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Cornish Secrets / The Great Cornwall Holiday Guide / Things to do / Cornwall Attractions & Activities / National Trust Spots

National Trust Spots

In 1895 Octavia Hill, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley and Sir Robert Hunter came together to establish the National Trust. Now the National Trust care for 780 miles of coastline, over 248,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including 9 lighthouses, 56 villages, 39 pubs and a gold mine).

In Cornwall we’re lucky enough to have over 50 National Trust sites to visit across the county. Given that over half of the Cornish coast is owned by the National Trust, alongside preservation of Cornwall’s industrial heritage sites such as fishing coves and tin mining sites, you’re never far away from a National Trust site in the South West.

Cornwall Attractions & Activities

Kynance Cove, The Lizard, Cornwall ©National Trust Images Hilary Daniel

Kynance Cove Beach, Lizard Peninsula

Picturesque Kynance (meaning ravine) Cove is a National Trust beach which is glorious in low season but can get very busy in summer, to be honest, when it is hard to appreciate it at its best. It is f...

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Cornwall’s Best Historical Attractions

There’s more to Cornwall than beautiful beaches. Culturally rich, have you thought about visiting Cornwall’s historic hotspots while here? Here’s all the inspiration you could need to make y...

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Levant Mine and Beam Engine, Cornwall. High on the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, Levant was one of Cornwall's champion mines for over 100 years. ©National Trust Images Chris Lacey

5 National Trust spots you should visit in Cornwall

Here in beautiful Cornwall we’re lucky enough to have over 50 National Trust sites to visit across the county. Did you know that over half of the Cornish coast is owned by the National Trust? In fac...

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Holywell beach, North Cornwall. National Trust Images John Gerrish

Holywell Bay, near Newquay

Owned by the National Trust, Holywell Bay boasts a gorgeous sweep of golden sand. Lesser known than its neighbours Perranporth and Newquay, Holywell and the surrounding coast offers you a haven of bea...

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Tide coming in at Poldhu Cove, Cornwall. ©National Trust Images Hilary Daniel

Poldhu Cove

Lifeguarded between May and the end of September, National Trust owned Poldhu Cove is a popular choice for swimmers, surfers and beach dwellers. A sandy and sheltered beach, thanks to the cliffs and s...

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Pendower Beach

Pendower Beach

For a lovely, south-facing sandy stretch on the Roseland Peninsula, you can’t ask for more than Pendower Beach. Pendower is a National Trust beach sitting side by side with another one at Carne, whi...

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Lantic Bay, Cornwall ©National Trust Images John Miller

Lantic Bay, near Fowey

If you’re looking for that remote Cornish feeling, then a trip to Lantic Bay is recommended. Owned by the National Trust Lantic Bay is “hidden gem” personified. Located on the south coast, on th...

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A walker on the beach at Carnewas at Bedruthan, Cornwall

Bedruthan Steps, near Newquay

Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps is a stretch of coastline located on the north Cornish coast between Padstow and Newquay. Sadly, the steps to the beach are currently closed following a rock fall, making ...

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Northcott Mouth, North Cornwall ©National Trust Images Rhodri Davies

Northcott Mouth Beach, Bude

The next beach on from Bude’s Crooklets Beach, Northcott Mouth is National Trust owned, dog-friendly beach. As it’s away from the town centre a little quieter than its neighbours and can feel like...

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Surfers headed for the waves at Chapel Porth, Cornwall ©National Trust Images Hilary Daniel

Chapel Porth Beach

National Trust-owned, Chapel Porth on the North Cornwall Coast, perhaps most notably, has the dramatic ruins of the famous Wheal Coates engine house overlooking the beach. As one of the most exposed ...

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Godrevy Beach ©Ian Woolcock, Shutterstock

Godrevy Beach, St Ives

At the northern tip of Hayle’s three miles of golden sand is Godrevy beach. National Trust owned, Godrevy is connected to Gwithian beach at lower tides to create a rather impressive stretch of san...

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Porthmeor Beach St Ives

Best St Ives Walks

While we understand that you might not want to leave this pretty harbour town, there’s so much to discover on foot with wonderful walks around St Ives. St Ives walks differ hugely in distance and di...

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Lanhydrock Country House, Bodmin

Cornwall is blessed with beautiful country estates, so if you are a member, make sure you bring your National Trust card to visit Lanhydrock House near Bodmin. This imposingly attractive grey granite ...

