Local Experience Days That Will Make Your Trip Even More Special

St Agnes in Cornwall offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in St Agnes:

Unmissable Museums in Cornwall

Satisfy your cultural cravings with these 10 unmissable museums in Cornwall. With something to interest everyone whatever the weather. Discover amazing objects from Cornwall’s mining heritage and Cornish life, history of shipwrecks around our coast, magic and witchcraft, to a real Mummy from Egypt! We've even found some that are FREE to visit, one of which is right on our doorstep!

1. St Agnes Museum

 2 miles       1-3 hours

Free to visit! The award-winning St Agnes Museum is just a stone’s throw away from Rose in Vale, and is a must-visit if you would like to learn about the history of the local area. It is full of fascinating artefacts about the village and wider parish of St Agnes, with its rich history of mining and also contains items from archaeology, farming and folklore in the village, along with the Lady Agnes figurehead from a schooner built in the former harbour.  It’s ideal to fill in an hour or two at the end of your day out.

Parking: St Agnes Village carpark
See the Location Map and Museum Info

 

2. Trenance Cottages Museum Newquay

  10 miles       1/2 a day

If you have a free half day, the small, but beautifully formed, Trenance Cottages Museum in Newquay is housed in 2 of 3 grade II listed cottages and is set in a pretty public garden, less than 20 minutes from Rose in Vale. The cottages were restored as part of a huge community project, and the museum features a collection of items stepping back in time to show how the cottage was lived in in the 1870s.  There is a pretty tea garden attached to the cottages and a beautiful rose garden nearby to wander through on your way to the boating lakes.

Parking: Small amount of free parking behind the Lakeside Cafe otherwise use public carparks close by
See the Location Map and Museum Info

 

3. Cornwall at War Museum

  40 miles       whole day

Situated on an old WW2 airfield, on the edge of Bodmin Moor this fascinating museum is run by enthusiastic and friendly volunteers – you will be assured of a warm welcome. The museum houses an eclectic mix of wartime memorabilia from the First World War onwards - not only artefacts, but the incredible stories behind them too, along with interactive exhibitions featuring tanks, aircraft and even weapons systems.  On Thursdays from July to the end of September, you can book a tour in the crew bus “Marlene”.  Highly recommended if you have an interest in military history and, being 95% under cover, it’s a great place to spend the whole day if the weather is not so kind.  Well worth the 39 minute drive.

Parking: Carpark inside the red gates (not the one outside)
See the Location Map and Museum Info

 

4. Charlestown Shipwreck Museum

  23 miles       1/2 a day

Amazing treasures are waiting to be discovered at Charlestown Shipwreck Museum just 40 minutes away. Located in the beautiful preserved port of Charlestown - a UNESCO heritage site, and curated over 50 years, the Shipwreck Museum holds the largest private collection of shipwreck artefacts in Europe, and is home to a collection of 8000 exhibits from over 100 shipwrecks. These treasures include the only intact barrel of coins ever retrieved from a wreck, gold bullion bars and copper ingots, along with the stories behind them.  Several different exhibitions take place over the year, so there is always something new to see. Turn your visit into a full day out by exploring the pretty harbour, often used in films and television series, including Doctor Who and Poldark.

Also close by is Mevagissey which has an fishing harbour, aquarium and the wonderful Mevagissey museum which is mentioned in our 11 Popular Cornwall Attractions to Visit page

Parking: Some free parking on the approach road into Charlestown plus a large public carpark at the bottom of the hill
See the Location Map and Museum Info

 

5. National Maritime Museum Falmouth

  16 miles       1/2 a day

No trip to Falmouth is complete without a visit to one of the UK’s most amazing museums. Only 35 minutes away from Rose in Vale, the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth fills 15 galleries over 5 floors with interactive exhibits, which include a real-life lifeboat and a Sea King helicopter, along with many, many other items illustrating the importance of our nation’s maritime heritage.  Look out over Falmouth from the top of the 100 foot tower and observe the busy port.  Can you spot any tall ships?  Go down into the basement where there is the Tidal Zone - a 22 foot window through which to watch the marine life in the harbour.   A fabulous day out - there’s something for everyone here.

