Brackley House
3115St Mawes / Sleeps 6 + cot*
7 Nights from £441 - £1225
The location of attractions is intended only as a guide. Distances are 'as the crow flies'.
Nearest pub
The Bohella Bar (90 yards)
A local social club with large bar, outside patio with sea views, snooker, pool darts, juke box and Sky sports. Temporary membership is available, contact the club for details.
Nearest beach
Harbour Beach St Mawes (200 yards)
Located centrally, this beach is a mix of shingle and coarse sand with flattish rocks. There is a steep slipway at the harbour which is not suitable for launching craft.
Nearest walk
St Mawes Headland Walk (300 yards)
Start from St Mawes harbour and head up towards the castle. Follow the coastal path for about a mile, taking the right hand fork which takes you inland to the A3078. Turn right and in 100 yards pick up another path on the left. The path then doubles back on itself for another 100 yards and then turn left past Boslogga and Percuil River. Follow the riverbank back towards St Mawes. Enjoy stunning coastal views on this 3 and a half mile gentle trek.
Nearest town
St Mawes (¼ mile)
Gazing out over the River Fal towards Falmouth, St Mawes is undeniably the picture-perfect Cornish town. Situated within the Roseland peninsula, only a short drive from local beauty spots St Just in Roseland, Portscatho and St Anthony, St Mawes combines the very best of the Cornish coast with the stunning surrounding countryside. With its shawl of beautiful blue water, guests to the area are able to make the most of the village’s nautical connection. Whether you love boats or beaches, there is something to suit everyone. A ferry regularly runs between St Mawes and Falmouth, and there are sailing and fishing trips available for those looking for a bit more action. Two lovely, safe-swimming beaches sit on either side of the St Mawes harbour, and with Porthcurnic and Pendower beaches nearby, you can treat yourself and relax in the sand.
There’s plenty to enjoy around the harbour too, whether you just want to watch the boats and yachts pass by, wander through the streets shouldered by traditional cob cottages, or find a nice café or restaurant with delicious food. Tempting shops and attractive galleries line the streets and St Mawes castle, open all year round, perches dramatically at the edge of the bay, so you can enjoy not only the abundance of natural beauty but the wealth of culture and history.
Throughout the seasons, St Mawes remains consistently charming and welcoming; cold pints in the warm summer sunshine to retreating from the crisp winter air and snuggling up beside an open fire in one of the village’s pubs. With so much to do and see St Mawes will surely capture your imagination and secure a place in your heart.
Also nearby
Trebah Garden (6 ¼ miles)
There's subtropical lushness around every corner at these stunning gardens on the banks of the Helford River. The views from the 18th Century house across the gardens to the river are not to be missed. Wend your way through camellia groves and chusan palms, woodlands and bamboo; meander alongside pools and streams, giant-leafed gunnera and hydrangeas, to emerge onto Trebah's private beach. Perfect for a swim and a picnic in summer. Not picnic weather? Head to the Planters Cafe (winner of the 2008 Cornwall Tourism Award for Popular Restaurant/Cafe of the Year) or have a browse in the gallery and plant shops. One of Cornwall's, if not England's, finest gardens.
Mrs D September 2015
You won't be disappointed
What a wonderful place to lose yourself in nature discovering plants I had never seen before and some looked like they stepped out of Jurassic Park! We stayed into the evening for a fantastic Miracle Theatre production in the Amphitheatre called The Magnificent Three which was absolutely brilliant, great story, great cast and highly recommended, I will be looking out for their next production. Overall a very pleasing day with ice cream on the beach too, what more could you want!
Mrs McCauley-Tinniswood July 2014
A mini paradise
This was such a wonderful find. A complete tropical paradise hidden away down the creek. You really feel like you have disappeared to a magical world here and it's a great place to escape. Beautiful water gardens and walks through the woods, which eventually lead down to a private secluded beach. Would happily come here time and again. Lovely cafe as well and there's also a cafe on the beach.
Mrs Darvell July 2014
Nice family day out
We visited the gardens on Father's Day (three generations of us!) and it was a lovely day out. It was interesting seeing all the exotic plants and following the path through the gardens to the private beach at the end where an ice cream sat on the beach is a must! The adventure play areas within the gardens were great for the kids.
