If you have already visited us at Treguddick, you'll know that we are situated in one of the most beautiful counties in England. Nestled in a valley on the fringes of Bodmin Moor, yet only 25 mins from some of the best beaches in Cornwall, we are never short of things to do and places to see away from the distillery.
So whether you're an avid surfer, walker, foodie, or beach lover, North Cornwall has something for everyone, whatever the season or time of year. We're a pretty active bunch here at Treguddick so these are some of our favourite places,to go, and ways to spend a few days in the local area.
Beach Life
Let's start with the beaches. Wherever you happen to be staying in Cornwall, you would never be more than 16 miles from a beach. And we are blessed with some of the best, our favourite being half an hour away from Treguddick.
With it's vast cliffs, an abundance of rock pools, fine golden sand and great surfing waves, Trebarwith Strand is a glorious beach to spend the day at. It's a tidal beach, the sand being totally inaccessible at high tide. But time it right and it becomes a vast, open expanse of a glorious Cornish playground. The area was once quarried for slate, and the rising stacks at the far end of Hole beach which you can only reach at low tide from Trebarwith, are an impressive reminder of the areas history. You can sit outside at The Port William pub on the cliff top, and if you're lucky you may see dolphins playing in the surf.
Launceston and Bodmin Moor
Treguddick is located a few miles further west from Launceston. Not your typical Cornish tourist town, it's the ancient capital of Cornwall, and is the only walled town in the county. It is steeped in history and the best way to appreciate it is to walk around the town, along the streets, the layout of which hasn't changed since medieval times. You can easily spend a morning exploring the castle and grounds. Admire the stunning architecture of St Mary Magdalene with it's unusual granite carvings, and wander down one of the prettiest streets in Cornwall, filled with 18th century townhouses that were admired by John Betjeman. It's a great place to spend a few hours before heading down the A30 (calling in at Treguddick for lunch maybe, and to stock up on some fine spirits and liqueurs for the weekend ).
As well as having some jaw dropping beaches not far away, we're also really fortunate to be situated just on the edge of Bodmin Moor. Designated as one of Cornwall's AONB, it's remote and barren, with miles of open moorland combined with granite outcrops and pine forests. Wild and windswept, it's a walkers paradise, and also home to two of the tallest peaks in Cornwall. Roughtor and Brown Willy. They are well worth the climb, especially on a sunny day when you can see as far as Padstow in the distance and the views take your breath away. A Treguddick favourite is to time your descent so you can stop at Crowdy Reservoir as you leave, and watch the murmuration of Starlings as they come home to roost for the evening. It's a truly spectacular sight..
Port Isaac and Port Gaverne
You can't go wrong with an afternoon exploring the North Coast around Port Isaac. (Just avoid high season if you can, as the 'Clunatics' appear, especially when Doc Martin is being filmed and Martin Clunes is in town. ) But it really is one of the prettiest and unspoilt harbours in Cornwall, and even when they are filming life tries to go on as normal. If you can find a space and you're feeling fit, park down at Port Gaverne which is the sister cove to Port Isaac, and walk the half mile or so up the steep hill. The views across to Tintagel and beyond are fabulous, and you can walk around the coast path until you reach Port Isaac itself, to enjoy the scenery. If you're feeling peckish and in the mood for seafood, check out 'Fresh from the Sea', just along from the car park in a row of wooden buildings, it's a bit like a glorified deli where the owner brings up fresh lobsters and crabs that he's literally just potted, and his wife prepares them behind the counter. You can't beat a fresh lobster salad, or crab sandwich, washed down with a cold glass of crisp white wine. From Port Isaac head to Port Quin. A tiny little hamlet with a shingle cove, in a sheltered inlet. It's an awesome place to paddle board or Kayak from when the seas are flat and calm, and the water is so clear you can see the bottom. Take a snorkel, and try some spear fishing. If you're lucky you might catch something to cook on the beach later as the sun goes down...just remember to take some English Spirit with you. A glass of bubbly topped up with some Limongino would be perfect.