Parking: Some free parking in the residential area on the way in or public carparks
See the Location Map and Museum Info

 

6. Museum of Cornish Life

  20 miles       1/2 a day

Free to visit! For an in-depth look at how things used to be in Cornwall, visit the Museum of Cornish Life at Helston 40 minutes away, which features the largest collection of social history artefacts in the South-West. A traditional town museum, which focuses on the area around Helston and the Lizard Peninsula instead of a specific topic, you will be taken from Neolithic times through archaeology, geology and social history to the present day, including memorabilia from Helston’s famous Flora Day.

Parking: Public carparks nearest are Wendron Street or Tyacke Road
See the Location Map and Museum Info

 

7. PK Museum (originally the Telegraph Museum)

  34 miles       1/2 day

Did you know that there is more to the little coastal village of Porthcurno than its pretty cove, pristine sands and the Minack Theatre? It was the hub of global communications for around 100 years, with 14 major cables terminating here, including the 2000 mile cable to the USA, making it the most important cable station in the world, and resulting in major defence work to keep the station secure in times of conflict.  The PK Museum, PK is the telegraphic code used for Porthcurno, charts the history of the communications station and you can also explore the wartime defences along with interactive exhibitions.  Porthcurno is less than an hour away from Rose in Vale.  Why not extend your visit to the West Penwith area by stopping off at Lamorna, St Just, Botallack or St Ives for a full day out.

Parking: On-site carpark pay on exit
See the Location Map and Museum Info

 

8. The Royal Cornwall Museum

  7 miles       1/2 to whole day

Our biggest museum, the Royal Cornwall Museum, is located in Cornwall’s only city, Truro, and is over 200 years old. Here you can find exhibits from pretty much any subject and era, from ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian exhibits (including a real mummy), to a ceramics collection on loan from the V&A, from an internationally renowned mineral collection to an extensive exhibition of paintings from the Newlyn School.  Many events and seasonal exhibitions take place at this museum.  Truro is only 20 minutes from Rose in Vale, and you could include a visit to the Cathedral to make a full day out. To save taking the car all the way into the city, use the park and ride at Langarth – the bus stops right outside the museum.

Parking: Public carparks in Truro or use the Park and Ride at Langarth which is just 5 miles from Rose in Vale
See the Location Map and Museum Info

 

9. Bodmin Keep: Cornwall's Army Museum

  27 miles       1/2 day

Another must for those with an interest in military history is the Cornwall Army Museum in Bodmin Keep, which documents the history of the Light Infantry in Cornwall, spanning 300 years. Here you will find uniforms from the late 18^th century up to the present day, plus a wide range of medals, weaponry, letters from the battlefront and even musical instruments.  Other exhibits include a part of the Berlin Wall and even a pair of painted ostrich eggs!  There are frequent new exhibitions to enjoy each year.  The regiment museum is 35 minutes away.  Add a visit to Bodmin Jail, just around the corner, to make the most of your day.

Parking: Free on-street parking nearby or use Victoria Square public carpark
See the Location Map and Museum Info

 

10. Museum of Witchcraft and Magic

  43 miles       whole day

Last but not least, we have saved what is arguably the quirkiest museum in Cornwall until last. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic at Boscastle, a small coastal village and fishing port, is actually one of Cornwall’s most popular museums.  Opened in 1960 and taking over 50 years to amass its collection, the museum features the largest collection in the world of witchcraft related exhibits.  Subjects include magic and witchcraft in Britain along with sacred sites, persecution of witches, from ancient times to the present day.  As well as the exhibits, there is a huge library of 5000 books on the occult.  Combine a visit with a look around this unspoilt Cornish harbour, with its Elizabethan Quay, and spot the witch in the rocks, or extend your day by walking along the pretty valley or the coast path.