Mr Gibb June 2014
We hadn't heard about Trebah before we arrived but it proved to be a fabulous day out and the gardens were very special. Better than Eden in some ways and the weather on the day was perfect.
The walk down to the bay was superb. Also enjoyed the shop, cafe and garden centre.
Mrs Haines May 2013
We have been to Trebah several times in the past, but the garden was at it's loveliest this time, with loads of spring flowers as well as the rhododendrons etc.
Mr Chetwode December 2012
I love trebah
Trebah is a brilliant day out, and the beach is gorgeous!!
Mrs Bradford September 2012
Trebah Garden
A really delightful garden with much to see. Although steep in places, there are plenty of benches to rest before venturing further.
The glimpse of the sea as you wend your way through the garden is really beautiful and really well worth the trip down to the bottom.
Well worth a visit time and time again.
Mr Bowry June 2012
Gets better every time
We love Trebah Gardens, they are also dog friendly, though unfortunately we did see evidence that some dog owners were not respecting the fact that clearing up is a must if this is to continue. We really enjoy walking around the gardens and always spend at least three hours doing so. Always something different to see. Already looking forward to our next visit.
Miss Stewart May 2012
We enjoyed that they are clearly continuing to develop and work on the garden in the 5 years since we last visited. Cafe very good and plenty of sheltered outdoor space. Plenty to see in May and an icecream on the beach was a great treat.
May 2012
Trebah Garden
Wonderful garden especially in May when we were there. A beach with a cafe half way round and the ubiquitous crab sandwiches in the cafe near the entrance. We could have spent a whole day here.
September 2011
A great place to visit. Even on a dull day this provided some great views and a fascinating range of plants. The beach was an added bonus. The restaurant provided a good range of dishes, including some gluten free choices.
Miss Manners September 2011
I can only endorse all that has been said before - the gardens are magical and inspirational, with a wonderful collection of hydrangeas as well as a magnificent bamboo thicket. The beach is a dear, with lovely views across the water.
Miss Manners September 2011
I can only endorse all that has been said before - the gardens are magical and inspirational, with a wonderful collection of hydrangeas as well as a magnificent bamboo thicket. The beach is a dear, with lovely views across the water.
July 2011
Worth a visit, even on a wet day. The cream tea in the cafe was so good there is no chance it could ever be matched anywhere else. Enjoyed the shop too. We spent 2 hours in the property although it's not all that large, including time at the cafe. It's advisable to go early when it's really quiet.
Mr and Mrs Wallwork August 2008
Suitable for young and old
I would recommend this garden for anyone. The walks around the garden can be taken at any pace and are endlessly fascinating for young children as well as older relatives. Even those who may not be as agile as they once were will be able to manage a good deal of the garden and there are plenty of places to stop, admire the view and rest. The staff are very helpful, always ready to discuss an unusual plant and the cafe is run by a group of very cheerful women, who provide simple but delicious food.
Ms Nicholas August 2008
A beautiful place, starting with formal gardens at the top, winding down through subtropical exotica to a small beach. We once went there on a winter's day where there was snow at the top of the garden and brilliant sunshine once you went through the doorway onto the beach; my children said it was like going into Narnia!
Mrs German August 2008
July 2008
July 2008
Walking
Trebah Gardens are excellent for all the family - there is also a beach below for children to explore. Kids can take part in the quiz as they walk around the gardens which makes for a more peaceful time for the parents!
The Hidden Hut (2 ½ miles)
A beach cafe in the most rustic sense - a beachside shed with some outdoor seating. It is a National Trust-owned hut, but run by a local couple who provide 'Feast Nights' - now made famous by their appearance on ITV's 'Cornwall with Caroline Quentin'. You need to buy tickets, but the hut is generally open to everyone, except during the winter, so check times on their Web site.
August 2017
Being relatively local to the area, we felt it was time to see if this often-mentioned beach cafe lived up to it's reputation....and it did! On a sunny August Sunday, the beach was busy and so was the Hidden Hut. Be prepared to queue - for quite a while - but once you've selected which of the mouthwatering options to go for, you've plenty of choice of places to sit and enjoy the really well cooked food and the amazing location. No doubt this will be the first of many visits to come!
November 2016
Wonderful location
Perfect for coffee and cake, overlooking Porthcurnick beach.
