walking then consider the Fowey Hall Walk. The suggested start on foot is from the Bodinnick slipway and taking the car ferry to the Old Ferry Inn. Classed as "moderate" and taking approximately 2.5 hours, this circular walk is spectacular and offers exceptional views. From Polruan, a pedestrian ferry runs from the quay to Fowey and you then walk through to the town back to the starting point. Image courtesy of Visit Cornwall.

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Image - The Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre

Tracy:Carved out of the cliff face, the work that started in the early 1930's by Rowena Cade and her gardener to create this unique theatre is simply amazing. Throughout the summer the Minack hosts a variety of shows, both matinees and evening performances and the setting makes for a memorable event. Remember it is outdoors and it’s rare for performances to cancel due to weather so dress appropriately. Porthcurno beach, often featured when depicting the Cornwall coastline, is only around the corner so this too is worth a visit whilst in the area.

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Image - The Hidden Hut

Tracy:One of Cornwall’s best kept secrets. Only accessible on foot after walking along the coastline for about ten to fifteen minutes from the nearest car park in Portscatho, this outside cafe suddenly appears set overlooking a delightful bay. The location is wonderful and the food just fabulous. Lots of homemade delights to tempt the palate whether you be stopping for lunch or a morning/afternoon snack with coffee and cake. Getting to the Hidden Hut from St Agnes is a very pleasant journey when taking the King Harry car ferry from Trelissick over to the Roseland Peninsula.

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Local events in St Agnes

Check out the key annual events in the village and experience true local colour. St Agnes Bolster Festival WHEN: early May Bank Holiday Weekend WHERE: various locations around St Agnes. Bolster is our local legendary giant and the twelve foot puppet and his drummers make regular appearances throughout the year. Over Bolster Weekend there is a bonfire on the Beacon on the Saturday evening, an outdoor play on the Cliffs at Chapel Porth, processions and music. https://www.facebook.com/St-Agnes-Bolster-Festival-112008372159930/ Street Fayre and Pasty Competition WHEN: Whit Monday in May. WHERE: Churchtown area of St Agnes. A bustling local fair with face painting, crafts and local stalls and produce. Carnival WHEN: 3 August 2019 WHERE: procession through the village passing through Churchtown and Trevauance Road. Weeks if not months of planning go into decorating the themed floats as locals process through the village, mostly in fancy dress, along with local bands, dancers and people of all ages having a great time! Clever floats, great ingenuity, even dance routines, are all led by the famous Giant Bolster! http://www.stagnescarnival.co.uk Lifeboat Day WHEN: 5 August 2019 WHERE: Trevaunance Cove Beach. Meet the crews and teams who work alongside the crew of the St Agnes Lifeboat. The RNLI Lifeguards will also be putting on demonstrations throughout the day and the New HM Coastguard helicopter will be in attendance. There's burgers, hot dogs and a hog roast with cream teas, sandcastle competition, 'tug of war' and many more fun activities. https://www.facebook.com/events/trevaunance-cove/stagnes-rnli-lifeboat-day-2019/273863326585107/ Skybar Pop-up Bar WHEN: 23, 24 & 25 August 2019 WHERE: St Agnes Beacon (with minibus service from the village). Fresh cocktails, DJs, live music, great street food al fresco style and stunning views come together to create the perfect "aprés sea" party atmosphere. Offering the very best music in a great location SkyBar is a limited-capacity, exclusive night out not to be missed. Tickets usually sell out so pre-booking is essential. https://www.the-skybar.co.uk

Poldark film locations

A selection of locations featured in the latest Poldark series from St Agnes Head in the north coast to Charlestown on the south coast

Image - Historic Port of Charlestown

Historic Port of Charlestown

Tracy:PL25 3NJ Image courtesy of Visit Cornwall

Image - The Count House, Botallack Mine

The Count House, Botallack Mine

Image - Porthcurno Beach

Porthcurno Beach

Tracy:Image courtesy of Visit Cornwall

Image - Porthgwarra Beach

Porthgwarra Beach

Tracy:Image courtesy of Visit Cornwall

Image - National Trust - Levant Mine and Beam Engine

National Trust - Levant Mine and Beam Engine

Image - Porthcothan Bay

Porthcothan Bay

Tracy:Porthcothan Bay Beach near Padstow. PL28 8LW Image courtesy of Visit Cornwall.

