Page 37 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 1: Lizard Point and the South Cornwall Coast 35

cares for sick or injured seals. There through a 17th-century lych (roofed)
are also otters, ponies, goats and gateway or via the beach, is notable
a children’s play area. for its subtropical plants and borders
ª From Gweek carry on towards of granite stones inscribed with
Falmouth; at Constantine turn right at Biblical texts and hymns.
sign to Mawnan Smith where Trebah ª Head south on A3078 to St Mawes.
Gardens (and car park) are signed. Fork right for castle; park in car park.
0 St Mawes
Cornwall; TR2 5DE
Terraces of old cob cottages and smart
modern houses command glorious
seaviews from their position above the
harbour. The views and two sandy
beaches make St Mawes a popular
spot for holidays and retirement, as
well as for sailing and walking. The
castle, the best preserved of Henry Above The beautiful and luxuriant gardens at
VIII’s coastal fortresses, has gun ports Trebah, near Mawnan Smith
on the three huge circular bastions
overlooking the busy Carrick Roads
waterway, a large natural harbour
created during the Ice Age.
Above Winged cherub statue in the leafy, green ª Head north on A3078. After Ruan
Lost Gardens of Heligan High Lanes, turn right (signed Portloe) EAT AND DRINK
and follow signs to Mevagissey through
8 Trebah Gardens Tippetts Shop and Tubbs Mill. The MOUSEHOLE
Mawnan Smith, Cornwall; TR11 5JZ gardens (with car park) are to the right. 2 Fore Street moderate
French-style bistro noted for its fresh
In the 1830s, prosperous shipping fish, interesting puddings and home-
agent and enthusiastic horticulturalist q Lost Gardens of Heligan made bread; courtyard in summer.
Charles Fox collected a wealth of Pentewan, Cornwall; PL26 6EN 2 Fore Street, TR19 6QU; 01736 731
sub-tropical plants and trees from The “lost” gardens of Heligan (open 164; www.2forestreet.co.uk
around the world to create Trebah daily) were restored in the 1990s after THE LIZARD PENINSULA
Gardens (open daily). This lush 75 years of neglect. Their original Black Swan Inn inexpensive
paradise, set in a wooded ravine designs, laid out between 1766 and Friendly Cornish pub offering a large
which descends 61 m (200 ft) to a World War I, included Italian and selection of real ales. Menu includes
private beach on Helford River has New Zealand gardens, summer traditional English puddings served with
tumbling waterfalls, a pool of giant houses, a rocky ravine, crystal grotto custard, ice cream or clotted cream.
Gweek, TR12 6TU; 01326 221 502;
koi carp and great banks of blue and and wishing well. Just as remarkable www.blackswangweek.pub
white hydrangeas. Paths lead under is the story of Tim Smit, the force
the shaded canopy of giant gunnera behind this restoration (and the Eden AROUND TREBAH
leaves and through a bamboo maze Project, see p36), who took it on after Red Lion inexpensive
and flower borders. a successful career in pop music. Picturesque thatched pub (1545) with
three atmospheric bars offers bar
ª Return to Mawnan Smith, follow ª Turn right out of the gardens then lunches and restaurant in the evening.
signs to Penryn. Turn left onto A39. left onto B3273 towards St Austell. Turn Goldmartin Square, Mawnan Smith,
Next take B3289 right to the King right to Charlestown. TR11 5EP (1 km/0.5 mile from Trebah);
Harry Ferry (toll) across the Fal and 01326 250 026; www.redlioncornwall.
back on B3289 to St Just-in-Roseland. com
ST MAWES
9 St Just-in-Roseland The Victory inexpensive
Cornwall; TR2 5HY Traditional pub with bar meals and
Designated an Area of Outstanding first-floor restaurant with terrace.
Grove Hill, St Mawes, TR2 5DQ; 01326
Natural Beauty for its leafy lanes and 270 324; www.victoryinn.co.uk
seascapes, the Roseland peninsula
includes St Just-in-Roseland whose HELIGAN
13th-century St Justus Church with Lobbs Farm Shop moderate
its squat crenellated tower nestles This shop by the Gardens’ entrance sells
fresh Cornish produce and picnic fare.
beside a wooded tidal creek, framed Pentewan, PL26 6EN; 01726 844 411;
by trees – a truly picture-postcard Above The Church of St Justus, with its beautiful www.lobbsfarmshop.com; closed Sun
scene. The churchyard, entered either garden in St Just-in-Roseland & Mon Jan–Feb
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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