Tag: Bodmin
Legendary Places to Visit in Cornwall
October 05th, 2020
Packed full of mystical stories and mythical figures, Cornwall embodies many beautiful and legendary locations. It’s not hard to imagine why these fantastic fairy tales and legends emerged, with such atmospheric scenery throughout the county!
We provide the ultimate locations for family-friendly holidays in Cornwall offer a sense of mystery and wonder to your Cornish holiday!
Tintagel
If you are seeking mystery and magic, Tintagel should be at the top of your list. If you are familiar with the Legend of King Arthur, you will no doubt know about the beautiful coastal village of Tintagel.
Though small in size, Tintagel flourishes with legendary sites, its most famous being the striking Tintagel Castle that stands on a nearby island, overlooking the turquoise sea beneath.
Partly ruined, the castle beautifully blends into the rugged cliff edge and is believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur himself.
Don’t forget to look at the magnificent King Arthur sculpture, which poses gallantly on the headland in front of the Atlantic Ocean.
Once you’ve been captivated by the castle, head to the beach underneath and venture into Merlin’s Cave at low tide.
*Advanced booking is essential to visit the castle. Due to its location, Tintagel Castle can sometimes temporarily close depending on weather conditions.
St Michael’s Mount
St Michael’s Mount makes for a wonderful day out as a family. The atmospheric site is situated on an island just off Marazion. The journey to the island is a highlight in itself, as you carefully walk over the stone causeway from the mainland at low tide, or take a boat during high tide.
The mount is the scenic setting from the fairy-tale story of Jack and the Beanstalk.
The story goes that Jack, a village boy from Marazion, tricked the giant into falling into a pit he created halfway up the mound which the giant initially used to steal farmer’s flocks for food.
Once the giant fell into the hole, Jack filled it to trap him. There is a heart-shaped stone placed there that is rumoured to beat!
*During times of social distancing, it is essential that all bookings to St Michael’s Mount castle are made in advance. Tickets to the garden and the castle are to be purchased separately.
Bodmin Moor
Bodmin Moor is the setting for many mysterious stories and legendary tales.
Dating to the latter part of the 20th century, it is the suspected home of the Bodmin Moor Beast.
The ‘beast’ was reportedly a significantly large cat which surfaced in papers at numerous points. Bodmin Moor boasts a stunning and vast landscape featuring lakes, tors and forests which are sure to get your own creativity flowing!
The Hurler Stones
Also home to the area is The Hurler Stones. The three-stone circles are predicted to come from the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age and perfectly accentuate the wild and spellbinding backdrop of the moor.
They are thought to be produced for ceremonial reasons as well as observing stellar and solar alignments. However, their existence also derives from a legend which accompanies them. Each stone is thought to be the bodies of petrified Cornish men who were caught hurling on the Sabbath!
Falmouth Bay
In 1876, fishermen in Falmouth Bay supposedly caught an unusual sea creature not known to man in their nets. The mysterious creature was named Morgawr, which translates to ‘The Sea Giant’.
Pendennis Castle is recommended to be the perfect viewing spot to gaze at the bay and watch out for the monster!
Which of our mystical locations are eager to visit? Why not share your thoughts with us on our social media channels; we would love to hear your thoughts!
6 Unusual Things to Do in Cornwall
September 16th, 2019
Cornwall is a fantastic part of the country, with so many picturesque villages, exciting attractions and breath-taking beaches. There are many things in Cornwall that are relatively mainstream and attract many tourists, and while these are awesome, we would also recommend visiting some of these usual activities to really make the most of your holiday!
Lost Gardens of Heligan
A truly encaptivating experience, the Lost Gardens of Heligan is not your usual attraction. With the garden being 400 years old, there are numerous fascinating features to explore, perhaps the most famous being the giant’s head in the ground made from greenery. With over 200 acres to discover, this place is full of extraordinary sculptures, fascinating wildlife and spectacular gardens. Another mesmerising place to explore at the Lost Gardens of Heligan is the jungle. Here you will find bamboo tunnels to walk through and towering banana trees above you.
After you have taken a trip around the gardens, visit the Heligan Kitchen & Bakery and enjoy a cup of coffee with some tasty local produce! Why not take the chance to try the local delicacy and have a Cornish cream tea?