Geoff and Rebecca November 2016
Stunning place for a delicious lunch! Pricey but great quality. Locally sourced and freshly made. Busy on Bank holidays but worth the queue. Soups are always fabulous as are the pasties, pulled pork baps and sausage rolls. We were lucky enough to get tickets for a feast night once and it was a most memorable and special event. Check out their Facebook page https://en-gb.facebook.com/thehiddenhut/
Falmouth (2 ¾ miles)
When booking a Falmouth holiday cottage you won’t be disappointed with this maritime treat. The location is stunning, with winding streets and terraced roads of shops, cafes, bars and cottages - all snuggled between the palm fronted beaches along Falmouth bay and its famous harbour, overlooked and protected by Pendennis Castle and its sister castle on the opposite side of the river at St Mawes. You can leave your car at the holiday cottage as everything is on your doorstep. Or, take the river taxis up to Truro or across to St Mawes and spend time exploring another part of the Cornwall. Falmouth is well placed for discovering all of west Cornwall.
Falmouth’s maritime history is unique. Having the third deepest natural harbour in the world, it became the centre of the postal network to the British Empire and the first place news was landed before spreading across the land. It is now often the start or finish point of various ‘round the world’ record breaking voyages and the Tall Ship’s race, one not to be missed. Today Falmouth is home to the National Maritime Museum, which is well worth a visit, as well as a plethora of watersport facilities. Holidays can easily be spent sailing, fishing or diving in the bay or up the river.
A Falmouth holiday could not be complete without visiting at least one of the many galleries. Falmouth Art School was founded there in 1902 and many of the students have never left, resulting in a vibrant art scene. Much of it is inspired by the locale, the scenery is inspirational and the way of life allows for many a story to be told through creative means. Pick up a Cornish memento to take back with you and provoke happy memories for years to come.
Being on the coast, there is a family friendly shoreline to enjoy. All four beaches; Castle, Gyllyngvase, Swanpool and Maenporth, are sandy and sheltered from the swells and prevailing wind, perfect for a family holiday in Falmouth. They also have rock pools at low tide for the kids (and dads) to explore to their heart’s content when they’ve finished building sandcastles and eating icecreams.
If you’re staying in one of our dog friendly Falmouth cottages you will be spoilt for choice as you are never too far from a rural walk. From the coast path with its panoramic sea views to the many footpaths criss-crossing the surrounding countryside… take your pick!
Mrs Day March 2015
falmouth to st mawes
Would recommend the boat trip across to lovely St Mawes, pretty harbour town, great pub lunch in the Rising Sun conservatory....
Mrs Mitchell January 2015
Winter break
Falmouth is good to visit any time of year and we have been in all seasons. Our recent visit in January was excellent. We found plenty to do despite some very mixed weather. As oldies we went to Rick Stein of or a vintage lunch served on Tuesday's until March very busy and cheap. We also visited Pendennis Castle and the Maritime Museum for another oldies lunch (Wednesday's) which included admission to the museum. The view on the Fal is lovely and we visited Newquay and Perranporth which out of season have beautiful deserted beaches to walk on.
February 2013
Falmouth and surrounding area
Falmouth has something for everyone ~ great beaches, great boating, good choice of restaurants and great accommodation. Easy access to other villages and lots going on ~ one great high street with everything you can imagine. ~Would recommend Amanzi restaurant ~ great place to eat with a South African twist.
Try visiting Mylor Harbour just a couple of miles away, great for walking and eating too. Dogs are welcome at many places in the area which is a bonus......having just spent a few days there in February will be returning again in June.
Sharon July 2012
Something for Everyone
Falmouth really does have something for everyone. Having just spent a recent week of mixed weather we were never stuck for something to do, even if it was just wandering and enjoying the bustle of local life. Everyone working in the shops, cafes, restaurants and local attractions were friendly and clearly enjoyed their work, which in turn made us feel welcomed.
Trips to St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula via the chainlink ferry or by boat make for enjoyable days out.
We also enjoyed dinner and a concert at the Princess Pavillion, with its beautiful gardens that lead down to the seafront.
Hope to visit again soon.
