Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pentewan, 6 miles south of St. Austell.
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01726/845100.
www.heligan.com. Admission £10 adults, £9
seniors, £6 children 5-16, free for children 4 and under, £27 family ticket. Apr-Sept daily 10am-6pm
(last admission 4:30pm), Oct-Mar daily 10am-5pm (last admission 3:30pm). Closed Dec 24-25. From
St. Austell, take the B3273 to Mevagissey, then follow signs to Heligan.
Wheal Martyn China Clay Country Park
MUSEUM Since the mid-
18th century, the St. Austell area has been noted for its china clay, which is used in
porcelain production. China clay quarries sprang up all over this corner of Cornwall,
their deep pits and mountains of waste creating a distinctive industrial landscape
once termed the “Cornish Alps.” Here two former clay works have been turned into
a fascinating museum, giving an insight into the lives of the men and women who
worked here. Outside, there's an original water wheel, as well as a nature trail and a
walk to a viewing point where you can see two working clay pits.
Wheal Martyn, Carthew, 2 miles north of St. Austell.
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01726/850362.
www.wheal-martyn.com.
Admission £8.50 adults, £4.75 children 6-16, £22 family ticket. Daily 10am-4pm in winter, 10am-6pm in
summer.
Where to Eat
FALMOUTH
Gylly Beach Café
BRITISH Perched on one of Cornwall's finest blue-flag
beaches, and overlooking Falmouth Bay, this award-winning cafe serves upmarket
versions of seaside favorites, like fish and chips. It's a great place for families to come
for a hearty breakfast or a light lunch, while in the evenings the menu takes on a more
sophisticated flavor. In addition to steaks, you might find lamb ragout with garlic and
rosemary mash, as well as a vegetarian dish such as paprika and bean cassoulet.
Gyllyngvase Beach, Cliff Rd.
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01326/312884.
www.gyllybeach.com. Main courses £11-£17. MC, V.
Daily 9am-9pm (closing time varies).
ROSELAND PENINSULA
Smugglers at Tolverne
BRITISH You need to make an effort to find this
former smugglers' inn, which is tucked away down a winding lane overlooking the Fal
estuary. It's worth it, though. Owned since 2010 by the Tregothnan estate, this cozy
restaurant has rapidly built up a local following. Fresh, local ingredients are combined
in dishes such as Cornish sea bass with saffron potatoes and marsh samphire, while
dessert choices could well include ginger cake with toffee sauce and ice cream.
Tolverne, Philleigh.
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01872/580309
or 01872/580000. www.tregothnan.com. Main courses £14- £18.
MC, V. Mar-Sept daily noon-3pm and 6-9pm. From the A3078 follow signs to the King Harry Ferry, then
turn off for Tolverne.
TRURO
Charlottes Tea House
BRITISH Hidden away on the first floor of the former
Coinage Hall in the heart of Truro, this traditional tearoom offers great views of the
town while you enjoy tea and cakes, or light snacks and soups. The afternoon cream
tea is a feast of scones, Cornish clotted cream, and jam. Waiting staff wear Victorian-
style dress, and the dark-wood furnishings add to the “olde-worlde” atmosphere.
Coinage Hall, 1 Boscawen St.
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01872/263706.
Main courses under £15. V. Mon-Sat 10am-5pm.
Saffron
BRITISH This established restaurant in the heart of Truro excels at
taking local, seasonal produce and turning it into imaginative dishes. The cuisine
draws on influences from around the world, so you could find Cornish duck and
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