The Roseland
The Roseland Peninsular is a pretty, unspoilt seaside and riviera location with old, unspoilt and typically Cornish villages, a mild sub-tropical climate and the most beautiful plantlife, wildlife and birdlife. There is no room for change in this area - and those in the know keep returning year after year.
From the campsite, a web of pretty footpaths will take you all over the southern most tip of the peninsula - to the Percuil river (Place Manor), where guests can catch a ferryboat to St Mawes, or follow paths to St Anthony's Head with its lighthouse, bird watch shelter, second world war watchpost and defences and ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING views across the Carrick Roads estuary.
Our two nearest village are Gerrans and Portscatho and have now virtually merged into one, though you may experience some local rivalry between the two villages (probably more in jest).
Gerrans
A three minute walk up a pretty country lane from the campsite and you're in the hilltop village of Gerrans, from where there is a stunning view of Gerrans Bay with Gull Rock and Nare Head in the distance. Seeing the wonderful church spire of Gerrans will tell you you're approaching the village - historically a prominent landmark for sailors. There is a garage offering a breakdown service, fruit and veg open daily. The Royal Standard Pub with its lovely beer garden and good food. A stones throw from the campsite is a kids' playground, squash court and village green. Do check out the Heritage Centre in Gerrans - a fascinating collection of local interesting historical pictures/info/artefacts.
Portscatho
Walk 10 minutes from the campsite to the bottom of the hill and you will find the tiny harbour of Portscatho.
Portscatho boasts a fisherman's Shelter, an impressive general store called Portscatho Stores, charming 18th century pub The Plume of Feathers, action-packed social club called The Harbour Club with a balcony and fantastic sea views. Look underneath the Harbour club and you will find a little resaurant/takeaway Tide and Thyme perfect if you don't fancy cooking. During the day you can sit and have a coffee and cake looking out to sea at Tatams coffee bar located by the slipway leading down to the beautiful sandy Tatams beach. There are three galleries to have a nosy around, The New Gallery, The Harbour Gallery, The Sea Garden. I could go on about this wonderful buzzing fishing village but the rest is for you to explore and discover.
Philleigh
Philleigh is situated on the east of the Roseland - the road through the village is the old coach road between London and Penzance seen on maps as early as 1685 and leads to the King Harry Ferry, where there has been a ferry across the river since medieval times. The 16th century Roseland Inn still beckons travellers with its low beamed ceilings and reputation for good food.
Portloe
A small harbourside fishing village with tiny cove, where you can find refreshment at The Ship Inn. It is a lovely day's walk via the coast path but you might need transport back.
Ruan Lanihorne
A beautiful setting for a highly acclaimed destination gastro pub - The King's Head.
Veryan
Round Houses stand at each end of Veryan village - originally built by a missionary for his daughters - with no corners in which the Devil can hide. Instead he's probably hiding in the very local characterful pub that is The New Inn.
A small but sprawling Roseland village with a pretty green. post office/general store, a friendly Tennis club with two courts, Tucked away in a hidden valley you will find Melinsey Mill with it's 16th century mill serving deliocious cream teas.
Close to Veryan is Carne Beacon, legendary burial place of 6th century chieftain, Gereint of Dumnonia. This is really a Bronze Age barrow probably built around two thousand years ago.
St Just in Roseland
St Just-in-Roseland on the way to St Mawes is known for its idyllic riverside church - much heralded by Sir John Betjeman. The church gardens stretch down to the river and must be seen when the tide is in - an understandably popular place for betrothals.
Tregony
Gateway to the Roseland with an exceptionally wide village main street - a relic from the days when Tregony was a busy port and the street had to accommodate busy traffic down to the river. The river is now silted up, but the village is still pretty and boasts a fine old pub The Kings Arms, general store, post office and galleries.
The Ruan River is a popular place for bird watchers. There are some lovely riverside and woodland walks in the area between here and Tregony.
St Mawes
The delightful riviera village of St Mawes is 5 miles away or a two hour coastal path walk and ferry ride (can catch the bus back) and offers a well preserved castle dating back to Henry VIII, lively waterfront restaurants, bars, galleries, ice cream shops and ferry services to Falmouth, Truro, Trelissic Gardens and the Helford River. One can happily dawdle all day in St Mawes just gawping at the view across the Carrick Roads estuary.
