Author:  http://www.cornwall-online.co.uk

Few places in Cornwall can compare with the Roseland - one of the most picturesque and unspoilt parts of the British Isles. Lovely beaches and cliffs, delightful rivers and countryside, pretty villages and hamlets all make the Roseland the perfect holiday setting.

Here you can walk the cliffs or riverbanks, swim off the beaches, browse the shops, sail, windsurf, waterski, dive. snorkel, fish and birdwatch. During the warmer months there are carnivals and fetes, regattas and gig racing, not to mention the heavy horse show and all the wonderful gardens open to the public.

Variety being the spice of life, the Roseland offers a wide selection of places to stay to refresh the inner man. Traditional hotels, farm-house bed and breakfast, lovely guest houses, quality cottages and caravans or well equipped camp sites provide your style of accommodation to the standards you expect. Flower covered pubs, riverside barbeques, cream tea cottages and restaurants of high repute add a little more magic to your holiday.

PLACES TO VISIT

Roundhouses, Veryan
Built by the Trist Family in the early 19th Century and situated at the entrances to the village - these private thatched circular cottages have become a unique feature of Veryan.It was thought that the round shape would guard the village from evil as there were no corners in which the devil could hide!

St. Mawes Castle, St. Mawes
Built in the reign of Henry VII as a defence against invasion by France. The attack never came, but the Castle, with its three huge circular bastions (like a clover leaf) and gun ports covering every angle of approach, is a fine example of Tudor military architecture. The Castle offers some of the finest views of Falmouth and its situation on the waters edge make it a must to visit.
The Castle is now in the custodianship of English heritage and open to the public all year round.

Caerhayes Castle Garden
An informal 60 acre woodland garden noted for its camellias, magnolias and rhododendrons.
Open Monday - Friday 20th March - 5th May. For further details telephone (01872) 501144.

St. Just-in-Roseland Church
Described as one of the most beautiful churches in England. Set magnificently on the waters edge amongst sub-tropical trees and shrubs. A path leads from the Church around the edge of the creek to a nearby boatyard where the coastal path continues towards St. Mawes - a delightful walk of approximately 2 miles.

Turnaware Bar and Tolverne
Both of these areas were used as embarkation points for the D-Day landings. The shingle beaches were covered with concrete honey-combe mattresses parts of which can still he found today. The pub at Tolverne is full of memorabilia of the era and is well worth a visit.

St. Anthony Lighthouse
A coal Beacon burned here for centuries until , the present lighthouse was built in 1834. It guards the entrance to the Carrick Roads, warning passing ships of the infamous Manacles rocks. Although automated the light house is often open for visitors during the summer. The lighthouse was also the set for the television series ‘Fraggle Rock’.

St. Anthony Battery
The strategic importance of St. Anthony Head for the defence of Carrick Roads and Falmouth is testified by the remains of many fortifications. During WW I the area was used for Army training and in WW II gun batteries were stationed here. The Headland is owned by the National Trust - an interpretative panel is situated by the toilets and a leaflet giving further information is for sale during the summer.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Situated near to the fishing village of Mevagissey Heligan is Britain’s largest ever garden restoration project. This restoration includes 22 acres of land which has been under jungle since 1914 and the rediscovery of a wonderful collection of Victorian walled gardens. Described by the Sunday Times as ‘a triumph in restoration’ Heligan is a garden not to be missed. Contact your local Tourist Information Centre or telephone (01726) 844157.

FERRY SERVICES

The peninsula shape of the Roseland makes travel by ferry the most convenient and quickest way of visiting from many parts of the County - saving many miles on round trips in the car.

The King Harry Ferry
This chain link ferry has been making the crossing between Philleigh and Feock for over 100 years. The ferry can accommodate up to 28 cars and runs every 20 minutes. For further details contact (01872) 72463.

The St. Mawes - Place Ferryboat
The St. Mawes - Place ferryboat take passengers to St. Anthony in Roseland, a remote and unspoilt part of the Roseland. The ferry takes about 10 minutes and visitors should come prepared with stout footwear for walking. A leaflet highlighting walks on St. Anthony in Roseland is available.

Falmouth - St. Mawes
A regular ferry service operates from Falmouth’s Prince of Wales Pier to St. Mawes. The trip lasts 25 minutes and offers excellent views of some of the areas best landmarks including Pendennis and St. Mawes Castles, Black Rock and St. Anthony Lighthouse. The service runs half hourly in the season.

Looking for somewhere to stay: www.idlerocks.co.uk