Parking: No parking at or around the museum use the public Cobweb Carpark
See the Location Map and Museum Info

 

Just Some of our recommended museums to visit in Cornwall

These museums should keep you busy during your visit to Cornwall. There are many more around the county and we have mentioned others in our 11 Popular Cornwall Attractions to Visit page

Sub-tropical Cornwall has many independent and family run gardens. Here are 12 of our favourites.

12 Stunning 'Must See' Gardens in Cornwall

Cornwall is blessed with a sub-tropical climate which means that many plants and trees will be different to the usual ones found throughout the United Kingdom. Not only are we spoilt with an abundance of National Trust gardens, we also have many more examples of beautiful gardens in Cornwall to visit.  We have compiled a list of hidden gem and must see gardens, all are independent or family owned and run.

1. Trewithen Gardens

Starting with a fantastic Cornwall garden, house and estate in Probus near Truro and only 30 minutes from our hotel, Trewithen Gardens is a must visit. Trewithen meaning ‘House of Trees’, it sure lives up to its name with 30 acres of woodland gardens and over 200 acres of parkland.  Once you have spotted everything you can in the highly awarded gardens, head to Trewithen House, an 18th Century building that has been passed down through 10 generations, still intact with its wonderful architecture and living history rooms. Trewithen is a perfect place for garden lovers and architectures admirers alike. Don’t forget to stop for a coffee at the Tea Shed after all that walking!

2. Trebah Gardens

Next on our list is the well loved Trebah Gardens, a fan favourite with our guests. Trebah is only 35 minutes away near the seaside town of Falmouth. With its subtropical gardens and a coastal backdrop, Trebah is a bright, colourful and fun garden to explore year round. Not only do they have a colourful garden, there is a bamboo maze of paths, named Bamboozle, a mallard pond and a private beach to explore when visiting this Garden! But that’s not all, there are so many more features at Trebah to fill your day including the Gunnera Passage (These Jurassic style Gunneras can also be found in our garden!), Koi Pool and more!

3. Pinetum Gardens

Pinetum Gardens, a 30 acre site near St Austell, is a beautiful family-run garden created over 40 years ago by MBE Shirley Clemo and her husband with Chang Li helping to grow the Eastern inspired area of the gardens. Become entranced when you step into the world with the open park land, lake and mature oaks, creating a magical feel to this garden’s experience, then head to their Japanese garden and marvel at their Champion Trees (Champion Trees are officially measured as the tallest of their kind or by having the largest diameter!). Almost all plants are labelled too, so if you’re new to recognising flowers and trees, Pinetum will help you on your way! Stop at their cute cafe for lunch along your way and enjoy the fresh air as you enjoy some good Cornish Pasties and Cream Teas!

4. Caerhays Castle

Another wonderful Garden to visit is at Caerhays Castle, set on the coast of Cornwall near St Austell. The gardens and castle are open to the public in the Springtime (Mid Feb to Early June) where you can experience the timeless magic of Cornwall’s castle by the sea. With 140 acres of woodland garden, all tended to by Caerhays small team of gardeners, there is plenty of walking and exploring to be done. Not only are the gardens full of bright flowers and 100 year old trees, but the history is also full with so much to learn about the estate. Caerhays is perfect for a romantic day out in Cornwall.

5. Enys Gardens

You may fancy visiting a garden with a little more going on such as Enys Gardens near Penryn. Here you will find a wonderful 30 acres of distinctly different gardens set out in an Italian vista style from the 18th Century, including The Orchard, Parc Lye and The New Zealand Garden! If you fancy getting involved in a bit more, Enys house also holds great events like their Spring Art Exhibition, Craft Fair Weekend and Food Jam. Whilst you’re there, don’t forget to delve into the history of Enys House; belonging to the Enys Family originally, the Elizabethan House was burnt down in 1820, only to be replaced with a Georgian house in 1830. By World War II, the house was requisitioned by the Royal Navy for the Dutch Navy before being handed back to the family and used for a short while as a boy’s boarding school!