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The rugged landscape at Cape Cornwall, West Cornwall. © National Trust Images Shaun Boyns

Cape Cornwall

At the historically rich Cape Cornwall, you’ll find a small cove known as Priest’s Cove, with a pebble beach, lots of rockpools and even a small man-made tidal pool. The beach itself is mainly a r...

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Walkers on the beach at Sandymouth, Cornwall. ©National Trust Images Chris Lacey

Sandymouth Beach, near Bude

Situated between the popular seaside town of Bude and the lesser-known Morwenstow, owned by the National Trust Sandymouth is a special beach which is backed by dramatic twisted cliffs. A magical place...

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Lansallos Cove and coast at Lantivet Bay towards Pencarrow Head

Lantivet Bay

The beautiful beach at Lantivet Bay is National Trust owned, a bay of coves with beaches at Lantivet and Lantic Bay and a nature reserve inland at Lansallos. It is situated in what was smuggling count...

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Vault beach near Dodman Point, Cornwall ©National Trust Images Hilary Daniel.

Vault Beach

Down on the south coast lies the picturesque Vault Beach. Part of the St Austell Riviera near the charming fishing village of Mevagissey, this unspoilt but magical ‘no-frills’ location is a shelte...

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St Michael’s Mount, Marazion

You reach magnificent St Michael’s Mount near Marazion by striding the causeway or by boat trip depending on tides. Either way, it is a magical place to visit. One there, you will find yourself trea...

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Crantock view from rushy green over Crantock beach by National Trust

Crantock Beach, Newquay

Bring your National Trust card if you have one for free parking at this dog-friendly beach. There are plenty of footpaths nearby too, for your favourite furry friend and lovely soft sands for you both...

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Duckpool Beach, near Bude

National Trust owned, Duckpool is a wild, rugged, remote beach nestled within the cliffs. Some say the name comes from the 16th century ducking stool, but no one truly knows the secrets of Duckpool. A...

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Seascape

Lusty Glaze and Porth Beach

With Lusty Glaze to the west and Porth Beach to the north, Seascape is the fitting name for this stunning coastal retreat which sleeps six. Seascape sits above expansive golden sands of Porth Beach &#...

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Kismet

Near Padstow

Sitting pretty on the edge of peaceful hamlet Little Petherick is Kismet, an elegantly styled family home which sleeps eight. Just over two miles from popular harbour town Padstow, at Kismet you have ...

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Vitamyn Sea

St Ives

Tradition meets contemporary comforts at Vitamyn Sea. Just moments from St Ives’s stunning harbour, you’re situated a five to ten-minute walk from the gorgeous Porthmeor beach with Porthmi...

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The Bowery

Newlyn

Welcome to The Bowery, a terraced Victorian house, situated near the pretty fishing village of Newlyn. Part of the original working farmhouse, over the years the house has been sensitively extended in...

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Treleigh

St Ives

A stunning example of contemporary Cornish design, Treleigh overlooks Porthmeor beach and the town of St Ives, its cliff-top location affording breathtaking sea views across the island and out to the ...

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Cancleave

Nr Widemouth Bay, Bude

Recently undergoing complete renovation, Cancleave is a modern, energy efficient and comfortable property sleeping 8. Situated in beautiful North Cornwall, on the coast road between Crackington Haven ...

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Sea View House

St Ives

Sea View House is a stunning three-storey townhouse situated in prestigious St Ives, with breathtaking views across the harbour and beyond. Opulence is met with the ultimate comfort in this seaside re...

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Halekulani

Bude

Prepare to be wowed as you step into Halekulani, which, rather aptly, translates to house befitting heaven in Hawaiian. A luxury haven flooded by Cornish sunshine, contemporary design and lavish touch...

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Trekoa

Perranuthnoe, nr Marazion

Moments from Perranuthnoe Beach – often known as Perran Sands – Trekoa’s location is simply superb. The picturesque village of Perranuthnoe sits on the south coast around a mile to the east ...

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Ravenscourt

Launcells, nr Bude

Nestled in the quiet hamlet of Launcells, just three miles inland from the coastal town of Bude, Ravenscourt is a rather exceptional property. Tucked away off a quiet country road, Ravenscourt’s bea...

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Tamarisk

Portreath

Offering a truly luxurious stay, Tamarisk is a heavenly retreat sleeping eight. A spacious property which has been thoughtfully renovated to create the perfect holiday home, it benefits from an elevat...

