Tom Parsons' Hut

• A tiny smuggler’s hut from the 1800s, steeped in local folklore
• An open-plan living space and bedroom with en-suite shower room, with bags of style and comfort
• Right on the South West Coast Path and a golden beach

This traditional stone-and-slate hut was once home to Tom Parsons, his wife and their three children. Legend says Tom was a smuggler, although the 1841 census lists him as a farmer. It’s difficult to imagine all five fitting into this two-room cabin, but it makes a cosy retreat for a couple or solo traveller. Staying right on the coast path, between pristine sand beaches and the rocky coastline of Trevose Head, you’ll be the envy of walkers passing by. 

The open-plan living space has a woodburner and window that looks out over the sea. You'll have your own grassy, dune garden with uninterrupted coastal views and a small patio tucked away for privacy. 

There’s plenty to do on the doorstep. Constantine Bay is one of the best surfing beaches in Cornwall, which joins to Booby's Bay (named after the seabird) at low tide to create a long arc of pale sand just steps from the cottage. Dogs are allowed on these beaches all year round. Sheer cliffs and hidden coves lie to the north around Trevose Head, where the coast path snakes around the headland, passing Trevose Lighthouse and Padstow Lifeboat Station. There are more dog-friendly beaches nearby, and popular towns with renowned restaurants, such as Harlyn Bay and St Merryn. Padstow is a working harbour town, about 20-minutes’ drive away, that has wildlife-watching boat trips, shops and galleries to explore. There's even a golf course just behind Tom Parsons' Hut.

You’ll be in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, home to several rare and uncommon plants, including wild asparagus and rock sea-lavender. Look out for birds such as fulmars, razorbills, peregrines and guillemots. In the water, grey seals regularly visit this part of the coast and you might even spot dolphins and basking sharks off the headland.

Layout

Ground floor: Hallway with storage and bench. Open-plan living space with a full kitchen, sitting area, table for two, original fireplace and woodburner. Small double bedroom with low ceiling and a 5ft bed with storage underneath. En-suite shower room.

Outside space

Grassy dune garden, enclosed by chain-link fence. Private patio with dining furniture, obscured from the coast path by a wall. A shed storing outdoor seats for use in the garden with room to dry wetsuits.

What's provided in a National Trust holiday cottage?

Children: Due to the small size of the cottage, there isn't room for a cot and it is not suitable for children under 12.

Dogs: Please note that, while it welcomes up to two dogs, this is a very small cabin. 

Induction Hob: Guests with a pacemaker should note that there is an induction hob in this cottage.

Check-in: Early check-in from 2:30pm. Please make sure to arrive during daylight as the access road is not lit and there is a steep drop onto rocks on one side.

Access and parking: Access is via the South West Coast Path, which is used by pedestrians and dogs. Please make sure to arrive during daylight for safe travel along the path, which is not lit and has a steep drop to one side.

There is a private parking space for one car behind the cabin, through a gate, on a flat, grassed area. There are two uneven steps down from the parking space to the cabin. 

Please note: The cabin is next to a stretch of the South West Coast Path that is busy all year, so you may hear people passing by. There is one window in view of the coast path. Walkers will be able to see into most of the garden, but the patio and outdoor dining furniture is hidden from view by a wall. 

Heating: The cottage is heated by electric radiators, which guests are able to regulate.

Logs: The woodburner will be laid for you on arrival and a starter supply of logs, fire lighters and kindling will be provided free of charge. Guests will need to source any additional logs elsewhere.

Offers: Guests will benefit from a late Sunday checkout of 4pm at this cottage.

Free entry to National Trust places, during opening hours, for the duration of your stay. Please show your booking confirmation upon entry.