6. Penjerrick Garden

A fascinating jungle-like garden to visit is just a little outside Falmouth. Penjerrick Garden is fabulous for adventurous souls who love exploring the overgrowth of natural gardens. Here you will have to stoop below the low canopy and find your way through the paths and mazes of Penjerrick, searching for all the wooden sculptures along the way. This garden is best for young souls who love feeling a part of the wild and also welcomes dogs on leads all for the modest price of £3 per adult via an honesty box. This garden is worth adding to your adventure list for a fun, enchanting day out.

7. Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden in St Mawgan (near Newquay) is one of the best gardens to visit in Cornwall if you want to be transported to a serene scene of Japanese style. This garden is well thought out with artistry at its forefront, even the plants are shaped to suit the style of this garden! This meditative garden is perfect for a piece of peace in Today’s fast paced lifestyle. Visit the Bonsai Nursery to be in awe of the beautiful small trees and learn to love plants all over again. You’ll be taking your time in this Zen garden and leaving feeling tranquil.

8. The Lost Gardens of Heligan

For a more advanced walk through wide expanses of garden, steep undulating Cornish countryside and mossy stone statues, The Lost Gardens of Heligan will be just right for you, found near St Austell and Mevagissey. With 200 acres of mystery, history and romance, Heligan is well loved by many. Heligan was a garden, lost to time after World War I meant the garden fell to ruins and was overgrown. Only 30 years ago a door was found in the undergrowth leading to the discovery of the ruins and the gardens. This all-season garden is a must see with its sub-tropic jungle journey, Victorian productive garden and traditional and rare breeds and wildlife by the estate.

9.  The Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of the largest garden and conservation experiences in Cornwall, nestled in a huge crater near St Austell. You can spend a full day here walking through the large winding gardens and even larger Biomes. Don't worry if hills are not for you, a train will drive you around the gardens to the cafeteria and Biomes! Visit the Rainforest Biome for a pleasantly warm and humid experience among tall foliage and the rustling of the animals jumping from branch to branch. Climb up to the viewing vantages to look out over the rainforest and spot more animals in the sky. After a lunch stop (take a picnic or visit one of the many canteens on site) you can visit the Mediterranean Biome and take a Sangria (or a Mulled Wine at Christmas) from the bar with you as you explore the beautiful cacti, fruits and vegetables grown in Southern Europe. You can also find Summer concerts and exciting year-round events here too including a romantic outdoor Winter ice rink!

10.  Tregrehan

Ever wanted to experience a Temperate Rainforest and Botanical garden in Cornwall, then Tregrehan near Charlestown is the garden for you. This estate is particularly special being that it is still family owned and run and is nestled in protective hills and parkland, the Tregrehan estate is an unusual and incredible estate with many firsts for Cornwall, architecturally and historically. A visit to Tregrehan will feel very Royal indeed, with many major historical figures having a hand in the evolution of the estate. Once you have marvelled in the gardens, head to the nursery where plants are available for sale to the public and take home a piece of Tregrehan.

11. Trewidden

Another family run and owned garden is Trewidden near Penzance. Initially planted by the Bolitho’s ancestor, Thomas Bolitho during the 19th century, this 15 acre garden is home to a vibrant range of over 300 Magnolias and Camellias that lie beside a large tree fern dell. A maze of paths will lead you to different areas of this peaceful Cornish garden adorned with 100 year old shrubs and a champion tree. Dogs are also welcome to visit Trewidden gardens. The scenes here are so breath-taking, even many of Rosamunde Pilcher TV Productions have filmed here!

12. Lamorran

 If you’re looking to be stunned, Lamorran in St Mawes may just take your breath away! Lamorran is a subtropical, Italianate inspired garden on Cornwall's beautiful Roseland peninsula with panoramic sea views from the romantic gazebo and south facing slopes, you’ll be basked in beautiful Cornish sun as you adore the surroundings and views around you. If the Ocean wasn’t enough for you, there is also a magical Japanese water garden with a relaxing waterfall to enjoy. Be transported around the world with this unique garden, surrounded by the best of Cornwall. The garden is navigated via ascending and descending steps and so may be unsuitable for wheelchair users and those with low mobility but a top terrace is reachable with the same magnificent views across the gardens and sea.