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6 The Shore

Mawgan Porth

This stunning property is part of an exclusive collection of seven brand new, luxury homes perfectly positioned close to Mawgan Porth‘s spectacular sandy beach and coast. With superb attention t...

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Gwern Barn

Marazion

Situated a mere 200 metres from Marazion Beach, Gwern Barn is set back in a quiet, rural location. Boasting thick curved stone walls, this property is thought to date back over 400 years. Now a charmi...

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No 5, Gwel Marten

Carbis Bay, St Ives

Situated in cool Carbis Bay, where dramatic views sweep across the bay to St Ives and Godrevy lighthouse, this wonderful apartment luxuriously sleeps 4.  Only a few minutes’ walk to the Blue Flag b...

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Libertine

Breage, Nr Praa Sands, Porthleven & St Ives

This uniquely opulent property, built in 1603 in the village of Breage (pronounced Breeg) books quickly, and you can see why. It is a very rare find, oozing character and style. Libertine, previously ...

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Creek End

Feock

Peace and tranquillity await at Creek End; a unique property nestled in the trees in the sought-after village of Feock, on the south coast of Cornwall. The aptly named home is set in an idyllic creek-...

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The Old Smokehouse

Charlestown

The Georgian village of Charlestown is one of south Cornwall’s precious gems. Sitting pretty on the edge of the dramatic and picturesque St Austell Bay, this much-loved harbour village and UNESCO Wo...

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Waves

Swanpool, Falmouth

This glorious accommodation in fabulous Falmouth is located in Swanpool just moments from the sea. Spacious, set over three floors, it is perfectly sized for an extended family or friend group and its...

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Meadowside

Bude

With Bude to the north and Widemouth Bay to the south, Meadowside is a sea lover’s dream as there’s a beach at every turn. This large, five bed detached luxury home, is enviably positioned on a pe...

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Tretawny

Perranporth

If chocolate-box charm is what you’re after, then look no further than Tretawny an idyllic thatched cottage in the beautiful village of Bolingey, near Perranporth. Sleeping six, this dog-friendly se...

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The Anchorage

Duporth Bay, nr Charlestown

With direct access to private beach, Duporth Bay, a stay at The Anchorage could be straight out of a fairy tale. In fact, nearby Charlestown, is a stunning example of a late Georgian port, which you m...

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Lamorna

Wadebridge

Once a foundry town, Wadebridge in the north of Cornwall is now a thriving Cornish hotspot just five miles upstream from the more well-known fishing village of Padstow. Straddling the River Camel, it�...

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The Lodge, Carbis Bay

Carbis Bay

Sea views are order of the day at The Lodge, which is part of the exclusive Carrack Gladden Apartments, which enviably sit just above the white sands and azure sea at Carbis Bay. The elevated position...

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Porthminster Mews 2

St Ives

The Porthminster Mews townhouses are fabulously located on The Terrace in St Ives, offering picturesque sea and coastal views. Just moments away from St Ives bustling town centre with its collection o...

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Peacehay Barn

Nr Padstow

If you’re looking for a spacious getaway with a touch of luxury, a stay at Peacehay Barn is just the ticket. Sleeping 12, you’ll get space and tranquillity in abundance here. Situated less than fo...

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Firethorn

Bude

Newly renovated and thoughtfully decorated by local interior designer Chloe Morris, Firethorn is a striking home in an enviable location, just a short stroll away Bude’s award-winning beaches. Inspi...

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The Grain Store

Padstow

Watch the boats float into Padstow Harbour at this hugely desirable property in the heart of Cornwall’s fishing town. This vibrant glass-fronted property offers unrivalled views of Padstow, offe...

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Cornish Secrets property Orchard Cottage, Charlestown

Orchard Cottage

Charlestown

The picturesque historic harbour village and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Charlestown, dotted with cobbled streets and tall ships, is a quaint Cornish location. Spending just a few moments here, you ...

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Coastman’s Nest

Mawgan Porth

You’ll be spoilt with countryside and sea views at the Coastman’s Nest in the sought after coastal village of Mawgan Porth, just four miles from Newquay and seven miles from Padstow. A light and s...

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Lower Hendra

Nr Port Isaac

Situated off a private single-track lane, Lower Hendra Cottage is charmingly rural. This gleaming white building houses a beautifully spacious family home, fully engulfed by rolling hills and 180º se...

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