Image - Kynance Cove

Tracy:Situated on the Lizard Peninsula. TR12 7PJ Image courtesy of Visit Cornwall.

Image - Gunwalloe Beach

Gunwalloe Beach

Tracy:Gunwalloe Church Cove Beach near Helston. TR12 7QG Image courtesy of Visit Cornwall.

Image - Bodmin Moor

Tracy:Rough Tor Minions on Bodmin Moor. PL32 9SH Image courtesy of Visit Cornwall.

Rosamunde Pilcher Film Locations

As she says “It all started here in Cornwall, on the beaches, sitting on the rocks and making up little stories in my head, a long time ago..." Rosamunde Pilcher was born in Lelant in 1924 and she became one of Cornwall’s literary greats. Her childhood in Cornwall inspired many of her novels which have since been adapted for German TV and there are now more than 100 episodes. Set amongst a stunning Cornish backdrop, the series features the Duchy's iconic beaches, breath-taking coastline and impressive architecture. Check out the film locations for yourself.

Image - Lanhydrock House and Garden

Lanhydrock House and Garden

Image - Trewithen Gardens

Trewithen Gardens

Tracy:Trewithen Gardens near Truro. TR2 4DD

Image - Polperro

Image - Pencarrow House & Garden

Pencarrow House & Garden

Tracy:Situated near Bodmin. PL30 3AG

Image - Prideaux Place

Tracy:Situated near Padstow the 16th Century Prideaux Place has appeared in over 16 film adaptions of the novels including "End of Summer", "Coming Home", "Four Seasons" and "Winds Across The Sea". The Elizabethan house is normally open to the public from the end of March to the start of October and has an wonderful teddy bear collection as well as beautiful gardens.

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Image - National Trust - Bedruthan Steps

National Trust - Bedruthan Steps

Tracy:Many aerial views of Rosamunde Pilcher's Cornwall feature the famous stacks of Bedruthan Steps on the north coast between Watergate Bay and Padstow. A coastal walk along this National Trust path offers stunning views of these imposing rocks that rise majestically out of the sea.

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Image - The Towans

Image - Godrevy Lighthouse

Godrevy Lighthouse

Tracy:Gwithian Beach is a beautiful long sandy beach which has become a popular film location due to the breathtaking views towards Godrevy Lighthouse.

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Image - St Ives

Image - Lamorna Cove Beach

Lamorna Cove Beach

Tracy:Famous for its links with the Newlyn Art movement, the tiny fishing village of Lamorna Cove on the west coast was featured in "The Shell Seekers". It is one of Rosamunde Pilcher's most famous novels. Lamorna Cove and Mousehole were also the setting for the film adaptation of "The Empty House", "Snow in April", "Another View" and "Voices in Summer". To fully appreciate the beauty of this region it is worth taking the coastal walk from Mousehole to Lamorna Cove.

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Image - Land's End Landmark Attraction

Land's End Landmark Attraction

Tracy:Featured in Rosamunde Pilcher's novel "The Day of the Storm", the imposing cliffs, golden beaches and striking countryside at Lands End is an iconic Cornish landmark and well worth a visit. From here walk south and explore the beautiful Nanjizal beach, home to incredible stone formations including the Diamond Horse, so named for the jewel-like glint that appears when the sun shines on it. It is nature at its best.

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Image - St Agnes Head

Tracy:Right on your doorstep if staying here St Agnes, Wheal Coates is a disused engine house overlooking Chapel Porth beach. It is a poignant reminder of Cornwall's industrial heritage. St Agnes Head, a little further along the coast, is often featured as a dramatic backdrop in many of Rosamunde Pilcher's episodes. Either walk the South West Coast path from Trevaunance Cove or park the car at St Agnes Head and take the scenic walk to Chapel Porth, passing Wheal Coates along the way. For a real treat head to Chapel Porth cafe for refreshments and perhaps indulge in a Hedgehog ice cream. (No hedgehogs are hurt in production but there's plenty of clotted cream and roasted hazelnuts!) Image courtesy of Visit Cornwall

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Image - Saint Michael's Mount

Saint Michael's Mount

Tracy:The iconic St Michael's Mount just off the coast of Marazion features in TV versions of "The Shell Seekers" and "Coming Home". At low tide the Mount can be accessed by walking along the causeway whilst at other times a boat operates back and forth.

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