Honorable Mention: 

For those looking for a short walk and escape from the City, Truro has a small, quaint English Park named Victoria Gardens, close to the Royal Cornwall Museum. Visit Victoria Gardens to stretch your legs, admire the pretty blossom from the gazebo and take in some fresh air before heading back into town or on to your next adventure.

 Of course our list is not exhaustive, however these really are a must see for garden lovers and a great list to start with! There are so many unusual gardens to visit within Cornwall, and if you’re a budding photographer, these are perfect places to take the best snaps. We’re sure you’ll love these gardens as much as we do.

11 Popular Cornwall Attractions to Visit

Cornwall has plenty of unique and exciting places to visit right on our doorstep. Here is a list of our Rose in Vale Hotel top picks, all within 50 minutes of Rose in Vale!

 

1. Screech Owl Sanctuary

  15 miles       1/2 a day

Named after the founding owner Mr Screech, and one of our favourite experiences all year round, is visiting Screech Owl Sanctuary in St Columb, near Newquay and Wadebridge, only 25 minutes away from the hotel. They hold daily owl displays where you can fly an owl from your own arm as you learn fascinating facts about owls and their rescue and rehabilitation of these animals. Afterwards you can meet some of the friendly owls, goats, ponies, meerkats and alpacas! You can still visit the sanctuary on rainy days as the flying displays are moved inside to their barn.

2. Newquay Aquarium and Zoo

  10 miles       1/2 a day each

If you’re looking for things to do in Newquay other than shop and surf, there are two wonderful attractions for you to spend time in. The Newquay Aquarium on Towan beach is a fantastic place to explore 40 naturally themed habitats ranging from Cornish coasts to exotic Caribbean seas. With an exciting underwater tunnel and feeding shows there’s a lot packaged into this hidden gem on the beach. Once you’re well acquainted with the sea life, you can also visit Newquay Zoo located in Trenance Gardens with over a thousand of the worlds rarest and endangered animals and 13 acres of tropical gardens. Both of these attractions are involved in major conservation projects for both sea life and wildlife.

3. Minack Theatre

  34 miles       1/2 a day including a matinee performance

Have you ever wanted to watch your favourite play with the soothing sounds of crashing waves, seagull song and coastal wind? Minack Theatre is just that, a place of outstanding natural beauty and one of the best things to do in Penzance, 50 minutes from the hotel. The Minack theatre holds a variety of plays ranging from Vicar of Dibley comedies to Shakespeare romances throughout the year, whatever the weather. The view from the amphitheatre is breathtakingly unique, looking out over the cliff at the Atlantic ocean and local beaches. You can also visit for the view without seeing a show, a must for landscape photography and couple selfies.

4. Cornish Seal Sanctuary

  19 miles       1/2 a day

A reason to visit Gweek, near Helston (a 40 minute drive from Rose in Vale Country House Hotel), is for their Cornish Seal Sanctuary where you can experience a close encounter with  marine animals and learn about their individual stories. Owned by the Sea Life Trust, the sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates pups from the local coastal waters and release them back into the wild when they are ready. Meet their seals in their underwater viewing areas and head over to penguin beach to spot the Humboldt Penguins. This humble yet fascinating experience is worth a visit when you are in Cornwall.

5. Falmouth Maritime Museum

  16 miles       1/2 a day

A unique experience can be found at the Maritime Museum in Falmouth which offers rich and detailed themed exhibitions which highlight important marine issues and makes for a great visit. The large harbourside museum will take you on a worldly story as you climb up onto the rafters. A visit to the Maritime Museum is always fascinating with unusual and rare worldly items and a glass wall beneath the harbour to spot the local portside fish. This is a great place to visit come rain or shine and with so many spots to eat around the square, it can make for a well rounded day out.

