5 worthwhile reasons to visit St Agnes
There are plenty of great reasons to visit St Agnes, but here’s a taster!
St Agnes Heritage Coast
The St Agnes Heritage Coast is a protected area and a Site of Special Scientific Interest best explored on foot. Hit the South West Coast Path on a scenic ramble northeast from St Agnes to Perranporth. Pass the golf course and remains of 6th century St Piran’s Oratory which was lost in the dunes for over 1,000 years. West of St Agnes, the undulating coast path offers stunning sea views and passes close to the ruined Towanroath engine house en route to Porthtowan Beach.
Driftwood Spars microbrewery
Here’s one for beer lovers! Located in the stunning setting of Trevaunance Cove, Driftwood Spars is an award-winning microbrewery that has built on its success since it opened in 2000. Part of the Driftwood Pub, it offers insightful tours of the small-batch five-barrel plant along with tastings for beer enthusiasts. As well as selling their own ales, they also have a good selection of cider. You can even craft your own wedding beer to serve to your guests as part of a Brew Day package.
Address: Rocky Lane, St Agnes, TR5 0NA
Open: Tuesday to Saturday 12:00 until 17:00
The dramatic coastline
Explore this dramatic coastline around St Agnes in a two-hour guided adventure with Koru Kayaking. Starting from Trevaunance Cove, the trip takes in the heritage coastline and caves that were hand-cut by miners and later used by smugglers. Spot seabirds, dolphins, seals and herons on this back-to-nature tour.
Go coasteering
Another way to appreciate this rocky coastline is on a coasteering experience with Coastal Rush. Your expert guide will tailor the experience to suit every age and experience. Get ready to go swimming, cliff jumping, climbing and abseiling along this stretch of sea cliffs.
Living history surrounds St Agnes
History lovers will appreciate the living history that surrounds St Agnes in all directions. The Stone Age remains mark early settlement in this scenic area and The Beacon is the site of four Bronze Age barrows once marked by a line of cairns. The relics of more recent industrial and geological heritage are still clearly visible. Check out the landmark chimneys and roofless engine-houses of long-forgotten tin mines silhouetted against the skyline. They are now part of Cornwall’s UNESCO Mining World Heritage accreditation.
5 fun facts about St Agnes
A little local knowledge about St Agnes…
Why is St Agnes called St Agnes?
St Agnes got its name from a local legend of a giant, Bolster, who terrified the village and was known to snack on small children. He fell in love with a local girl, Agnes, but she tricked him and he died on the cliffs. Agnes became a heroine for saving the village which then adopted her name.
Who wrote the Poldark novels?
The area around St Agnes featured heavily in the Poldark TV series based on novels by Perranporth resident, Winston Graham. Re-live the historic mining novel set in 18th century Cornwall featuring handsome Ross and Demelza Poldark and their antagonists, the Warleggans. The dramatic coastal scenery is even better in real life!
Why visit St Agnes Museum?
The award-winning volunteer-run St Agnes Museum is in a lovely building that was the former Chapel of Rest on Penwinnick Road! The museum has two floors of local exhibits and curiosities. Learn more about the mining history of the area, the rise and fall of local mining families and other fascinating insights.
Address: Penwinnick Road, St Agnes, TR5 0PA
Open: Monday to Sunday 10:30 until 16:30, 1st April until until 31st October
How tall is St Agnes Beacon?
St Agnes Beacon stands 192m (630 feet) above sea level. Once the sight of a burning beacon, a Trig Mark and plaque now marks the spot. Enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding countryside to the white clay mountains of St Austell, Carn Brea and the peaks on Bodmin Moor. Turn your gaze seaward and spot boats tacking up and down the coastline and the distant Godrevy Lighthouse. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Cornwall and you can see about 30 miles in all directions on a clear day.
What happened to St Agnes harbour?
You might wonder why a mining hub such as St Agnes does not have a historic harbour for exporting the minerals and mine workings. In truth, all five attempts have been washed away by the sea. John Tonkin made the first attempt to build a quay at Trevaunance Cove in 1632. It never even reached completion. His grandson had no better luck in 1684 and again in 1699. Costing over £6000, the fourth attempt bankrupted the family. The final attempt by the optimistically named St Agnes Harbour Company cost even more. However, it was successful for a time. The final corner of the harbour wall finally gave up the battle with the sea in 2005.
5 places to sip and sup in St Agnes
St Agnes has developed as a foodie haven for epicureans in-the-know with some seriously good restaurants…
Schooners
Schooners overlooks the beach and serves incredible dishes such as Bedland Fish Tacos with crispy hake, pickled red cabbage and red aioli. It’s seriously good. So too is their Schooners Gravy Cheeseburger which is apparently a real winner. Open from noon Wednesdays through Sundays.
Address: The Quay Road, Trevaunace Cove, St Agnes, TR5 0RU
Open: Thursday to Sunday 12:00 until 20:00
Call 01872 55 3149 to book a table at Schooner
Taste
For tasty local seafood and unhurried lunches, Taste serves amazing food at very fair prices. From crab cakes to crostini and stir-fry to strudel, it has a mouthwatering menu that’s a refreshing change from the usual mundane cafe offerings.
Address: 40 Vicarage Road, St Agnes, TR5 0TF
Open: Tuesday to Saturday 11:00 until 15:00 and 19:00 until 21:00
Call 01872 552194 to book a table at Taste
Chapel Porth Beach Cafe
The quiet National Trust-owned beach cafe at Chapel Porth sells all the usual drinks, snacks and lollies but the real reason to visit is to sample their famous Hedgehog Ice Cream. It’s an indulgent ice cream cone topped with clotted cream and covered in hazelnuts. Truly delicious!
Address: Chapel Porth, St Agnes, TR5 0NR
Open: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 until 17:00
Call 01872 552487 to book a table at Chapel Porth Beach Cafe
The Aggie
St Agnes has a plentiful choice of pubs and bars, but the best by far (IMHO) is at The St Agnes Hotel (or Aggie for short). Sample authentic Cornish beers such as the award-winning Proper Job from St Austell Brewery. The distinctly contemporary bar space includes the ubiquitous open fire. The menu has well-priced antipasti, burgers, steaks and fish dishes. They also dish up a mean cooked breakfast from 8am, and a hearty roast on Sundays.
Address: Churchtown, St Agnes, TR5 0QP
Open: Monday to Saturday 08:00 until 21:00, Sunday 08:00 until 18:00
Call 01872 552307 to book a table at The Aggie
St Agnes Bakery
Made with love since 1905, the St Agnes Bakery is a traditional business that has been serving up authentic Cornish recipes for over 100 years. Their famous Gold Standard Cornish Pasties make a mouthwatering snack while their celebratory cakes are as fabulously decadent as they look.
Address: Churchtown, St Agnes, TR5 0QP
Open: Monday to Saturday 07:30 until 16:00
We’ll see you in St Agnes
☀️ Fancy a break in St Agnes? There are plenty of gorgeous holiday rental properties in this lovely coastal village.
Born in Cheshire, Gillian Birch moved to Cornwall at her earliest opportunity and never looked back. After 20 years, her ongoing discovery of popular attractions, quiet footpaths and local eateries has made her a fount of knowledge as she entertains readers with her informative articles on the hidden gems of Devon & Cornwall from a local point-of-view.