Lower Trengale

Cornwall is a land steeped in myths and legends, where almost every town or village has its own piece of folklore to tell. There is so much more to Cornwall than just fabulous scenery and beautiful beaches. The history of this county is rich and vivid, and never more so than when remnants of its past are stumbled upon during rambling walks through the countryside.

Flight to Bristol, Exeter or Bournemouth. The unique charm of 'Lower Trengale' ensures you a relaxing yet stimulating holiday from beginning to end. Three delightful cottages set in six acres of rolling Cornish countryside offer an ideal retreat and provide an excellent base for your holiday. It is perfectly situated to explore the diverse county of Cornwall and with Devon also on the doorstep, there is no need to restrict your activities to one county. Entered via their own porches, all the cottages have a large sitting room and dining area with the kitchen screened off. Comfortable and well equipped, the cottages offer an excellent standard of accommodation. The spacious 'Lavender Annexe' makes an ideal hoiday for a family of 6. It ajoins the main farmhouse and comprises 2 double rooms, 1 twin bedded room, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, lounge and separate dining room. Comfortably furnished and south facing with own garden, bbq and spectacular views.

After breakfast travel to the fishingport Padstow, one of the most charming and oldest ports in North Cornwall situated on the western side of the Camel Estuary. Slate hung houses with cobbled narrow streets lead to a picturesque harbour where many medieval buildings can still be seen. Today Padstow remains a working fishing port whose produce has been made famous by Rick Stein's television series and his Seafood Restaurant. Catch the ferry over to Rock for a short coastal walk to St Enodoc Church where late Poet Laureate Sir John Betjamin is buried.

 

Visit Prideaux House, an international filming location plus "End of Summer", "Coming Home". For over 400 years, Prideaux Place has been the home of the Prideaux-Brune family. Completed in 1592, the house has been enlarged and modified by successive generations. Today it combines the traditional E-shape of Elizabethan architecture with the 18th century exuberance of Horace Walpole’s Strawberry Hill Gothic. The house is filled with treasures, including royal and family portraits, fine furniture and the Prideaux Porcelain Collection. combines the traditional E-shape of Elizabethan architecture with the 18th century exuberance of Horace Walpole's Strawberry Hill Gothic. The house is filled with treasures, including royal and family portraits, fine furniture and the Prideaux Porcelain Collection.

Visit the magnificent house of Lanhydrock, a National Trust Property mentioned in 'The Kings General'. Lanhydrock's wonderful gardens have a stunning collection of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias, and offers fine colours right through into autumn. All this is set in a glorious estate of 900 acres of woods and parkland running down to the River Fowey, (much like those of fictional Manderley), which provide such a superb setting for the house itself, and one of the most fascinating and complete late 19th-century houses in England, Lanhydrock is full of period atmosphere. Although the gatehouse and north wing (with magnificent 32yd-long gallery with plaster ceiling) survive from the 17th century, the rest of the house was rebuilt following a disastrous fire in 1881. The new house featured the latest in contemporary living, including central heating.

 

Make your way to Tintagel where according to the 12th Century writings of Geoffrey of Monmouth, this romantically situated castle was the birthplace of King Arthur. The legend also says that Merlin the Magician lived in the cave on the beach below. Unfortunately this is a myth, but people liked the stories of heroism so much that they came to believe them. This has left the mysterious and magical atmosphere which surrounds the popular and prosperous castle that the legend has turned it into today. King Arthur now represents the Celtic spirit of Cornwall. However, the present castle was laid out in the 13th Century by Richard, Earl of Cornwall and was in ruins by Tudor times, much like it can be seen now.

Now begin your journey heading towards St Austell and to one of the most well known gardens in the world The Eden Project - A gateway into the fascinating world of plants and people. The world's largest greenhouses nestle in a 50metre deep crater the size of 30 football pitches, the centrepiece of a spectacular global garden.

 

Pay a visit to Mevagissey one of the most charming fishing ports on the South Cornish Coast, its white and colour-washed dwellings perched on the slopes of the hills encircling the two harbours. It is a traditional Cornish fishing village with cobbled streets and narrow alleyways to explore. There are many good restaurants and Inns where you can imbibe the local ale. If retail therapy is for you wander around the first class art galleries and gift shops in which you can indulge yourself.

Make your way down the coast calling in to Bedruthan Steps. One of Cornwall's most dramatic beaches, the Steps whose jagged outcrops were traditionally held to be the stepping stones of a giant called Bedruthan, a legendary figure conjured into existence in the 19th Century. This is one of the most popular destinations on the Cornish coast because of the spectacular cliff top view of rocks stretching into the distance across the sweep of Bedruthan beach. The National Trust has rebuilt the cliff staircase down to the beach, but it is unsafe to bathe at any time.

 

Then onwards to Watergate Bay a view to end all views with two miles of golden sand, rock pools and an amazing beach life. If you are looking for adventure you can surf, kitesurf and mountain board in this perfect environment.

 

The premier resort of Newquay has unrivalled beaches, a chain of 11 in all, the most famous being Fistral where international surfing championships take place. Newquay also boasts a small pretty working harbour where you can watch the fishing boats slipping back from their trips. Apart from the golden sandy beaches, the north coast has towering cliffs and in places long plateaus ideal for walking the coastal paths where the views are superbly outstanding.

Famous for its folklore and legends, Bodmin Moor features and abundance of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains, as well as several delightful villages. Blisland, for example is unusual for the West Country, the community being built around a central green flanked by trees. In the centre of the Moor, the tiny hamlet of Bolventor includes the Jamaica Inn - the inspiration, setting and title of Daphne du Maurier's famous novel about smuggling. Nearby Dozmary Pool is reputedly the lake where King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, was flung. There's a great deal to explore, see and do here and this is particularly fine walking country. Wild and rugged yet awesomely beautiful, Bodmin Moor has, for centuries, inspired writers, poets and sculptors.

 

During this walk to Rough Tor (second highest point in Cornwall 400m/ 1312 feet), enjoy the magnificent views over the historical moorland, from its summit you can see the highest point - Brown Willy. On a clear day it is often possible to see to the north the Atlantic Coast and to the south the English Channel.

Drive to Bristol, Exeter or Bournemouth airport.