6. Eden Project

  27 miles       whole day

The Eden Project is one of the largest garden experiences in Cornwall, nestled in a huge crater near St Austell, just 45 minutes from Rose in Vale. You can spend a full day here walking through the large gardens and even larger Biomes. Visit the Rainforest Biome for a pleasantly warm and humid experience among tall foliage and the rustling of the animals jumping from branch to branch. Climb up to the viewing vantages to look out over the rainforest and spot more animals in the sky. After a lunch stop (take a picnic or visit one of the many canteens on site) you can visit the Mediterranean Biome and take a Sangria

(or a Mulled Wine at Christmas) from the bar with you as you explore the beautiful cacti, fruits and vegetables grown in Southern Europe. You can also find Summer concerts and exciting year-round events here too.

7. Mevagissey Fishing port, Aquarium and Museum

  22 miles       whole day

A cute working fishing port to visit is Mevagissey, near St Austell, 45 minutes from the Hotel. This surprising village has more intrigue than you might think, with an aquarium and museum both run on donations. Here you can find a small aquarium which is a charity project raising awareness about the fishing industry. You’ll see various local species, many of which are caught by local fishermen and sold to the harbourside restaurants where you can get a fresh fish lunch with a view. The harbour aquarium is housed in the old R.N.L.I. lifeboat house, which has plenty of fascinating history itself. Walk around the harbour to the other side of the wall and visit the museum dating from 1745 and was part of a boat builder's yard. Learn about the local boat building and carpentry history and many other Cornish displays such as the apple crusher and cider press, an original horse-drawn, rotating barley thresher and more. Here you will also find 19th and 20th century photos depicting village life in Mevagissey.

8. St Michaels Mount

  23 miles       whole day

St Michael’s Mount is a spectacular place to visit for its unusual beach walk entry, gardens and castle as well as the small hamlet and harbour. Walk from Marazion, near Penzance, to the ocean dwelling mount during low tide and explore the beautiful castle and grounds. Don’t worry if you can’t beat the tide back, boats will pick you up and drop you back during high tides. Explore many of the castle’s interesting rooms with centuries of history lining the walls, having been a family home for many important figures. The Mount is a must do when visiting Cornwall.

9. Tintagel Castle

  43 miles       whole day

Explore a little further at Tintagel Castle and discover the realms of King Arthur and the history of Tintagel set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast. The dramatic Coastline and wonderful waterfall, just a mile outside of the town at St Nectan's Glen, has inspired writers and artists for centuries. Traipse across the jagged headland projecting into the Cornish sea, cross the bridge to the castle and finally return to visit the quintessential Cornish town and its historic National Trust Post Office to marvel at the medieval manor house. Tintagel is full of myth and wonder as well as medieval history and makes a perfect trip on a sunny day.

10. Lobster Hatchery Padstow

  24 miles       whole day

Everyone enjoys a luxurious lobster meal, however do you know much about your lobster? The lobster hatchery in Padstow, 45 minutes from the hotel, is the perfect place to learn to love these crustaceans. The National Lobster Hatchery is a marine conservation, which is unique as they work specifically with commercial species – The European Lobster. This unusual site is perfect as an addition to visiting Padstow and we recommend a visit.

11. Heartlands and East Pool Mine

  10 miles       1/2 a day each
It’s important to visit some of our world heritage sites, especially the Cornish mines which really put Kernow on the map. Known for its museum, festivals, crafts and markets, Heartlands is a great place to visit with lots of things to do, just 15 minutes drive from our hotel. With 19 acres of Christmas markets, festivals, Museum and a cafe, it’s a lovely place to stroll, learn and shop. Once you’ve soaked up all you can at Heartlands, we highly recommend visiting East Pool Mine less than a mile away. Here you will find one of the largest surviving beam engines in their engine houses. A restored winding engine is active daily with film, displays, models and guides to teach you about the important and dramatic story of Cornish Mining. NB: Sadly Heartlands closed its doors in 2024. We hope they obtain more funding. East Pool Mine is very much open and worth a visit!