Mrs Matthews July 2012
The National Maritime Museum is a superb informative way to spend best part of a wet day, as the number of families and school parties evidenced. As re-entry is free for a year after the initial entry fee we decided to browse the exhibitions for part of the morning, exited for lunch at nearby Rick Stein's Fish and Chip restaurant, which was delicious if a little expensive, then re-entered the Museum to finalize our tour. The Spring/Summer Search and Rescue exhibition was of particular interest as we support the RNLI.
November 2011
Best town in Cornwall
Falmouth is a very honest town, un-spoilt and un-commercialised, and as such I would rate it as one of the best towns in Cornwall. We have stayed here on holiday many times in various properties, and there is always plenty to do here, which is especially important with 3 young children in tow!
The maritime museum is definitely worth a visit if you are here, this is a high quality attraction which puts some of the other so-called landmark attractions in the county to shame (Land's End to name one). You could easily spend a whole week in the town itself without venturing further afield.
Avoid restaurants such as Stein's fish & chips, and venture into the heart of town for more authentic and better value food. Short ferry rides to St. Mawes and Flushing are great fun, you can even take a ferry to Truro on the high tides.
If beaches are your thing, then Gyllngvase beach is an un-spoilt beauty and is wonderful at any time of the year.
If you like pubs (and who doesn't) then go to the Chain Locker, this is one of my all-time favourite pubs and must surely be one of the best in the country. The quayside location, and the quite excellent beer, rate it very highly. The Boathouse at the top of the High Street at the entrance to the town is also excellent.
Harbour Lights Traditional Fish and Chips (2 ½ miles)
This is a great place to enjoy traditional fish and chips and you can either eat in and enjoy the stunning views across the harbour or take away. This restaurant has a handful of awards for its food and environmental awareness.
Mr Schmidt October 2013
The best Fish 'n Chips
Here I found the best Fish and Chips during my 2 weeks holiday in Cornwall. Friendly staff, very good service, a wonderful view of the harbour. Absolutely recommended.
September 2012
Excellent Fish & Chips
Really good fish & chips, excellent service & a great view of the harbour
Mr Hulme April 2012
Top nosh!
Perfect fish and chips, beautifully cooked. Friendly staff provide good service, with a wonderful harbourside location. Recommended.
September 2011
Really excellent fish & chips. Good service
Mr Green July 2011
Follow the locals for the best fish and chips in town, not to mention a restaurant with breathtaking sea views.
Gylly Beach Cafe (2 ¾ miles)
Overlooked by stately Pendennis castle, this attractive, award-winning family run cafe is relaxed and friendly, serving locally-sourced food. Get lost in the wonderful views from the deck looking out across the sea to the Lizard.
Mrs Ashton September 2015
Great food and views
We had a delicious lunch here after a morning spent on the beach. Lovely views, especially if sitting on the terrace, and a selection of different kinds of seating including sofas if you want to have just drinks rather than a meal. We all had fish finger sandwiches which were huge and very yummy - and definitely not frozen fish fingers! Would highly recommend.
Lisa May 2014
Delightful beachside cafe
I visited last week for lunch, fantastic range of freshly prepared food. Great location, with large decked area to sit overlooking the beach, all undercover if the weather is poor and they provide a basket of blankets to keep the chill off - so you can still sit and enjoy the stunning view! Very relaxed and friendly atmosphere - warming and welcoming for families.
Mrs Walne April 2012
a lovely spot
We visited Gylly Beach cafe last September as we were staying just up the Road.
It was a lovely little spot to watch the world go by and the food was very tasty. and not too far from the town
Would recommend breakfast.
Mrs Mafi January 2012
We had breakfast here over the New Year weekend.
The service was quite slow, but apart from that it was nice to sit and look at the beach and the food when it arrived was quite good.
November 2011
good food
A brilliant place to stop while out walking along coast, we had sausage and egg baps which were the best I have tasted,also the cooked breakfast was very good, would recommend.
October 2011
Relaxed atmosphere for evening dining
A lovely place on a cold winter's evening for a relaxed meal - not particularly intimate as the place is very open plan, but nice menu and friendly helpful staff.
Warren Family May 2011
Update on Gylly Beach Cafe
Excellent food and service as usual but note there is a new system of ordering food so that there is not now a large queue building up!
April 2010
Relax by the beach
Great food and right on the beach. They have live music some evenings. Not renowned for their speed of service at the bar, but defiantly worth a visit.
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