9 Enchanting Waterfalls in Cornwall

August 06th, 2024

Waterfalls have an undeniably magical quality and they’re always an exciting thing to spot when exploring woodland or coastal trails. Cornwall has several beautiful waterfall sites that are well worth visiting if you’re after some truly enchanting views and a lovely day spent out and about in nature.

The Best Waterfalls in Cornwall

While Cornwall might be most renowned for its beaches, there are plenty of other natural wonders to enjoy. Cornwall boasts a few beloved waterfalls, all set in diverse locations for some unbeatable photo opportunities!

• St Nectan’s Kieve
• Golitha Falls
• Rocky Valley
• Lansallos Waterfall
• Pentargon Waterfall
• Luxulyan Valley Waterfalls
• Tregargus Waterfall
• Tintagel Haven Waterfall
• Tregardock Beach Waterfall

Seeking out a waterfall isn’t just about reaching the end point – it’s about the journey that takes you there. Many of these Cornish waterfalls will require a bit of a walk to get to, and with stunning settings nestled among ancient woodlands or surrounded by rugged sea cliffs, that’ll only make your waterfall experience even better.

1. St Nectan’s Kieve, Trethevy

St Nectan’s Glen near Tintagel is an area of outstanding beauty and serves as a haven for plants and wildlife. One of the glen’s most popular features is St Nectan’s Kieve, a 60ft high waterfall that’s fed by the river Trevillet.

Enjoy sights of cascading water as it winds through a hole in the rock into the sparkling pool below. Surrounded by verdant green plants and ancient woodland, the effect here is transportive, making it feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

Take the circular walk to see two other secluded waterfalls and marvel at the majesty of this unspoilt natural beauty spot.

St Nectan’s Kieve by © Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)

2. Golitha Falls, Liskeard

Another favoured place to see waterfalls in Cornwall is Golitha Falls, a nature reserve on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Here you’ll come across a series of cascading waterfalls rushing past ancient oak trees and cutting through the gorge.

The water here, fed by the River Fowey, is quite fast-flowing and makes for some spectacular views, especially after heavy rain. There are plenty of walking routes that take you through Draynes Wood and give you lots of chances to take in the stunning scenery. The mile-long circular route is ideal for families.

Golitha Falls on the River Fowey to the west of St Cleer in Cornwall by Nilfanion / CC BY-SA 3.0

3. Rocky Valley, Tintagel

If you’re after more of a coastal adventure, head to Rocky Valley which lies along a portion of the South West Coast Path between Tintagel and Boscastle. Here you’ll be treated to breathtaking cliff-top views as you explore a rugged terrain of slate amidst the craggy gorge.

The Trevillet River cuts through the rock to form several waterfalls along the walk here. One of the main features includes a mesmerising 30 ft waterfall. As well as being abundant with natural beauty, the area here is also bursting with history as you’ll also come across old mills and historic rock carvings.

Rocky Valley by Maurice D Budden / CC BY-SA 2.0

4. Lansallos Waterfall, Lantic Bay

This spot on Cornwall’s south coast is a lovely place to visit. Managed by the National Trust, this little stretch of coastline offers secluded coves and a tranquil trail that is perfect for an afternoon of exploration.

Lansallos Beach, just along the coast from Polperro, boasts charming golden sands and a small waterfall on its western side. Also known as Reed Water, the waterfall here used to power a mill. Explore the surrounding rock pools and wider cove to retrace the trails of smuggles past. On calmer days, the beach is great for swimming and snorkelling.

Lansallos: waterfall onto the beach by Brian / CC BY-SA 2.0

5. Pentargon Waterfall, Boscastle

Another coast path jaunt, you’ll find this hidden gem just north of Boscastle. Dropping from an impressive height, Pentargon Waterfall plunges dramatically from the cliffs into the sea below.

Walk up from Boscastle harbour and follow the coastline beyond Penally Point to find the natural viewpoint where you can admire the falls in all their glory.

