YOU’RE SPOILT FOR CHOICE IN CORNWALL!

With countryside to explore and an estuary to conquer there’s something for everyone!

The Sanctuary has 12 acres of sloping land to explore. It is being managed as a wildlife haven, so it is not manicured and has uneven paths, rabbit holes and tree roots, so please take care where you put your feet. We have mown paths around to help guide you, but point out that it is your responsibility to take care. There are areas of meadow, woodland, glades, shady spots to sit and take in the amazing views. We have planted over 150 fruit and nut trees, forming a new orchard, and created a vegetable and fruit garden using ‘no dig’ and permaculture techniques.

Paths from our land lead to over 100 acres of wild space, known as ‘Golant Downs’ which have paths leading through the woods down to Sawmills Creek (Bodmin Pill) and on to Fowey. If you are visiting with a dog, please be aware there are livestock about, and many other dog walkers. In the Forest Garden and Sanctuary Field we ask that dogs stay close to you or on a lead. At low tide Golant sands are exposed, the prefect place for dogs to splash about and let off steam. Hopefully, our dog will set a good example, but we’re not holding our breath!

AT ONE WITH NATURE

Local Wildlife

Wildlife enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. Estuary birds abound (best seen from a kayak), birdsong fills the air, and at dusk you can enjoy aerial often see displays of bats on warmer evenings from your terrace or in the Sanctuary field. Night owls will often hear owls and early risers may well see shy roe deer who are often seen wandering though the land at dawn. With little light pollution we enjoy dark starry skies at night. We also have a resident astronomer in the village, so we hope at some point to have some star walks. In any case, the top of the Barn field or Forest garden is a great place to see them.

TIME AWAY FROM IT ALL

Pamper Yourself

TIME AWAY FROM IT ALL

Pamper Yourself

If you don’t want to exert yourself, there are quiet places to sit and read, walk up to the top or our land to admire the view, or be pampered in your room by having a aromatherapy massage or choose from a selection of treatments given by our resident therapist Sheila Read. There will be information in your room, or we can send you details before your stay.

ENCOUNTER CORNWALL

Take to the water

A short walk away on the waterfront is the award winning company Encounter Cornwall. Until November 2020 this was our sister venture, but now it is the hands of Paddle Cornwall, who also offer paddleboard tours and lessons, as well as guided kayak tours and hire on the Fowey Estuary. 2 and 3 hour guided tours give an insight into its wildlife and history and are suitable for complete beginners and upwards in skill. If you are relatively competent, you have the option to hire kayaks, canoes or paddle boards, and they will brief you on the best times and places to go. All equipment is provided. The Boatshed base has a seasonal cafe, booking facilities and a shop space selling their paddleboard wear. Please see www.encountercornwall.com and paddlecornwallsup.co.uk. If you would like to bring your own kayaks or boards you are welcome – we can store them at The Sanctuary, but at the moment there is no available space to store them at the waterside.

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Exploring the coast

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Exploring the coast

You can also paddle board, sail or sea kayak from the lovely wooded cove of Polkerris, 4 miles away. They have tuition and hire options plus a small cafe and water sports shop. There is also a very good pub, and a restaurant in the old lifeboat station. See www.polkerrisbeach.com for details. If you go further afield our friends at Koru Kayaking in St Agnes are also worth a visit, leading tours on the sea and the Helford river…. www.korukayaking.co.uk

FOR ALL LEVELS

Get Walking

For keen walkers, Golant sits on the Saints Way, a path connecting Padstow to Fowey, and our land adjoins this path. It’s an hour’s walk to Fowey through the woods where you can connect with the Coast Path. In the other direction its a 90 minute walk to Lostwithiel. If you are feeling adventurous you can walk the entire Estuary circuit – about 13 miles! We are very happy to help with directions, and we have published some shorter route guides as well. There are also some lovely walks from and around the waterside village Lerryn a few miles away.

We spend our winter exploring locally and further afield, so please ask us if you are stuck for ideas!

A VIBRANT FISHING TOWN

Visiting Fowey

A VIBRANT FISHING TOWN

Visiting Fowey

Fowey itself is full of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. There is a fascinating Aquarium on Town Quay, and you can hire motor boats or go on a estuary sight seeing trip from the blue kiosks, also on Town Quay see www.foweyboathire.co.uk or www.foweycruise.co.uk ……..If you would like to go on a guided walking tour then there are some excellent choices.

SOMETHING UNIQUE

The Eden Project

The Eden Project is about 6 miles away, and Heligan’s Lost Gardens 14 miles. The National Trust at Lanhydrock (8 miles) has estate walks, a cycle hub and marked cycle trails to enjoy. Cardinham woods 2 miles further on has several graded trails for walkers, and separate ones for mountain bikers, and a lovely cafe in the middle of the woods. You can also hire a mobility all terrain scooter – ask us for details. Bodmin Steam Railway is also in this area, and we can help with lots of other ideas too!

STAYING WITH US

Local Area

EXPLORE COUNTRYSIDE

VISIT THE ESTUARY

PAMPER YOURSELF

LOCAL CYCLING

WALKING ROUTES

KAYAK TOURS

EDEN PROJECT

OUTDOOR PURSUITS

LOST GARDENS

TESTIMONIALS

What our guests say:

Such an inspiring place, you really couldn’t ask for a more beautiful setting. The owners are so passionate and knowledgeable about nature, and so committed to environmental sustainability.

ALICE, LONDON