CC by Alison Day (Restormel Castle)
Restormel Castle
Initially built in the 11th-century, Restormel is an extraordinary medieval castle. These fascinating ruins were once a luxury residence for the Earl of Cornwall, and it was one of the four chief Norman castles of Cornwall. Something that makes Restormel unique from other historic castles is its formation and design. The chambers are all arranged against the outer circular walls; this includes the kitchens, great hall and guest rooms. Since 1925, Restormel has been cared for by the English Heritage, while being officially owned by the Duchy of Cornwall. Throughout the whole of the United Kingdom, this castle is the best remaining example of a circular castle, making it quite the sight to see! Not only is the castle an interesting attraction in itself, but the location is also perfect for a picnic or a country walk. The castle boasts an incredible 360-degree view of lush countryside, and it is surrounded by woodlands that are a haven for birds and wildlife.
Adrenalin Quarry
Now, this isn’t one for the faint-hearted. Adrenalin Quarry in Liskeard is an action-packed adventure park; somewhere to get your palms sweating and heart racing! From karting and axe throwing to coasteering and an aquapark, this place has an abundance of fun activities for both adults and children to enjoy. The aquapark is brand new to Adrenalin Quarry, with slides, trampolines, monkey bars and other massive inflatables.
There are two top attractions at Adrenalin Quarry, the Giant Swing and the Blob. The Giant Swing is considered the scariest ride they have ever built, and it is not for those who are easily afraid. You are pulled up 160ft above the lake, and then you are released, experiencing complete weightlessness as the swing drops you and leaves you to glide over the water. The Blob, on the other hand, is slightly more fun rather than scary. It is a humongous inflatable tube that floats on the water. The attraction works by one person sitting on one end, and then someone else climbs the ladder at the other end and leaps off to jump onto the inflatable. This results in the person sitting down to catapult into the air before splashing into the water. An excellent opportunity to see a family member or friend fly through the sky!
The Eden Project
Considered the world’s largest greenhouse, the Eden Project is a fascinating attraction. The Eden Project isn’t exactly unknown in Cornwall and is, in fact, a rather popular attraction, but that doesn’t take away from that fact that it isn’t your ordinary day out. Consisting of multiple gigantic biomes, the aim of the Eden Project is to promote environmental sustainability. They spent a whopping £141 million to collect tropical plants from all over the world to showcase them in these natural habitats. Among these beautiful climates are an array of other activities, such as England’s longest zip wire, a soft play area for the little ones, a great outdoor play centre and a delicious café.
Bodmin Jail
Bodmin Jail is undoubtedly a captivating place to discover and understand exactly what life was like for a prisoner many years ago. The jail was built in 1779, and while holding many criminals, it was also the safe haven for the state papers and the Domesday book during the First World War. Nowadays, the jail is a historical attraction and no longer functions as a working prison. Bodmin Jail visitors can explore the cold and dark cells and imagine what the life of a captured criminal was like. The execution shed is open to visitors too, which features the Victorian hanging pit; a 4.5-metre drop and it is the only one of its kind in the UK. Furthermore, there is an exhibition which features a tour across six floors of the jail.
Museum of Witchcraft and Magic
If you’ve got an interest in anything dark and spooky or anthropology, this is the place for you! The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is situated in the picturesque town of Boscastle, and it is a place for you to explore the magical practice in Britain. As you walk around this museum, you’ll soon realise the fascinating nature of witchcraft and magic. It has been around since 1961 and is one of the world’s largest collections of items relating to witchcraft and magic, with over 3,000 objects to discover!
Should you choose to visit Cornwall, we highly recommend you take a trip to some of these fantastic attractions. If you would like to book a holiday to the South, why not add a touch of luxury to your trip and stay in a hot tub cottage in Cornwall? No matter the weather, a hot tub is an excellent addition to any holiday; adding that extra element of relaxation and escape! Here at The Valley, we offer self-catering holiday cottages that are both child-friendly and dog-friendly, so that the whole family can enjoy a getaway to Cornwall. Are you looking for some more holiday inspiration? Take a look at our previous blog that looks at the best places for a family day out in Cornwall!
Weird and Wonderful Places to Visit in Cornwall
July 19th, 2019
Cornwall is a stunning part of the country, and it is home to many spectacular sights to see. From waterfalls to ancient theatres, we take a look at some of the weird and wonderful places to visit. Switch it up from the usual tourist attractions and discover some extraordinary places!