Just Some of our recommended Cornwall attractions

This is just a list of some of our favourite Cornish attractions, there really are too many to count and we haven’t exhausted all the wonderful sites in Cornwall. However you can start your Cornwall Holiday with a few of these unique attractions and explore more about the local areas surrounding them.

Kennall Vale Nature Reserve

Picturesque dense woodland, waterfalls and babbling brooks amidst the ruins of in an abandoned gunpowder factory.

Location: In Ponsanooth between Redruth, Penryn and Truro
Price: Entry is free
Parking: Free on the roads nearby (no onsite parking)
Who Runs It: Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Facilities: None, just nature - lots of pubs in the nearby area

Discover Kennall Vale

Kennall Vale is a picturesque dense woodland with rich undergrowth and open glades set on the river Kennall in 20 acres. You'll find walking trails, waterfalls, babbling brooks and a flooded quarry in amongst the ruins of an abandoned gunpowder factory.

 

In its heyday the factory was a 50-building complex producing gunpowder for the mining industry from 1812 until it closed around 100 years later. It's not a typical tourist destination, but if you enjoy exploring abandoned buildings then this one is worth visiting!

Under the tree canopy everything is covered in green moss with ferns and trees growing within many of the old buildings. The old quarry is flooded and has a granite rock face rising out of the clear water.

 

Walking Trails

Kennall Vale has two trails, one for families and another more challenging trail that is suitable if you're an experienced walker or have children who can keep up with your pace!

 

The family-friendly walking route takes about 45 minutes on average. The more challenging route takes about an hour on average. But we'd add on another hour as the reserve is so beautiful you wouldn't want to hurry.

If you'd like to see all of the ruins close-up make sure you take the more challenging trail marked as 'cautionary route'. On this route you have to pass some waterfalls and may get a little splashed (!) and there are also some steep steps to navigate in a couple of parts. This route is definitely recommended if that doesn't faze you.

The Gunpowder Factory Ruins

 

Six ruins and areas which helped to make up the gunpowder factory are still there on site and you can visit all of them. Trees and ferns now grow within the ruins as nature has taken over, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust keeping it cleared, enough to enjoy the abandoned factory. There are three on each side of the river so, if you'd like to walk through all of them you will have to take the more challenging route.

Packing House
Where they packed gunpowder into barrels.

Quarry
A source of Cornish granite.

Corning House
Where they reduced mixed ingredients to fine grains.

Incorporating Mills
Where they ground together saltpetre, sulphur and charcoal.

Limestone Runner Wheel
Used to grind raw ingredients in the Incorporating Mill.

Change House
Where workers changed into woollen clothing.

Wildlife

The reserve has been overseen by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust since 1985. It is home to some interesting, and rare, species such as greater horseshoe bat and pipistrelle bat. For the bird lovers amongst you, it is one of the best places in Cornwall to spot dippers, who wade, swim and dive in running water.

There Really is a Money Tree

 

Half way round the more challenging route you will find a curious looking tree. It seems that over the years many coins have been knocked into the tree, creating an impressive pattern. It is much larger than this photo but there is still room for more if you want to add one for luck!

It is Said to be Haunted..

With the site being an old gunpowder factory, of course there were many tragic accidents. There have been many reported sightings by people and claims of photographs and it is said to be the most haunted woodland in Britain. There is certainly a different feeling when you enter but it is more mystical and calming, although you wouldn't want to get stuck there in the dark!

When to Visit Kennall Vale

You can visit all year round. It is particularly stunning during autumn of course and spring with the bluebells. It's best to avoid at weekends though as it becomes very busy.

Kennall Vale Nature Reserve is a unique hidden gem where nature has taken over the ruins. It is a calming and mystical place to visit in Cornwall. The fascinating history adding to its beauty and intrigue.

 

Turn up your volume to hear the roar of the river Kennall.