Exploring the area around Lansallos

A National Trust sign pointing to Lantic beach with the bay in the background — Lantic Bay, Lansallos | © National Trust Images/Ruby Mitchell

No visit to Lansallos can be complete without taking the time to explore the area beyond the village itself. This stretch of coastline is an assortment of sandy coves, ancient churches, old water mills and landmarks that hint to Cornwall’s smuggling history. In between all of this, you’ll find open farmland, sweeping views and numerous picnic spots from which to take in the dramatic scenery.

In Lansallos

Lansallos Cove's cart trackway

The small waterfall that tumbles into this cove is known as the Reed Water and is the site of an old water mill. It’s an ideal location for a picnic before continuing to Polperro or heading west to Polruan.

From the beach take the leafy path up the hill to Lansallos Church and Highertown Farm Campsite.

The church at Lansallos

From the original Celtic chapel to its Norman replacement, and then to the church we see today, this small village near Polperro has been recognised as a religious site for centuries.

The village itself is named after the hermit St Salwys who lived in the 9th century; 'lan' means a religious site, usually a chapel or hermitage.

A view towards St Ildierna's Church, Lansallos — St Ildierna's Church | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Around Lansallos

Pilchard palace at Palace Cove

This cove takes its name from the one-time pilchard ‘palace’, or cellar, which was built here just above the beach.

One meaning of ‘palace’ is ‘an enclosed place’, which fits some of the Cornish courtyard fish cellars.  

A coastguard Watch House

The Watch House that overlooks Lantivet bay was built in 1835 after the 'Lantic Hill Affair', in which two Polruan coastguards apprehended a party of smugglers who were landing 484 gallons of brandy.

After the incident coastguards were permanently stationed in the building to cast a watchful eye over the bay.

Views from Pencarrow Head

From Pencarrow Head it’s possible to see from Devon's Bolt Head in the east right across to the Lizard in the west – however you’ll have to wait for a clear day.

We've worked with tenant farmers to improve and maintain the habitats on the cliffs and farmland for a wide variety of species, so you might also spot some wildlife while you’re up here.

View of the jagged cove at Lansallos from a high angle above the sea — The cove at Lansallos | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

St Wyllow Church at Lanteglos

St Wyllow Church near Pont overlooks Pont Pill Creek, a branch of the Fowey Estuary. Surrounded by countryside and quiet country lanes, the church is a peaceful location for a pitstop.

Lansallos Barton farm

Overlooking the bay at Lansallos you’ll find the farm of Lansallos Barton, where 110 hectares of farmland roll gently down coastal slopes.

The farm has been managed to organic standards for many years and has recently come back to the National Trust. The South-East Cornwall ranger team are continuing to farm the land organically, giving them added opportunities to fulfil their plans to create more nature-friendly habitats.

Local graziers run herds of cattle and flocks of sheep to complement the conservation grazing ponies, all moving around the holding as part of a three-year rotation.

Nine fields have been seeded with herbal lays with a wild flower mix, and field margins have been sown with sunflowers, vetch and trefoil, all of which are good food sources for wild birds.

The rangers have sown oats as part of the rotation for both grain and straw and hope to get the oats up to food-grade quality in due course. The herb-rich meadows are cut for hay and then followed on by grazing, which adds to the holistic approach to land management.