Step inside to your rural retreat.
Welcome to Poet's Demise, our bijou yet beautiful bolthole in the heart of north Cornwall.
The bedroom is full of charm and character being set under the eaves.
The little terrace outside is the ideal spot for a wake-me-up cuppa or a late supper under the stars.
The fold-out table provides the sweetest of dining areas.
The kitchen packs a punch and is incredibly well stocked.
Steps lead down from the front door into the living area.
Cute and full of character.
The lovely wood-burner is a welcome sight on those out-of-season breaks.
A couple of steps lead to a small utility-area and shower-room and the open-tread stairs up to the bedroom.
The owner has even managed to fit in a dishwasher - well who wants to do the dishes when you are on holiday?
You will soon drop off in the land of nod in the loft-style bed.
Snuggle under the covers and enjoy some bedtime snacks.
It's a calm and peaceful setting.
The owner has taken great pride in the overall presentation.
Poet's Demise has a super stylish shower-room, perfect to set you up for the day or rinsing off sandy bodies after a day at the beach.
This stretch of coastline has a host of fabulous beaches. Polzeath is a firm favourite with surfers.
The pretty village of Port Isaac, home to TV's Doc Martin, The Fisherman's Friends and two of acclaimed chef Nathan Outlaw's restaurants.
Hire some bikes and hit the Camel Trail as it winds its way from Bodmin Moor all the way out to Padstow on the coast.
Spend the day at Cornwall's culinary capital, Padstow.
Daymer Bay offers more sheltered waters and welcomes dogs all year, so your four-legged friends will love it here.
Poet's Demise
56494.2 miles E of Rock | Sleeps 2 (no children under 10)
From £80 per night
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearby pub
This 30 year old pub has had commendations by The Good Pub Guide, Which! Guide to Pubs and the AA Good Pub Guide. There is an imaginative menu specialising in fish and local produce where possible. Good wine and real ales are on offer, including the house's own "Maltsters Special".
September 2020
meal
went here for an evening meal out, excellent service and big portions..excellent value for money. Had a lovely evening here
May 2015
Excellent food, and good service. The only disappointment was the dessert "raspberry trifle" which was little more than a raspberry flavoured jelly in a glass.
Nearby beach
Due to its sheltered nature this narrow cove is very safe for children offering a small sandy beach with rock pools to explore at low tide. In a peaceful beach-front village around the headland of Port Isaac, the beach is overlooked by high cliffs on either side with amenities close to hand.
May 2022
Lovely situation
Parking is very difficult as it is such a small village but there is a lot of character in the place and it has not been commercialised. A lovely little bay.
July 2021
Great for family members of all ages.
A relatively sheltered and safe bay with its own pub, restaurant and water sports centre. Great for Stand Up Paddleboarding and Coasteering, or just paddling with the kids or fishing off the rocks.
August 2019
Pretty
We loved this little bay. Lovely to explore the little beaches and caves when the tide is out. Great place to hire paddle boards and kayaks. Can get very busy.
June 2019
Lovely views
Port Gavern with Doyden Castle is a magic place. From here you can start your walk to Port Isaac or to Polzeath. Or just enjoy the surroundings and have a delicious sandwich from the salt pig.
June 2009
Pretty and safe beach for children
We spent a lovely day on the beach at Port Gaverne - exploring rockpools at high tide and paddling in the safe shallow sandy waters at low tide. Finished off with a beach barbeque and grilled some fresh mackerel landed from a friendly fisherman's boat. Perfect.
Nearby walk
Take this five and a half mile ramble from St Kew to the villages of St Endillion and Tregellist. The walk takes in a woodland path and country lanes. Pop in to Trevathan fruit farm en-route. Take a look at the iwalkcormwall website for further details and other lovely walks in the area.
