Explore Cornwall
Explore Cornwall
Things to do near Kilminorth
Whether you’re looking for a romantic break, or a good old fashioned summer holiday, Kilminorth Cottages is the ideal base to plan your Cornish adventure.
Even though the beaches are our most famous asset, Cornwall actually has 12 separate geographical areas that make up the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including estuaries, wooded valleys and moorland. And if you’re dead set on beach life, there’s almost 300 miles of coastline to discover – much of which remains relatively untouched, even in the height of summer.
Harbour highlights
Book at stay at Kilminorth, and you’re perfectly situated to discover nearby Looe and the 13th Century village of Polperro. Both are quintessentially Cornish fishing villages – ancient stone harbours perched between steep hills, with tight roads winding down through medieval cottages. Then it’s a short drive to the upmarket Fowey with its picturesque harbour, treasure trove antique shops and annual Royal Regatta. All three boast excellent restaurants and cosy pubs, with locally caught seafood a speciality.
Take a long day out
Further afield, you can sample the delights of Rick Stein’s Padstow, or Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Restaurant and the Extreme Surf Academy at Watergate Bay. Newquay is home to the Blue Reef Aquarium, Newquay Zoo and of course, Fistral Beach – home of the vibrant UK surf scene. Then there’s Land’s End, St Michael’s Mount… The possibilities are endless!
Be active
The South West Coastal Path is easily accessible from Kilminorth, and shows the dramatic effect the sea has on this peninsula. Go horse riding, surfing, sailing, or take a fishing trip – all easily available nearby, with a choice of shops, pubs and restaurants all within 1.5 miles of us.
Further inland you’ll find the Eden Project, whose futuristic ‘biome’ greenhouses nurture plant life from around the world, arranged in stunning, lifelike habitats.
For those in search of faster paced entertainment, it’s a ten minute drive to the infamous Adrenalin Quarry – the must-visit home of clifftop thrills, with giant zipwire, giant swing and freshwater coasteering all on the menu. And if you like your high-speed attractions a touch more traditional, nextdoor Kartworld caters to budding racing drivers of all ages.
Aching to get out on the fairway? South East Cornwall boasts a hatful of Cornwall’s stunning golf courses including Looe, St. Mellion and the dramatic cliff-top courses of Carlyon Bay and Whitsand Bay.
Nearby
Places to Eat
Dog Friendly
Attractions & Activities
Cinemas, Theatres, Museums
Fishing, Boating, Diving
Houses & Gardens
Nearby
Looe (2 miles) Just a stones throw from Kilminorth and can be reached by a beautiful woodland walk. The seaside town of Looe keeps visitors entertained all year round whilst still retaining a working fishing port.
Polperro (3.7 miles) It is easy to step back in time in what is a largely unspoilt fishing village. Its beautiful cottages cling to steep hillsides around a small harbour with spectacular views of land and sea making it an artist’s paradise.
Fowey (11.3 miles) Take either the passenger ferry from Polruan or the car ferry from Boddinick. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the town hangs off the west side of the Fowey estuary where the large, deep water harbour is a magnet for sailing fans. As you walk the ever narrowing streets of the old town where mediaeval and Georgian buildings cast shadows over each other, a vibrant maritime history comes to life.
Bodmin Moor (13 miles) One of Cornwall’s designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Steeped in myths and legends it is a must visit. Bodmin Moor has also provided the backdrop to the popular tv series Poldark.
Places to Eat
Eating out in Cornwall A guide of restaurants in Cornwall www.eatoutcornwall.com
The Sardine Factory A real favourite with us here. The Sardine Factory Restaurant serves the freshest most Innovative and modern coastal cuisine in the historic fishing port of Looe in Cornwall.
The Jubilee Inn, Pelynt a 16th century character village Inn situated in the ancient village of Pelynt.
The Blue Peter, Polperro ‘The Blue’ (as it is affectionately known) is one of the quaintest pubs you may ever come across.
The Coddy Shack Whether it’s a quick stop on the way home from the beach or your here to enjoy a night of live music, we cater for everything. Even dogs! We are the only fully licensed fish and chip take-away in the area with its own parking and a 60 cover restaurant.
Ocean and Earth An authentic taste of Thailand
Chennai Indian Restaurant in Looe specialising in using different combinations of spices from different areas such as Goa, Rajestan, Bengal and Kashmir bringing orignality to every dish
Crows Nest A beautiful 16th Century Inn that serves fantastic food! Located just off the Eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, it is the perfect spot after a day exploring.
Trewithen Restaurant One of the most renowned restaurants in Cornwall.
Couches Great House Situated in the nearby fishing village of Polperro. (Executive Head Chef) Richard McGeown who has drawn from his past experience of working with country’s most famous names.