Pentargon Waterfall by Nilfanion / CC BY-SA 4.0

What is the Biggest Waterfall in Cornwall?

Falling from a height of 120ft, Pentargon is Cornwall’s biggest/longest waterfall. It looks its most spectacular after a decent bout of rain.

6. Luxulyan Valley Waterfalls, Near St Blazey

Just up from St Blazey, between St Austell and Bodmin, lies the tranquil wooded valley of Luxulyan. A walk among the leafy glades is complemented by various sights from Cornwall’s industrial and mining past, including the 19th-century viaduct, water wheels and other quarry relics.

The various waterfalls and streams are fed by the Par River, which flows through the woods and creates an unbeatable setting for an afternoon stroll. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the area on one of the easily accessible paths before admiring the Carmears Wood Waterfall or the Wheelpit, a man-made water feature built to power the area’s mining and quarrying efforts.

Lanlivery: river below the Treffry Viaduct by Martin Bodman / CC BY-SA 2.0

7. Tregargus Waterfall, near St Stephen

For similar scenes, head to Tregargus Valley (sometimes known as the Hidden Valley) near St Stephen, which offers some wonderful woodland walks and meandering riverside adventures. Barn River flows between trees and plant life before joining the River Fal later on – along the way, it feeds into a charming little waterfall that tumbles over gentle slopes of rocks.

While taking to the trails here, you’ll discover loads of old mill ruins, hinting at an industrious past. In previous centuries, the area was home to seven mills – many of which you will still see echos of.

Abandoned Building in Tregargus Woods by Mike Lyne / CC BY-SA 2.0

8. Tintagel Haven Waterfall

If you’re visiting Tintagel Castle, be sure to keep a look out for Tintagel Haven Waterfall. The legendary Tintagel Island offers some panoramic views, and once you make your way down to the beach, you can appreciate the sights from a whole new angle.

Watch the magical waterfall as it cascades from the cliffside into the turquoise water below. The iconic Merlin’s Cave is also visible at low tide.

Waterfall, Tintagel Haven by Humphrey Bolton / CC BY-SA 2.0

9. Tregardock Beach Waterfall, near Port Isaac

Head down the coast from Tintagel to find the lovely Tregardock Beach. The large sandy beach here is usually nice and quiet as it can be slightly tricky to get to, so fewer people make the journey. Access is at the end of a long footpath before a climb over some rocks.

The waterfall cascades over the cliff down to the mouth of a shallow cave, lending the spot an even more mysterious, magical feel. With surrounding rock pools and extensive sands at low tide, you’ll have loads of fun exploring the beach and falls here.

From Tregardock Cliff by Derek Harper / CC BY-SA 2.0

Feeling inspired and needing somewhere to stay when embarking on your Cornish adventure? Our 5 star holiday park in Cornwall provides an excellent base, ideal if you’re planning day trips to either the north or south coast. Discover your perfect Cornwall stay today.

12 Facts About St Michael’s Mount

March 04th, 2024

St Michael’s Mount is one of Cornwall’s most recognisable landmarks, offering a magical setting that captures the imaginations of travellers from near and far.

The tidal island, topped with a castle, mediaeval church and subtropical gardens, emerges from the waters of Mount’s Bay, just off the coast of the picturesque town of Marazion. It is accessible by boat or, at low tide, by the iconic cobbled causeway. Rich with history, local legends and unforgettable sights, St Michael’s Mount is certainly worth the trip! Here are just some of the things that make it so special.

1. It Was an Ancient Trading Post

Before the churches, monasteries and castles, it’s thought that St Michael’s Mount was a key port for trading Cornish tin with the Greeks and other civilisations. Ancient records refer to a tin trading centre known as Ictis – it has since been suggested this island was St Michael’s Mount.

2. It’s Linked With the Archangel Michael

The Mount is named for the Archangel (or Saint) Michael, who is said to have appeared to fishermen to warn them of danger. Because of this legendary apparition, the site became an important pilgrimage spot.