Nearby town
When you think of a Cornish seaside destination, images of Port Isaac will come to mind. A quintessential Cornish fishing village, it is a popular holiday destination so there are plenty of self catering cottages in Port Isaac to choose from. With fisherman’s cottages forming narrow winding streets leading steeply down to the stone walled harbour, dotted with colourful vessels of all shapes and sizes. In fact many of the streets here are so traditional and narrow, including the aptly-named ‘Squeezebelly Alley’, a car is not an option so leave it behind while you take to exploring the architecture by foot. Many of the old buildings are listed as being of historical importance and certainly add to the ambience. The fishing industry is still at work here, left over from its days as a busy coastal port in the mid-19th Century.
The inspiration for many a painting, there are plenty of photo opportunities to be had with the lobster cages and wooden rowing boats along the harbour wall. Set down on the seashore, the surrounding area is very hilly and steep, which allows for far reaching views, and several pretty streams wind their way down to the waterfront. Take a boat trip for a spot of sea fishing or just a scenic float-along during the holiday season or walk along the coastal path for panoramic sea views and dramatic cliffs.
The village of Port Isaac, is now most recognisable as Port Wenn, thanks to being chosen as the setting for the television series, Doc Martin. However, many other movies and tv programs have been filmed here such as ‘Saving Grace’ (again, starring Martin Clunes) and ‘Amy Foster’ with Sir Ian McKellen. It was also frequently used as a set for the Poldark series. The locals are very welcoming and are a tourist attraction in their own right with the formation of Port Isaac’s Fisherman’s Friends - a group of Cornish shanty singers with a strong following.
A holiday in a Port Isaac cottage will be an excellent way to explore the north coast as there are many good beaches nearby such as the surfing beach of Polzeath and the family-friendly wide stretch of sand at Daymer Bay, which is also dog-friendly. It’s only a short drive to bigger towns such as Padstow, famed for its Rick Stein dominated restaurants, and Tintagel with the historic castle ruins. Being on the north coast, it is close to the Camel Trail which follows the River Camel to Padstow, an excellent cycling, walking or horse riding route.
October 2022
Quaint
Lovely little place, well worth the visit.
September 2022
Lovely village
Very interesting and lovely to see all the places from 'Doc Martin' TV series, and learn how it had helped the village with funding. Got quite busy and didn't find any nice tearoom for a coffee, the only one was full.
October 2021
Would recommend!
Coastal walk to Portquin is very strenuous but excellent on a clear day!
Would recommend Nicky Bs pasty shop rather than others!
Obviously is a tourist trap so can get very busy and parking is a significant walk from the harbour.
August 2021
Boaty speedboat
Excellent trip along the coastline
September 2012
Just like it is on the telly!!
Port Isaac is truey lovely to visit whether you are aware of the Doc Martin show or not, but if you love the show a visit here is a must!
June 2009
Doc Martin Filming in Port Isaac
They are presently filming a new series of Doc Martin in Port Isaac so keep your eyes open for Martin Clunes and the rest of the cast and crew. And when you get home it's great fun to spot the scenes you saw being filmed!
Also nearby
This 15th Century village pub was once home to the masons and craftsmen who constructed the nearby church of St James the Great. Today, you will find a welcoming bar and restaurant, with blazing fire in the winter, and a large beer garden for those balmy Cornish summer evenings. Look out for the resident ghost.
July 2023
Great Meal
Lovely quaint country pub with excellent menu, our food was excellent, great service and we would definitely go again.
September 2022
Trying to be something it's not
Lovely traditional pub but not serving traditional pub food.
Expensive and menu more suited to city restaurant.
July 2022
Hot day
Lovely sheltered garden under trees.
May 2022
Excellent pub
The food was very good and the staff friendly and efficient. It is in the middle of the country so you need a car to get there. You need to book to be sure to get a place.
October 2021
Fantastic Dinner
We went to the St Kew for dinner, and what a dinner! Lovely atmospheric rabbit warren of a building, warm and smokey (check the menu!). Food and drink were both excellent, and the staff friendly and helpful
June 2021
Sue
Due to COVID, we booked the St Kew Inn well in advance of our stay at the Carriage House.
The pub is within walking distance from the Carriage house, down hill all the way, but consequently up hill all the way back!
