Wild seas and cream teas:
Within a few miles are the pretty coastal villages of Tintagel, Boscastle and Port Isaac, with abundant fresh seafood and Cornish cream teas. Local beaches are Trebarwith Strand, surfers' delight with a long stretch of sand at low tide and Bossinney Haven, a more sheltered cove with clear blue water and cliffs which host nesting fulmar, jackdaw and house martin in the spring and summer. Raven, kestrel and peregrine falcon also nest on this stretch of coast. Crackington Haven, which has surfing, swimming and paddling, a wide stretch of sand that is ideal for sand castles or beach games, rockpools and fascinating geology is also within 20 minutes drive. The coastal footpath which enwraps Cornwall is a wonderful resource for walks at all times of year - the best stretches are here!
The Barn and this part of Cornwall are both lovely venues for honeymoons, we can provide a link to a website of wedding venues in Cornwall, including nearby Trevigue, a mediaeval farmhouse on the north coast.
Old stones, gardens and castles great and small:
Fine examples of ancient archaeology can be seen in the area. The Hurlers, three stone circles near Minions, are wonderful while smaller stone circles and hut circles are found here too - ask us for ideas! King Arthur's castle at Tintagel is a romantic headland with ruined bits of wall and wonderful coastal views, open all year.
Restormel and Launceston Castles are interesting historic monuments to visit and Cornwall is wonderful for its many country houses and gardens. Lanhydrock, Pencarrow, Trerice, Pinsla, Longcross Victorian Gardens, the Old Mill Herbary, The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Trewithen, Docton Mill and more are all within 25 miles. Some excellent plant nurseries can be found within the bounds of Cornwall and west Devon, including Illand (out in the sticks), Bodmin Plant and Herb Nursery (a rare find, lots of interest) and Duchy Nurseries at Lostwithiel (wide choice, well grown, prepare to be tempted) - Lostwithiel is also great for antiques. Also local well-grown herbs
For walkers, cyclists and orienteers:
The Camel Trail, from Padstow through Wadebridge and alongside the river Camel has scenery from sea and salt-marsh to valley woodland and dancing river with a chance to see otter if you are very, very lucky. There is opportunity at Wadebridge and Padstow for family cycle hire and gentle cycling, with little carriages for babies towed by bikes. More testing routes on road and moorland can be taken by the more adventurous. Bring your own bicycles, we can provide storage space for them.
Ask for links to information on local orienteering events and permanent orienteering courses in Cornwall. Bodmin Moor and the dramatically scenic coastal footpath that runs around the Cornish coastline provide countless miles of walking opportunities.Brown Willy and Rough Tor, highest points of Bodmin Moor, are a 4 mile walk away or more easily reached by a short drive to a moorland carpark. For those who like to stretch their legs, we'll drop you off at Jamaica Inn and you can walk back to the Barn!
Other Activities:
Exploring Bodmin Moor's tors and ancient archaeology, orienteering, botanising, bird-watching, chilling out!