Nelsons Specialising in the best quality, fresh local seafood such as lobster, dover and lemon soles, scallops and our Own Hand Picked Polperro crab meat alongside prime local beef, poultry and game.
The Halfway House Great for Sunday lunches! Pub & Kitchen in the heart of Polbathic, serving the finest fresh, locally sourced food, quality real ales and wines from around the world.
Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Overlooking the beach with exceptional views across Watergate Bay, our restaurant offers a unique blend of Italian influenced food, knowledgeable, friendly service
The Ancient Mariner A family run Bistro located in the heart of Looe, perfect for a romantic meal.
Dog Friendly
As dog owners ourselves we know just how important it is for our guests to be able to bring their four legged friend on holiday. We are incredibly lucky to be located in a very dog friendly part of the country.
We have a meadow in front of the cottages and a large field to the rear of the cottages along with gardens and grounds to explore.
As we are located in the beautiful Cornish Countryside would would ask all of our guests to follow the rules of The Countryside Code
Access to the woods is just a short walk from the cottages and takes you straight into the pretty fishing town of Looe.
Walks
Kilminorth Wood is the largest area of western oak woodland in this part of the region and is typical of the valley side woodlands that form the familiar wooded backdrop to the south coast of Cornwall. Running along the West Looe River valley, the wood is classified as ancient woodland, having been wooded since, at least 1600AD.
Deerpark Forest at Herodsfoot
A short 15 minute drive away are the lovely forestry tracks at Deerpark. It is a very maintained forest with plenty of paths to explore.
One of our favourite spots to go with our dogs. There are a varierty of well maintained tracks to follow here including the Lady Vale walk which is also suitable for push chairs and wheelchairs.
There are two beaches here at Talland and direct access to the coastal path. The main beach does have restrictions during the summer months but the second beach by the Smugglers Rest cafe is dog friendly all year round.
If you are happy for a bit of a hike then you will be rewarded with one of the most stunning views in Cornwall. There is a national trust carpark and upon leaving this you can follow the footpath signs, the great reveal is made as you walk over the brow of the hill, and there below you is a sand and shingle beach in a cove cut into towering cliffs smothered with gorse and windswept hawthorns.
A beautiful cove which is accessed by a lovely footpath which winds its way through woodland a fields. At the end of the footpath you are met by a stunning cove.
A large beach just 20 minute drive away you will find the large beach of Seaton which links to Downderry. There is a lovely dog friendly beach café which even serves doggy ice cream!
Looking out towards Looe Island with it’s long promenade and accessible sea wall, the seafront at Hannafore is a great place to spending time with your dog. The beach itself is shingle with some sandy stretches at low tide.
The beach’s of Whitsand Bay offer three miles of stunning sand from Rame Head to Portwrinkle and are considered one of Cornwall’s hidden gems. It is reached by steep paths and steps, but it is certainly worth it!
A little further a field in between Perranporth and Newquay on the north coast it is a vast sandy beach with dunes to explore and a lovely pub to enjoy a cold drink after splashing in the sea.
A hidden gem with beautiful paths that follow. Luxulyan Valley consists of 2 miles of beautiful tranquil woodland through which the Par River runs. The valley is also dotted with the remains of the area’s mining heritage including the magnificent Treffry viaduct.
Minions is the highest village in Cornwall, high up on Bodmin moor in South East Cornwall, not far from Liskeard. Most of the village is over 300m above sea level. The name derives from Minions Mound a barrow to the west of the village.
Pubs and Cafes
The Jubilee Inn Pelynt – A 16 th century pub in the local village of Pelynt just 3
miles away. A Very dog friendly pub where you can always find a jar of dog treats
on the bar. There is also a fantastic large bar garden to the rear, perfect for
enjoying long summer days.
The Blue Peter Polperro Affectionately known as one of the cosiest pubs you will come across the Blue
Peter welcomes muddy walkers and their dogs! Hearty food and a satisfying
drinks selection. Endless supply of bonios behind the bar for your four legged friend!
The Courtyard Looe A fantastic seafood café and restaurant with plenty of inside and outside seating.
Very dog friendly and serving delicious locally sourced meals.
Black Rock Cafe Millendreath A lovely beach side cafe that serves great lunches and is very dog friendly.
The Woods Cafe Cardinham This beautiful tea room is nestled amongst the trees at Cardinham forest and
serves a fantastic lunch menu. Dogs are very welcome with blankets provided
and plenty of water bowls dotted around.
Places To Visit
We are incredibly lucky to be located in a very dog friendly area with lots of beaches, forests and the Bodmin moor close by.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan Well behaved dogs on leads are allowed all year round, with miles of gardens and pathways to explore.