The food was delicious, service extremely good, and a bonus for us was meeting our waitress, Faye, who happily gave us some suggestions as to what to do whilst visiting Cornwall. The first was to cycle the Camel trail from Wadebridge to Padstow. It was a truly stunning way to visit Padstow. And on our second visit to the pub Faye suggested we could visit Charlestown. Again, we are so grateful for that advice. We wouldn’t have experienced either had it not been for Faye.
The ‘fish of the day’ was well worth it too!
We felt very safe, and all the measures to ensure that guests met the government guidance were in place. Thank you to all at the St Kew Inn.
May 2021
Hidden Gem
We had two meals at St Kew Inn whilst on holiday in Cornwall and thoroughly enjoyed both meals. The service was attentive but not intrusive, the food was absolutely delicious and there is a good choice to choose from. Good beers and good prices too, if we go back to Cornwall we will definitely be booking a meal at St Kew Inn.
October 2020
St Kew Inn
Excellent food and friendly service to our party of six. Would recommend fish meal of the day.
October 2020
P Boorman
excellent food very friendly staff
January 2020
Very good food
Lovely food. Service was a little slow at lunchtime but they were aware of this, apologised and tried to resolve.
August 2019
So good we visited twice
Superb food, varied menu, good service. We were a group with 4 vegans and 2 carnivores and we all thought this Inn was top notch.
July 2019
A must visit
Fantastic pub, great menu for veggies, beautiful garden and loads of space
May 2019
Excellent Food
The St Kew Inn does excellent food. It is not cheap but very good value for money. My wife said that the hake she had one evening was the best fish she had tasted for many years - cooked to perfection. You need to book early to get a table in the restaurant, but can also take pot luck in the bar where the tables are not reserved. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
May 2017
Best pub in the arae
Excellent pub food. Best in the area. Good real ale and great pub food consistent performance and very popular so need to book in season.
September 2012
idyllic country pub
A warm welcome and helpful staff. The food was great - the haddock kedgeree was worth the trip alone.
June 2009
Great country pub
Great atmosphere and food. Nice seating inside and outdoor summer barbeque.
February 2009
Beautiful and Atmospheric
Picturesque 15th Century village pub serving beer from wooden barrels and excellent homecooked food prepared to order by hosts Paul Ripley and Sarah Allen. One of the most beautiful and atmospheric pubs in Cornwall.
- Mr and Mrs Whitten
Feeling artistic? Try your hand at some pottery, still life or life drawing classes with potter Jon Whitten. Jon, whose work can be found in collections in Europe, Japan, New Zealand and the US, specialises in contemporary, wheel thrown pottery, a large collection of which is on display here, and is available to buy.
September 2017
If the weather is not so good!
I should have said whether the weather is good or bad an interesting couple of hours learning the art of pottery with your host Jon. Can even take your works of art (or otherwise!) back home with you. Thank you, Jon.
Explore the magnificent Lanhydrock House. Steeped in history and encompassed by flowing grounds, the castle allows visitors a sneak peek into the lives of both the aristocracy and the servants who lived there. Bikes can be hired to explore the ancient woodlands and peaceful riverside paths, too.
October 2023
Lanhydrock
Very interesting Victorian house in lovely surroundings. The guides and volunteers were very knowledgeable and helpful. A very enjoyable visit.
September 2023
Amazing!
Beautiful preserved stately house and garden. Staff helpful and so well run by the National Trust. Well worth a visit.
August 2022
Excellent Dog Walks
The walk through the woods from The carpark at Respyn to Landhydrock house for a coffee is excellent. Our dog enjoyed the river and the shade of the woods.
June 2022
Mrs French
Fantastic place to spend a day
May 2022
Beautiful gardens
The guides in the house were very friendly and knowledgeable. The gardens in spring are beautiful with bluebells everywhere and the spring bushes in full bloom.
June 2021
Beautiful and interesting
Well worth a visit. The National Trust as usual have brought this lovely house and gardens to life making it an interesting place to visit
September 2020
Very interesting visit
Excellent for walks and bike trails .
