Secret Season: St Agnes
22nd October 2024
Welcome to Secret Season, our series exploring the secrets of the shoreline that are revealed in the quieter months, from taking a closer look at the beach phenomena that adorns our shores to discovering the secret histories, sheltered spots and fresh flavours in Cornish towns and villages.
Spend the day with us as we explore St Agnes out of season, uncovering the secrets of this former mining town which is now a hub of surfing, wildlife, coffee, good food and a strong sense of local community.
Discover:
- Beaches in and around St Agnes
- Activities and must-visit spots
- Shopping
- Best places to eat and drink
- Farm shops and fishmongers for cooking in your retreat
Beaches
Trevaunance Cove
St Agnes’ main beach is Trevaunance Cove, a sandy cove flanked by high cliffs. Here, you’ll spot surfers sharing the swell with seals, who love catching the waves just as much as the locals. It’s a popular spot for cold water swimmers who brave the waves all year round, and the pop-up Suvi Sauna in the Driftwood Spars car park is perfect for warming up afterwards.
Walk up the coast path to the left of the beach for the best views of the bay and its towering row of cliffs – they look magical in the early morning, when the dawn light meets the shimmering sea mist and casts a pale golden glow across the rock formations. From up here, the brilliant blues of the water are framed by burnt orange bracken and purple heather.
Chapel Porth
Just a short drive away you’ll find Chapel Porth, a gorgeously autumnal beach tucked in the middle of tumbling maroon moorland. Follow the winding coastal road down to the car park directly on the beach and sample their famous hedgehog ice cream (Cornish ice cream smothered in Cornish clotted cream, rolled in honey roasted hazelnuts). An ice cream in winter may seem crazy, but its decadence is an unexpected treat on a cold day – plus the little ones love ice cream all year round.
The café is also known for their Croque Monsieur (with veggie and crab options available, too). Enjoy on the beach or in the warmth of your car, where you can take shelter whilst still admiring the view.
Activities
Woodland walks
Back in St Agnes, there’s plenty to do. Wander the pretty streets deeper into the tree-lined valley, passing Stippy Stappy lane with its row of Grade II listed 18th century cottages, and watch the amber leaves gently drift down from the woodland branches.
Community centre
Pop into St Agnes MMI – The Miners & Mechanics’ Institute, a friendly community space with a cinema, pilates and yoga classes, art workshops and much more.
Shopping
Gather souvenirs to take home, get ahead of the Christmas shopping or simply window shop in St Agnes’ lovely selection of boutiques and outlets. From No. 5 Churchtown Arts, where you can restock on St. Eval candles or browse all sorts of handmade Christmas décor, Trunk Deli for handpicked wines and speciality produce, to the Finisterre store in the Wheal Kitty workshops for best-of-the-best outdoors and surf wear.
Must-Sea spots
Wheal Coates
Take to the coast path on foot or hop in the car for a short drive to Wheal Coates, the dramatic ruins of an iconic mining heritage site situated on heather-and-gorse strewn cliffs with striking ocean panoramas. This National Trust site is an ideal photo spot during coastal walks or sunset chasing.
Food & drink
St Agnes Bakery
St Agnes is a foodie destination and despite being small has something to satisfy all cravings, from sweet treats to fine dining. Loved by locals and visitors alike is St Agnes Bakery, where you can pick from fresh-out-of-the-oven goods each morning. We recommend the tandoori spiced vegan sausage roll. These delicious treats are in high demand, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
The Sorting Office Coffeehouse
Grab your caffeine fix from The Sorting Office Coffeehouse, paired with cute autumnal interiors.
For a cosy afternoon pint, The Driftwood Spars is a must – warm up by the fire and try their range of beers, including their very own ‘Stippy Stappy’ IPA.
If you’re missing summer, head to The Tap House. Bright, colourful interiors and a tropical menu serving £10 lunch special poke bowls brighten even the dullest of winter days.
For dinner, try out Shellfish Beach Deli for the best seafood tapas, or Visit England’s ‘Pub of the Year’, The Peterville Inn.
Self-catering:
Make the most of your St Agnes retreat and gather delicious foodie supplies to cook in your own self-catered kitchen. With the likes of Churchtown Veg & Wholefoods, The Cornish Farm Shop, Trunk Deli and Carr Butchers along the high street, you won’t be short of locally sourced produce.
Just down the road at Chapel Porth you’ll find Kernow Catch fishmongers, with fresh fish available for pick up or delivery. Opt for their £30 ‘catch of the day’ mixed fish box and dine on the fishermen’s finest catch.
Stay in St Agnes
Discover St Agnes retreats, seconds from the swells of Trevaunance Cove. Or, stay in the nearby towns of Perranporth, Portreath or Porthtowan and explore this stunning stretch of coast.
Stay for two free nights
Slow down and savour more of the coastline during the cooler months with our two free nights offer. From November until the Easter Holidays (excluding school holidays), stay with us for three or five nights and enjoy two extra nights free of charge in selected retreats.
Take your time and discover more of Cornwall this Secret Season…
