At the Beacon Country House Hotel we are very proud of St Agnes; our own jewel of a village that stretches inland from the coast. But we are also so aware of how lucky we are to be part of the wider crown that is Cornwall, and when you visit us in St Agnes, we want you to use Beacon Hotel as a base to explore everything Cornwall has to offer.
In St Agnes we are perfectly placed between the peaceful resort of Portreath and the more lively seaside town of Newquay, and while each has their own share of beautiful beaches, we want you to look even closer and see that Cornwall has far more than sand and sea to offer its visitors.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan
The Lost Gardens of Heligan are less than an hour away from Beacon Hotel, and they are a definite must-visit when you come to stay with us at the hotel. Regardless of weather, Heligan offers an unforgettable day out that you’ll remember for years to come.
Heligan’s 200 acres of garden and estate were lost with the beginning of WWI, and it was only in the 1990s that the gardens began to flourish once again. As if in a fairy tale, the Lost Gardens of Heligan were brought back to life by a dedicated team who wanted to tell the stories of those ordinary people who lived, worked and breathed the gardens – and those who never returned after leaving for war.
When you’ve explored the grounds you can visit the Heligan Kitchen & Bakery and indulge in the produce of the estate that once served the Tremayne family. From home-reared meat to fresh vegetables and home baked treats, you’re sure to find something to delight your taste buds!
Heligan is open all year round and you can visit the Heligan Kitchen, Shop and Plant Centre without paying to visit the gardens, but be sure to check opening times before you pop in. Entry to the gardens is £15 for adults and £7 for children aged five and over (under fives go free!).
Truro Cathedral
The gothic looking Cathedral was completed in 1910 and has lots to offer its visitors. Take time to admire the architecture of the Cathedral itself, enjoy a light lunch in the Cathedral restaurant, or simply spend a moment in quiet contemplation. Everyone should visit Truro Cathedral. Admission to the cathedral is free, but please remember to check opening times. At less than 20 minutes drive from the Beacon Country House Hotel, you’ve got no reason not to go!
ShelterBox
For a unique experience that’ll change your perspective on the world, visit ShelterBox, the disaster relief visitor centre in Truro. Find out what it takes to respond to disasters around the world and be inspired by the hard work of others. This free attraction is only 25 minutes from the Beacon Hotel.
National Maritime Museum
Come rain or shine, the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth is a sure win for kids of all ages. Spanning five floors and hosting fifteen galleries, the museum will lead you on an exploration of the sea, and show you how it has influenced history and culture. Go back in time and imagine yourself rowing across the harbour in an old fashioned rowing boat, and then watch as the shipwrights work on a brand new boat in front of your eyes.
With a stunning view across Falmouth Harbour, and the chance to watch the sea life under the water in the Tidal Zone, this is one voyage you don’t want to miss! Tickets for adults cost £13.95, children over the age of five will pay £6.50 and those little ship mates under five will board for free. To get 10% off the cost of your tickets, make sure you buy them online through the museum’s official website. Driving here from the Beacon Country House Hotel will take you approximately 35 minutes – just about enough time to sing the Drunken Sailor ten times!
There’s so much for you to see and do in Cornwall that one visit to the Beacon Hotel is never going to be long enough. Settle in on your first visit, start your Cornish journey, and then return and start making your way through the never ending list of ‘must-see’ places. From modern museums to ancient architecture, we’ve got it all. And remember, Cornwall changes with the seasons, so just like the return of Spring, we know that when you’ve visited us once, you’ll want to keep coming back!