Port Elliot House and Gardens Dogs are very welcome to go around the gardens and grounds on a lead and on Wednesday afternoons may run free on the Park. The Long Gallery Tea Room also welcomes dogs and is open each day for lunch and afternoon tea.
The Camel Trail The Camel Trail provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.
Lanhydrock House Once a family home where everyone had their place, Lanhydrock is now a place for everyone. Set in 900 acres of woods and parkland running down to the Fowey river and encircled by formal and woodland gardens, Lanhydrock is lovely in all seasons.
Attractions & Activities
The Monkey Sanctuary Looe Wild Futures is a registered charity founded upon five decades of experience as a leader in the field of primate welfare and conservation, environmental education and sustainable practice.
Porfell Wildlife Park A wild family attraction only a few miles from Looe in South East Cornwall. It offers sanctuary to many different animals from around the world. They might be neglected, injured, imported illegally or simply no longer wanted. For whatever reason they come to us, they’re always welcome.
Siblyback Lake Surrounded by moorland and dramatic tors, this impressive lakeside location offers a great day out for families in Cornwall. Discover all of the fun things to do as you walk, run or cycle on our accessible path. It’s a 3.2 mile circular path that runs adjacent to the lake, venture through woodlands, build dens, spot birds from our hide and discover Siblyback Dam.
Adrenaline Quarry Britain’s longest, fastest Zip Wire, The Giant Swing, Coasteering and a play park for the youngsters. Plus go-karting at the same site.
Tamar Valley Donkey Park Fun for all with our donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits & guinea pigs to feed & pet
Lower Towkenbury Equestrian a family run approved riding school of the Association of British Riding Schools. Lower Tokenbury Equestrian Centre is nestled in the beautiful Cornish countryside close to Bodmin Moor and offers the complete equestrian package.
offering everything, from trekking through 100’s of acres of ancient woodland and parkland with beautiful moorland views or rides over Bodmin Moor for more experienced riders, to lessons for all ages and abilities on our own horses.
Camel Trail Bike Hire One of the most popular recreational routes in the country, the Camel Trail runs from Padstow to Wenford Bridge, via Wadebridge and Bodmin.
Cinemas, Theatres, Museums
Sterts Theatre A 400-seat amphitheatre nestling on the grassy side of Bodmin Moor
Minack Theatre Cornwall’s famous open air theatre.The Minack is a unique theatre perched on the cliffs high above the Atlantic ocean. They put on a full programme of drama, musicals and opera every summer, together with music, comedy and story-telling
Cornwall at War Museum There is a do-it-yourself NAAFI on-site for hot & cold drinks, crisps etc with comfortable seating and WW2 newspapers to read. Well-behaved dogs (on a lead) are welcome
Tate St Ives Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and Art Fund Museum of the year 2018
Wheal Martyn A great day out in Cornwall – a visit filled with discovery and adventure, infused with Cornwall’s history
Theatre Royal Plymouth The largest and best attended regional producing theatre in the UK and the leading promoter of theatre in the South West.
Barbican Leisure Park Vue cinema, food and entertainment
Fishing, Boating, Diving
Sowenna Sea fishing trips in Looe. Mackerel, Shark and Reef fishing. Call Dan Margettes on 07738 057115.
Bake Fishing Lakes “Jewel in Cornwall’s Angling Crown” with 9 lakes and ponds set in 30 acres of glorious Cornish countryside is the true ‘ONE STOP’ angling destination offering something for everyone
SW Lakes Trust Canoeing, Trout and Course fishing, Kayaking, raft building, sailing, sand up paddle boarding & windsurfing.
Looe Shark Angling Club The premier shark angling centre in Great Britain.
Looe Island Part of the Whitsand and Looe Bay Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and has a variety of precious wildlife habitats including woodland, maritime, grassland, sand, shingle and rocky reef.
Houses & Gardens
Lanhydrock House and Gardens Make sure you take a stroll around the extensive gardens and enjoy their year-round colour.
Cotehele House A Tudor house with superb collections of textiles, armour and furniture, set in extensive grounds situated on the edge of the River Tamar.
Eden Project Explore the largest indoor rainforest in the world and enjoy special events.
Duchy of Cornwall Nursery With Restormel Castle just across the valley the location of the nursery is truly at the heart of the Duchy.
Treffry Viaduct & Luxulyan Valley Luxulyan Valley consists of 2 miles of beautiful tranquil woodland through which the Par River runs. The valley is also dotted with the remains of the area’s mining heritage including the magnificent Treffry viaduct.
The Lost Gardens Of Heligan 200 Acres of gardens and history.
Trebah Gardens A sub tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop.
Antony Woodland Gardens A place where time has no bounds. A place where there are no rules or restrictions. Just seemingly endless woodlands to wander through, relax in and marvel at all that mother nature has to offer.
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