About Riverside Exclusive Retreat
St Columb Major 2.9 miles. Riverside Exclusive Retreat is a unique holiday boathouse positioned on a small lake in Black Cross near St Columb Major in the gorgeous County of Cornwall. This retreat offers guests nothing but the best – there are two private freestanding baths, plus it is set in a great location for those who enjoy a bit of wild swimming. As you arrive for the ultimate couples’ getaway, you'll discover a lovely kitchen/diner where you can cook up your signature dishes before enjoying them at the dining table. Or, if the sun is shining, enjoy your meals al fresco on either the patio or private decking overlooking the lake. Alongside the main boathouse, you'll find an additional black building, a stylish space featuring a convenient kitchen area and dedicated dining area, ideal for leisurely breakfasts or romantic evening meals. Later on, you can unwind in the studio-style space of the boathouse with your feet up while you enjoy your favourite book. When the day comes to a close, get tucked in under the fresh linen of the double bed to refresh and recharge for a brand new day of adventures! Setting out from your abode, you will find yourself perfectly placed to explore Cornwall’s stunning north coast. Just a short drive north lies Newquay, famous for its golden beaches, epic surf, and the family-friendly Blue Reef Aquarium. Head south to St Austell, where you can wander the lush biomes of the Eden Project or sip local ales at the historic St Austell Brewery. To the west, Truro offers a more refined pace, with its charming Georgian architecture, boutique shops, and the striking Truro Cathedral rising above the rooftops. Whether you're seeking seaside adventure, cultural discoveries, or simply a Cornish pasty with a view, this peaceful retreat in Black Cross puts you at the heart of it all. After a day of exploring, return to the quiet countryside for a sunset drink on the patio, as the skies blush with coastal colour. Your perfect escape awaits at Riverside Exclusive Retreat.
An old and picturesque market town nestled among lush green countryside, just five miles from the North Cornish Coast. The resort attractions of Newquay includes bars, clubs, a zoo, vibrant shops, the National Surfing Centre and fabulous beaches are all just 7 miles away, while 9 miles in the other direction is the sleepy fishing port of Padstow. In between lies a beautiful section of the South West Coast path, winding its way over the clifftops, down to tranquil coves and across some of the region’s top beaches. The surrounding area is also a visitor’s paradise with much to see and do. Stately homes, world-renowned gardens, adventure playgrounds and theme parks, model railways, fishing lakes and golf courses are all to be discovered within 10 miles. Even the spectacular Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan, both on the other side of the county, are only 12 miles away, making this a superb base for your Cornish holiday.
Newquay, Cornwall
Close to Riverside Exclusive Retreat
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Lusty Glaze Beach
Beach5.4 miles · 19 min drive
A sheltered cove below the cliffs with golden sand, a beach café and surf school — one of Newquay's more characterful beaches.
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Devil's Quoit
Landmark1.2 miles · 8 min drive · 24 min walk
A Neolithic standing stone quietly holding its ground in the Cornish countryside — an easy, rewarding stop for the curious.
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St columb Major Smallseum
Attraction1.6 miles · 8 min drive · 32 min walk
St Columb Major's compact museum of local curiosities — small in scale, surprisingly rich in Cornish social history.
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The Coaching Inn
Food & drink1.8 miles · 10 min drive · 36 min walk
A proper Cornish coaching inn serving reliable food in a setting that feels well-worn in the best possible way.
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Screech Owl Sanctuary
Activity1.9 miles · 13 min drive · 38 min walk
A genuine sanctuary caring for injured and orphaned owls; close encounters with barn owls and eagle owls are quietly unforgettable.
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Penhale Round Cookhouse & Pub
Food & drink2.2 miles · 10 min drive
Penhale Round Cookhouse offers wood-fired cooking in a relaxed pub setting — a cut above the usual roadside stop.
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Trewan Hall Gardens
Activity2.4 miles · 12 min drive
Trewan Hall's walled and woodland gardens reward a slow wander, with a kitchen garden that changes noticeably through the seasons.
Want the full lowdown on Newquay? Our concierge knows it inside out.
Pricing & Availability
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Length of stay (nights)
Availability shown as of 7 Sep 2026. Final dates & prices are confirmed on the partner site.
Booking is handled by our trusted travel partner, SnapTrip. You'll be taken to their website to confirm your dates and complete your booking. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Can't find your dates, or planning a larger group? Our team knows Riverside Exclusive Retreat inside out.
Message the teamIn their own words
This is the second time we have used Cornish Secrets (St Ives last year) and we will definitely be booking again with you in the future - keep up the great work!
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