Close to Bodmin but unless you like the steam railway nothing there.
September 2019
Great place, nice house
Top!!!!!
May 2019
A good day out
Lanhydrock House and Gardens are well worth a visit. The house is interesting and well presented and the gardens were a mass of colour when we visited. There are also plenty of woodland walks for those who like to be energetic
April 2016
So good we went twice :-)
We're NT members so usually visit nearby sites when on holiday. Highlight of this property was the amazing mountain bike trails. We'd brought bikes with us, but did hire mountain bikes for some. Friendly and helpful staff and well marked trails made it the highlight of my 7yo's holiday! We also enjoyed gardens (including Easter egg trail) and house
September 2015
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the historic Lanhydrock House. First we used the cycle paths which the children (aged 5 and 8) really enjoyed. We then visited the house and gardens and were taken back in time. The children loved following the trails and it kept them entertained. The staff were extremely helpful. A great place to visit.
November 2014
Well worth a visit
Lanhydrock has something for everyone. The house is really interesting and the friendly guides are knowledgeable about its history. Although I didn't visit the formal gardens on this occasion, I did join an organised estate walk, which was led by rangers who were most informative and, again, very friendly. We had lunch in the restaurant, which was tasty and fairly priced. We would certainly recommend a visit.
March 2013
Lanhydrock House and Estate is between Bodmin and Lostwithiel The National Trust House provides a wonderful insight into local history and you can also walk the estate, free of charge, by parking in the car park down by the river, close to Respryn. River side footpaths take you through wooded areas which are covered with wild flowers.
After a good walk you can drive towards Lostwithiel, on the back lanes, to the Duchy Nursery for lunch. Not only is it a pleasure to wander among the plants and trees but the shop and restaurant are designed to add ambience to the whole experience. 5 star
April 2012
The house and grounds are beautiful, quite a sight as you walk down the drive from the car park. The grounds themselves offer lots of different walks, but the one that goes down to the river then back through the woods is my favourite.
October 2008
Lanhydrock
Magnificent late Victorian country house with expensive servants' quarters, gardens and wooded estate near Bodmin.
Visiting this house entails a drive, but it will provide you with a full day out. The house itself is fascinating, mostly because it has been wonderfully Victorianised in every detail - the kitchens, dairy and pantries are extensive - and the history of house, as well as that of the last generation of Robartes to live at Lanhydrock, gradually unfolds as you move around the house (with, of course, the help of National Trust volunteers). There are various options for lunch (picnic, cafe, restaurants) and the grounds are a joy to wander around afterwards. There are quizzes for children and the option of driving right up to the gate if a member of your party can't manage the walk down the drive.
- J Wallwork
July 2008
Popular Lanhydrock
Well worth a visit for the grounds as well as the house. The kitchens are a real eye opener with all the old utensils. Walk down through the grounds to the River Fowey and the beautiful old Respryn Bridge. If you prefer you can drive down and park beside the bridge. Lovely walks beside the river.
Made up of half a mile of soft, golden sand backed by rock and cliff, Trebarwith Strand is a National Trust-owned beach near Tintagel. Easily accessible, at low tide a huge expanse of sand is revealed whilst at high tide the sea covers nearly all the beach. Lifeguarded in summer, Trebarwith Strand is a popular spot amongst people of all ages.
August 2024
Great for rockpooling
The children love this beach for rockpooling but you have to check the tide times as it disappears when the tide comes in - but then is the time to climb the coastal path or retreat to the pub and watch the waves!
October 2023
Our favourite beach
A beautiful place to visit, we love it here.
June 2022
Great dog friendly beach
Fabulous sandy beach with life guards that is also dog friendly all year. Good facilities - toilets, pub and shop selling icecream and beach stuff - make it the complete package but mind the tide times!
October 2021
Ms Harrison
Something for everyone.
October 2021
Ms Harrison
Something for everyone.
