Visit Cornwall
We are really fortunate to live where we do and we like nothing better than welcoming guests both old and new to this beautiful part of England. There’s so much to see and do - you may find you need to extend your stay!
Here’s a selection of some our favourite local attractions but if it’s peace and tranquility you’re looking for, our south-facing gardens are hard to beat and we are a stone’s throw from the South West Coast Path. Our location is one of the many great things about Elmswood House, and this includes the fact that we are a five minute walk from a mainline rail station (Par) and have excellent bus connections right outside the door. While some of the farther flung parts of Cornwall are hard to reach without a car, there is plenty to see and do arriving by train and bus.
Looking for places to eat and drink?
Charlestown
Attractive Georgian harbour village, home of old square rigger ships and a Shipwreck Museum. The harbour has been the location for many films, including the BBC’s recent Poldark series and Pirates of the Caribbean. Well worth a visit to go aboard a tallship, skim stones on the beach, enjoy lunch in one of several pubs, cafes and restaurants or grab an ice-cream from the old weighbridge.
Polkerris Beach
Beautiful peaceful beaches and golden sands a short distance from Elmswood House. As well as Polkerris there’s Par Beach, Porthpean and Pentewan all close by.
Mevagissey Fishing Village
Explore the narrow streets, shops, pubs and harbour of this unspoilt Cornish fishing village, visit the small aquarium and excellent museum.
The Eden Project
A dramatic global garden showcasing over 100,000 plants from around the world within two giant transparent domes (biomes), the world’s largest greenhouses recreating tropical and Mediterranean climate conditions and set in a former china clay pit. Under 4 miles from Elmswood House, 12 minutes by car or taxi, 55 minutes walking, accessible by bus from our village.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The impressive estate and gardens of the Tremayne family developed between 1770 and 1914. The First World War led to the deaths of 16 of the 22 gardeners and the gardens were neglected until rediscovered in 1990 and restored after 75 years of neglect. Features include colossal and aged Rhododendrons and Camellias, The Jungle, an Italian Garden, and Europe’s only remaining pineapple pit. 10 miles from Elmswood House, 25 minutes by car or taxi, accessible by bus from our village.
Fowey Harbour
A picturesque harbour town with quality shops, galleries, and for dining a wide choice of cafes, pubs, and award winning restaurants. Under 4 miles from Elmswood House, 10 minutes by car or taxi, accessible by bus from our village.
Lanhydrock House
The magnificent late Victorian country house and gardens of the Robartes family set in 450 acres of wood and parkland and now owned by the National Trust with 50 rooms open to visitors including extensive servants quarters, kitchens, childrens nursery, splendid state rooms and 17th century gatehouse.
Lostwithiel
Ancient stannary town and 13th century capital of Cornwall, antique shops, restaurants, museum and Restormel Castle.
Bodmin Moor
Bodmin Moor is unmissable if you love atmosphere and dramatic scenery. With incredible rock formations and wide sweeping moorland, it’s great for a windswept walk. The famous Jamaica Inn featured in the Daphne Du Maurier novel of the same name.
Other local attractions
Walking
The South West Coast path is only a short walk away, and the Saint’s Way, an ancient footpath from Fowey to Padstow, goes right past our front gate. There are numerous local footpaths around the village as well. On foot is a wonderful way to see a new area, and we encourage everyone to tread lightly on the earth. The Leave No Trace principles are a great guide to this: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
Gardens
Pinetum Lodge, Hidden Valley, Duchy of Cornwall Garden Centre, Marsh Villa, Trewithen, Pencarrow, Caerhays Castle
Shopping
Cornish Market World, Trago Mills, Bodmin, St. Austell and Truro
Cycling
Cycle the Pentewan Valley, to the Eden Project or do the Clay Trails
Golfing
Carlyon Bay, St. Austell, Lostwithiel, Porthpean
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Polkerris Watersports Centre, Par Beach paddleboarding, Pentewan Watersports, Gylly Adventures (Paddleboarding and Kayak hire and tours, Charlestown)
Top Ten Attractions
TRURO – Capital city of Cornwall and the main shopping town. See Truro Cathedral, The Royal Cornwall Museum, shops, restaurants, galleries and many fine Georgian buildings.
LAND’S END – The most westerly point of the English mainland. Also don’t miss the stunning views at Kynance Cove nearby.
St. MICHAEL’S MOUNT – A fairytale castle on an island in the sea now owned by The National Trust.
St. IVES – Artists love the beauty of St. Ives. See the Tate Cornwall and the narrow cobbled streets.
NEWQUAY – A busy seaside resort, the surfing capital of Europe, also Aquarium and Zoo.
PADSTOW – Cornish fishing port now famous for the Seafood Restaurant of Rick Stein.
ROSELAND PENINSULA – See the picturesque Church at St. Just-in Roseland, St. Mawes, and the beautiful unspoilt scenery.
LIZARD PENINSULA – Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
FALMOUTH – The worlds third largest natural harbour, home to Cornwall’s maritime heritage and the National Maritime Museum.
MINACK THEATRE – A beautiful open air theatre built in a stunning location on cliffs overlooking Porthcurno Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the inspiration and life’s work of one woman.
EATING OUT
Strand Bistro at The New Inn
Fore Street, Tywardreath, PL24 2QP
01726 817360
The Royal Inn
66 Eastcliffe Road, Par, Cornwall PL24 2AJ
01726 815601
The Ship Inn
Polmear Road, Par
01726 812540
Trenython Manor
Tywardreath
01726 814797
Sams On The Beach
Polkerris, Par
01726 812255
The Rashleigh Inn
Polkerris, Par
01726 813991
Indian Ocean
Tywardreath Highway, Par, Cornwall PL24 2RW
01726 816452
Britannia Inn
St. Austell Road, Tregrehan, Par PL24 2SL
01726 812889
Holmbush Inn
Holmbush Road, St. Austell PL25 3LL
01726 68691
Wreckers
Charlestown Harbour, St. Austell PL25 3NJ
01726 879053
Kingswood
London Apprentice, St. Austell PL26 7AR
01726 63780
The Crown Inn
Lanlivery PL30 9NS
01208 872707
Trewithen
Fore Street, Lostwithiel
01208 872373
Sams
20 Fore Street, Fowey
01726 832273
Fowey Hall Hotel
Hanson Drive, Fowey PL23 1ET
01726 833866