I embark on this topic with trepidation, as there’s no shortage of similarly titled blogs around and, for the most part, the gems they mention are no more hidden than Donald Trump’s sense of self-worth.
Perhaps if you’re visiting Cornwall for the first time, from the North Pole, you might not have heard of a seaside town called ‘St Ives’, and you might be delighted to learn of a little-known garden called ‘The Eden Project’. However, for those of you who come regularly to Cornwall, finding a real ‘hidden gem’ that you haven’t been to 3 times before can be a challenge.
Some of our guests have been coming to Treworgey every year for decades, and one family have stayed nearly 60 times (you know who you are!), so finding lovely places that you lot won’t already know is no picnic. However, I’ve given it a go and hope at least one thing in this list will be new to you!
(Please Note: I haven’t included beaches – see my dedicated post on Locals’ favourite beaches)
Gold Diggings Quarry (30 mins)
An abandoned, flooded granite quarry on Bodmin Moor which is a beautiful spot for a stroll or wild swimming. Park at the Hurlers carpark at Minions village, then walk the track past the Hurlers for approximately a mile and a half.
The Carew Arms (25 mins)
Beautifully thought out and prepared food with a real focus on local, seasonal produce, all served in this old pub that has been renovated and tastefully styled in the last few years. https://carewarms.com/
St Germans village (15 min drive. Train times depend on connections)
Hop on the scenic railway at Sandplace (10-15 min walk from Treworgey), change at Liskeard and trundle to the tiny stop at St Germans. It’s a roundabout way to get there, but relaxing and pretty. This picturesque village on the river Tiddy is generally well off the beaten tourist trail. It has a towering viaduct, beautiful church, several 16th century almhouses and a holy well. Lovely riverside walks. Try to tie your visit in with an event or open day at Port Eliot estate, which borders the village.
Olive & Co café, Liskeard (20 mins)
The best place for miles for excellent coffee, amazing and exotic homemade light meals and the most fantastic cakes and sweet treats in the area. Roxy and Lee create a relaxed, stylish feel. https://www.olivecocafe.com/
Colwith Farm Distillery, Lanlivery (30 mins)
If you’re a fan of gin, this is one of the rare examples in the UK of a plough-to-bottle distillery (most gin-makers buy in the base spirit). The gin is excellent, the people are friendly. You can book distillery tours with tastings. https://www.colwithfarmdistillery.co.uk/
Luxulyan Valley (40 mins)
Place for a beautiful woodland walk with fascinating ruins from the tin and copper mining industry, including the magnificent Treffry viaduct, a system of leats, and Carmears Wheel Pit.
Rod and Line pub, Tideford (15 mins)
For a thoroughly lively and authentic local pub scene with good, hearty food (a lot of great local seafood) and live music on weekends. This place is extremely popular with the locals – it can get seriously busy on festive nights such as New Year, Halloween etc. You’ll have to go far to find a pub with more character. https://www.rodandlinetideford.co.uk/
St Winnow Church (30 mins)
Cornwall is littered with ancient and picturesque churches, but this one, dating mostly from the 15th century, is unique in its beautiful position overlooking the Fowey River. Worth tying in with a trip to Lerryn (mentioned below).
Q Street Café, Lostwithiel (30 mins)
A perfect pit stop on a ramble around the antiques and knick-knack shops of pretty Lostwithiel, this café does great coffee, an excellent cheese scone and various other foodie delights. Stylish, cosy and friendly but slightly out of the way, so google it as you might not wander past it.
Lerryn Village (25 mins)
The best way to visit this most quaint of Cornish villages is by kayak. You can hire kayaks from Encounter Cornwall on the Fowey River and paddle your way up. Drop into the little village store and rejuvenate with a pint at the ivy-clad Ship Inn. However you get there, the waterside is a perfect spot for a picnic. Worth combining with a trip to St Winnow church (mentioned above).