July 2021
rock pools galore
nice beach with life guards. Loved going there at high tide to watch the sea crashing against the rocks. Great place to go to watch the sun set. Tasty Cornish pasties from the beach cafe
May 2015
Trebarwith Strand
We walked along the cliff tops to discover this beautiful stretch of dog friendly beach. It is accessed by a rocky plateau but once on the beach there is a long stretch of golden sand with plenty of room for all to play. Lots of body boarding & surfing to be had with places to hire equipment. It's a lovely unspoilt area with a couple of cafes, tourist shops & a pub. Definitely worth a visit.
September 2014
Fantastic beach
We were recommended Trebarwith Strand as one of the nicest beaches along this stretch of coastline. It was beautiful. We visited at lowtide, so lots of sandy beach available. The entry onto the beach is past a few cafes (we had an amazing cream tea in one of them = yum) and over a rocky area, before you reach the sand. The rocks themselves are fascinating. The beach is a good size, with rock pools and caves and plenty for all to explore. Some of the roads approaching Trebarwith are steep and narrow - as is often in this part of Cornwall.
February 2014
Hidden Gem!
Found the beach by accident whilst staying at Port Isaac and visiting Tintagel.
Beautiful sandy beach,reached by clambering over rocks . Really nice Cafe serving burgers and chips etc. Wish we had time to return another day!
The Melia Family
January 2013
An absolute classic!
Trebarwith Strand lies at the end of a narrow lane that descends through a wooded valley to this beachside hamlet. A vast beach at Spring low tides, its only downside is at high tide it is reduced to a modest rocky plateau. Armed with a tide table, however, there is no excuse for at least 6 hours a day on this deeply charismatic beach. Surrounded by an impressive cliff-scape this beach offers caves, huge sand flats, streams and rock pools big enough for the kids to safely swim in. Great surf as well including surf hire and lessons.When the tide does gently nudge the family up onto the rocky plateau, lovely in its own right, there is always the Port William pub overlooking the beach or a variety of cafes and a couple of quirky gift shops to keep everyone entertained. This is also a great place to access the coastal path heading North East to Penhallic point and Tintagel castle or South West to Tregardock beach and Port Isaac. It can get busy in the high season but never on the Polzeath scale and out of season it is usually very peaceful.
In a stunning setting, this pub offers wonderful views over Trebarwith Strand, excellent food and fine Cornish ales. A popular place for walkers, there is also a surf school nearby.
July 2024
Wonderful views and great food!
The views from The Port William are fantastic. The staff are friendly and welcoming and it's also dog friendly. Their fish n chips are the best!! Been many times on our trips to North Cornwall.
October 2023
Fantastic food with a view
A fantastic place for food after a beach walk. Enjoyed our lunch watching the sea, excellent menu. We'll definitely eat here again.
September 2023
Proper pub
Good pub food, lovely staff, very accommodating to two large dogs.
June 2023
Fantastic pub
Fantastic views and great food
A lovely walk from Upton mill
February 2022
Stunning view
Fantastic view of the sea
Good food but not much choice on the menu
December 2020
Best place for watching the storm
Friendly and welcoming. Enjoyed a couple of winter sunsets.
August 2019
Mussels to die for
Superb meal here. Service was a little slow but the food was worth waiting for.
June 2019
Great food
Great food, warm welcome good choice of Ales
October 2013
A real gem.
We stumbled across the Port William at Trebarwith Strand one evening on our way back from Port Issac. When we arrived the sun was setting, the tide was high and the waves roaring! The pub sits on part of the cliff which looks over the bay of Trebarwith, offering stunning views of this part of the coastline. We had a drink whilst sat on one of the picnic benches outside and watched the sunset. Bliss! We then returned to the Port William for lunch later in our holiday and the food was very tasty 'pub grub'. The staff were very welcoming and the pub is child and dog friendly and our two sons enjoyed looking at the huge fish tank that resides in the main bar!
May 2013
An exceptional place to watch the sun set over Trebarwith Strand either with a pint of fine Cornish ale, glass of wine or a robust pub feast. Great food and a recently added contemporary extension to the dining area with outstanding sea views.
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