Within striking distance are both The Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan - both rightly considered to be amongst Cornwall's top attractions. There are regular concerts at Eden in the summer months - keep an eagle eye out for these when planning your stay, as they are very popular and sell out quickly. There is also an ice-skating rink at Eden during the festive season. Tim Smit's book on the discovery and renovation of Heligan is an inspirational classic - there is a copy on the bookshelves here.
Further afield there are a number of National Trust properties - Cotehele, Trelissick gardens and the majestic Lanhydrock - well worth seeing if you are travelling along the A30. The Tate Gallery and the Barbara Hepworth museum are deservedly popular and make a good day trip to St Ives - there is a beautiful sandy beach there. The Minack Theatre is surprisingly good fun as long as you remember to dress warmly and take cushions to sit on - again, you need to book well in advance. We hear very favourable reports of the Camel Valley winery.
The nearest beach is at Pendower, which is a 10 - 15 minute drive away. There is a good NT car park and toilets there, so it is ideal for a family day at the beach. Other good local beaches are at Gerrans and Polkerris, but of course there are many beautiful beaches along the whole coastline.
We keep a collection of current leaflets about local attractions in the cottage - please feel free to add to it.
Producers of one of the best wines in the UK, it is well worth the trip to their vineyard. They provide informative tours and it's a great place to stop and enjoy their wine, especially in the sunshine! Do also check out the 'Camel Trail' if you enjoy a cycle.
Nanstallon
Bodmin
Cornwall
PL30 5LG
24.6 miles
Visit website
If you are an admirer of Rick Stein than Padstow is a must. A beautiful fishing village Padstow is the home to Stein's 'The Seafood Restaurant'. In our opinion it also home to the best fish 'n' chip shop - also owned by Stein.
Padstow
Cornwall
PL28 8BY
26 miles
Visit website
This has to be the place to enjoy fine dining in St Mawes in a relaxed atmosphere. It is also great for drinks. Booking essential.
St Mawes Harbourside
St Mawes
Cornwall
TR2 5AN
8 miles
Visit website
Tregothnan is perhaps best known as being the first estate to grow tea in the UK. Still a private family home the estate dates back to 1334. The estate also boasts the largest historic botanic garden in Cornwall.
St Michael Penkivel
Truro
Cornwall
TR2 4AJ
4 miles
Visit website
The Eden Project is one of the best attractions in Cornwall. Two iconic biomes house a wide variety of plants from tropical and temperate climes. Children are well-catered for here. There are often events on here as well, such as the annual ice-rink near Christmas time.
Bodelva
Par
Cornwall
PL24 2SG
15 miles
Visit website
An annual favourite of ours, this late Victorian country house is a beautiful and interesting place. There are large grounds to explore as well. The property is owned and cared for by The National Trust.
Bodmin
Cornwall
PL30 5AD
22 miles
Visit website
Constructed during the reign of Henry VIII the castle was part of a defence network to protect from invasions from France and the Holy Roman Empire. Have a look round the castle an d grounds, with a great view over the sea.
Castle Drive
St Mawes
Cornwall
TR2 5DE
8 miles
Visit website
The Japanese Garden at St Mawgan is a garden like no other in Cornwall. A place of discovery and tranquility.
St Mawgan Village
Newquay
Cornwall
TR8 4ET
20 miles
Visit website
Trelissick has beautiful views overlooking the Fal Estuary. There is plenty to explore with the house, picturesque gardens and woodland walks and its art gallery showcasing art from Cornish artists.
Feock
Near Truro
Cornwall
TR3 6QL
14 miles
Visit website
An annual family favourite, is a wonderful Elizabethan manor just outside of the surfers hotspot of Newquay. Little has changed at Trerice, which gives it a wonderful timeless quality.
Kestle Mill
Near Newquay
Cornwall
TR8 4PG
16 miles
Visit website
In addition to seeing and learning more about Cornish sea life you will be able to see all kinds of cool creatures and critters such as turtles, sharks, a giant pacific octopus, colourful reef fish and did we mention turtles! Definitely one to do with the kids.
Towan Promenade
Newquay
Cornall
TR7 1DU
21 miles
Visit website
Known as the Lost Gardens because they fell into neglect since the gardeners left for WWI. The gardens were restored to their former glory. There is so much to do here that you will not be able to do it in one day alone!
Pentewan
St Austell
Cornwall
PL26 6EN
9 miles
Visit website
Owned by the National Trust, Carne and Pendower are the closest beaches to the cottage. With no beachside cafes they are perfect place for a quiet day at the beach.
Veryan
Cornwall
TR2 5PF
5 miles
Visit website
You may notice that sailing is somewhat popular in Cornwall! A week in Cornwall is the perfect opportunity to get started in sailing.
Mylor Yacht Harbour
Falmouth
Cornwall
TR11 5UF
20 miles
Visit website
The sleepy village of Portscatho's beach offers scenic views over it's rocky and sandy beach with beautiful walks.
The Roseland
Portscatho
Cornwall
TR2 5LW
6 miles
Visit website
Visit world-renowned Cornish artist, Barbara Hepworth's idyllic studios in St Ives, much as she left them.
Barnoon Hill
St Ives
Cornwall
TR26 1AD
36 miles
Visit website
A modern and contemporary art gallery. The building itself is an iconic piece of architecture.
Porthmeor Beach
St Ives
Cornwall
TR26 1TG
37 miles
Visit website
An open-air theatre that provides an unusual and stunning backdrop to a variety a great performances. Do wrap up warm though!
Porthcurno
Penzance
Cornwall
TR19 6JU
47 miles
Visit website