The Local Area (Tintagel and North Cornwall)

Park Farm Cottages are situated in Trewarmett; a quiet, rural village. The village is nestled at the top of Trebarwith Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in what was the slate quarrying region of the 18th century, with the Prince of Wales Quarry and famous 'Engine House' less than 1/2 mile away. Another old quarry, "Jeffrey's Pit", is now used a picnic area at the bottom of the hill to which Trewarmett clings.

Less than 1 mile down the valley from the cottages is the sandy surfing beach of Trebarwith Strand. With its wide expanses of sandy, dramatic cliff scenery, excellent surf, and famous "Gull Rock" island, it is a popular year-round destination for visitors and locals alike. Amenities include beach shops, cafes and the "Port William Inn", a top class inn and restaurant, overlooking all from its clifftop perch. The beach has lifeguards during the summer season and has been awarded the European "Blue Flag" Award for cleanliness and bathing water quality.

About 1 mile from the cottages lies Tintagel, with its world famous castle, which legend tells to be the home of King Arthur of Camelot. It also hosts "The Old Post Office" - a 14th century manor house, the 900 year old Parish Church of St. Materiana, as well as a host of gift shops, food shops, restaurants and public houses.

Immediately adjacent to Tintagel is the sandy cove of Bossiney. Hidden away by steep cliffs, it is the ideal spot for a romantic picnic or just a day away from it all. Just a short walk along the cliff path brings you to Rocky Valley, with its lush wooded valley, ancient stone carvings, and tales of druid priests in days gone by.

Just a little further afield is Boscastle, a quaint fishing village. About 4 miles from the cottages, Boscastle is now infamous for its 2004 flooding, however it still retains its beautiful harbour, magnificent ocean scenery, and the enchanting charm of a centuries old fishing village.

Delabole, another small village about 3 miles from the cottages, reflects some of Cornwall's industrial heritage; past and present. The Delabole Slate Quarry, over 500 ft deep, has been working for 400 years, and today welcomes visitors to tour the quarry and walk the footpaths around the quarry. Delabole is also the location of Britain's first commercial wind farm and is open to visitors.

Across the other side of Port Isaac Bay are the picturesque fishing villages of Port Isaac, Port Gaverne, and Port Quinn. They thrived in the days of pilchard fishing, and in Port Isaac they still send out boats to catch mackerel, crabs and lobsters that you can buy fresh beside the harbour. With small village inns and breath-taking coastal scenery, these villages provide something for everyone.

Inland from the sea lies the rugged grandeur of Bodmin Moor with remains of iron age settlements, high granite tors and wild vistas. It is a scene of legends about strange beasts, giants, kings and smugglers, and also the setting for Daphne du Maurier's famous novel about the Jamaica Inn, which still stands high on the moor.