3. It Has a French Counterpart

If you head across the channel, just off the coast of Normandy, you’ll find another island abbey dedicated to St Michael. Around the time of the Norman conquest, the Cornish Mount was given to the Abbey of Saint-Michel because it supported William the Conqueror. Both were mediaeval pilgrimage sites with strong similarities and links, although Mont-Saint–Michel strikes a much taller figure. The links between the islands started to break down during the many subsequent conflicts between England and France until Henry V took control of St Michael’s Mount in the 15th century.

Like St Michael’s Mount, you can still visit Mont-Saint-Michel today to marvel at the impressive Benedictine abbey.

4. It’s Where the Legend of the Jack the Giant Killer Originates

According to Cornish legend, the Mount was built by the giant Cormoran, who would terrorise local towns and steal livestock. The story goes that Jack, a boy from Marazion, was the only one brave enough to face the giant. One night, he dug a trap for Cormoran, luring him out by blowing on a horn. The giant raced down the Mount and straight into the trap.

Later tales of Jack the Giant Killer see him joining legendary King Arthur’s court and taking on many more giants!

5. It’s 1 of 43 Tidal Islands Around the UK

St Michael’s Mount is just one of the UK’s 43 tidal islands that you can walk to from mainland Britain. The Mount is probably one of the most famous ones as it’s topped with the castle, but other examples include St Mary’s Island, Lindisfarne and Burgh Island.

Many other tidal islands are also connected to religious worship and spirituality, thanks to their unique, magical locations.

6. The Same Family Have Owned it Since the 17th Century

During its long history, ownership of the Mount has passed through many hands – until the St Aubyn family. After the English Civil War, John St Aubyn was appointed as Captain of the Mount. In 1659, he then purchased it from the previous owner. St Michael’s Mount has been in the same family ever since, with generations continuing to live on the island.

7. There are Permanent Residents on the Island

Along with the St Aubyn family, there are around 30 people who’ve also made their home on the ancient site. The close-knit community is now quite small, but the village here used to be a busier hive of residential island activity. In Victorian times, there were upwards of 300 islanders, with the bustling harbour welcoming sailors and fishermen.

8. Queen Victoria Visited

In 1846, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited St Michael’s Mount as part of their Cornish tour. In commemoration of the event, a brass footprint where she stepped was cast, which you can still see today. When heading up to view the castle, you can also see the sofa where she sat to enjoy a cup of tea, along with various other treasures remaining from the 19th century.

9. The Gardens are Sub-Tropical

Along with the impressive architecture and historical significance, the Mount is also famed for its gardens. Fed by the warm air of the Gulf Stream, the gardens here enjoy their own micro-climate, allowing for the growth of exotic plants and flowers.

10. The Gardeners Here are Also Abseilers

Because the vertical terrace gardens are quite difficult to traverse and maintain, the gardeners at St Michael’s Mount also have to be proficient in abseiling! This allows them to weed and maintain the beauty of the gardens in those trickier spots. Because the gardens are so delicate, visitors here are quite limited – as such, they are designed to be seen from above, so there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy them.

11. It Appears in Various TV Shows & Films

St Michael’s Mount has also played host to various TV and film productions, lending its iconic exteriors to a range of projects. More recently, it took on the mantle of Driftmark from the Game of Thrones sequel, House of the Dragon. It has also appeared in a James Bond film and an adaptation of Dracula.

12. It’s Now Run By the National Trust

Most of the island was given to the National Trust by the St Aubyn family in 1954. The National Trust is instrumental in helping with the upkeep and running of what has become a beloved attraction. As with many of its sites, the National Trust helps ensure the Mount is maintained as a place of exploration, learning and appreciation.

St Michael’s Mount is just one of Cornwall’s many delights. Our luxury holiday park in Cornwall is in a great central location and is sure to make an excellent base for your adventures, giving you easy access to all of the county’s best-loved hotspots.

Book your perfect Cornish holiday with The Valley today!