Lost Gardens of Heligan
An attraction that is undoubtedly unique is the Lost Gardens of Heligan. The secret garden dates back to the nineteenth century and has since become a well-loved attraction. With over 200 acres to explore, this place is full of unusual sculptures, captivating wildlife and stunning gardens. Paths that were created over two centuries ago lead you to the Victorian Productive Gardens and Pleasure Grounds where you can immerse yourself in beauty. For something a little different, The Jungle is a sub-tropical journey where you can walk through bamboo tunnels and below some banana trees.
Once you have explored the secret gardens, visit the Heligan Kitchen & Bakery for a cup of coffee and some delicious food! All of their produce is locally sourced, and every hearty meal is full of goodness. Try a traditional Cornish cream tea or choose from the array of homemade pies.
St Nectan’s Glen
Near Tintagel, St Nectan’s Glen features a sixty-foot waterfall that runs through a hole in the rocks; a truly spectacular sight! Alongside this incredible spectacle are two further waterfalls and a beautiful woodland walk. The site also has a café where you can enjoy a cream tea or coffee and soak up the gorgeous atmosphere. Furthermore, you can visit the shop and gallery to pick up a lovely holiday souvenir.
Waterfall one
Perhaps the main show at St Nectan’s Glen, waterfall one is called St Nectans Kieve and is the sixty-foot spectacular! Take a stroll down to the stunning site and watch the water cascade through the hole that was naturally created in the rocks. There is a shallow pool at the bottom where you can get closer and capture a holiday picture with a stunning backdrop.
Waterfalls two and three
As you carry on your stroll, you will stumble upon waterfall two. Located just after the shallow pool from the St Nectans Kieve, it is a beautiful waterfall that is wider and features more drops. Be aware though that the current can pick up a bit here, so if you go for a dip, be cautious. Waterfall three was only recently discovered and is somewhat a hidden gem; the walkway to this scenic location was only opened in 2016! The waterfall is roughly eighty-foot and connects to the main stream after waterfalls one and two.
Woodland walk
St Nectan’s Glen woodland walk is a picturesque escape. Walk alongside the river through ivy-clad trees see the animals and birds play. The sound of the flowing water and birds singing creates a tranquil atmosphere. With it being such a spectacular sight, it has been recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its rare variety of plants. For more information about this incredible attraction, take a look at our location guide for St Nectan’s Glen!
Bodmin Jail
Built in 1779, Bodmin Jail is undoubtedly a fascinating place to learn and see exactly what life was like back then for a prisoner. The Jail was used to hold state papers and the Domesday book during the First World War; this shows how important the place was many years ago. Today, the Jail is used as a historical attraction and no longer functions as a Prison. Visitors can explore the cold and dark cells and envision what life was like as a captured criminal. You can also visit the execution shed which features a Victorian hanging pit! The drop is 4.5 metres, and it is the only one of its kind in the UK. There is also a Jail exhibition which features a tour across six floors. Here you can get a real feel for what it was like behind bars; the slights, the smells, everything!
Minack Theatre
The Minack Theatre is located in Penzance, and it is situated in a stunning location; perched on a cliff that overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. It’s very first performance dates back to the 16th of August 1932! It is still used today to entertain through dramas, musicals and operas along with music performances, comedies and story-telling. The theatre is open for visiting but during the season, with so many performances scheduled, visiting hours can be limited. Why not take a look at the programme and see if there are any events you would like to attend!
Cornwall is bursting with unusual and fantastic attractions and this only a few of them! If you would like to visit Cornwall, why not choose to stay in a central location so you can visit as many places as possible? Here at The Valley, we have a range of Truro holiday cottages, which means you can venture out to plenty of different attractions without feeling restricted by travel. We are also dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your four-legged friends at home, bring them along with you! If you decide to come with your pup, take a look at our blog that features some days out with dogs in Truro so you and your furry friend can have a fun-filled holiday!
Cornwall’s highest point could be yours for £2.8m
September 14th, 2016
Are you in the market for a unique slice of Cornwall? If so, you might be interested to know that one of the most iconic and rugged spots in the South West of Britain could be yours, as it’s been confirmed that it is now up for sale.
