St Michael's Green Journey
Stage 7 - You
Public Transport
One of the best aspects of living or holidaying in Cornwall is utilising the many transport services on offer. To many people this statement may seem somewhat like a contradiction in terms. When can the words “public transport” and “pleasure” ever be used in the same sentence? All around the Duchy public service providers have actively looked to improve the standard and accessibility of transport systems so that travelling to your destination becomes as much a part of the day out. And the motivation behind this, to encourage visitors to leave behind there cars and free up the regions roads.
Fal River Links epitomises this shift in thinking and have successfully managed to incorporate practical travelling with a relaxing experience. From Park and Float services, chain link ferries to passenger vessels servicing some of the picturesque villages around Falmouth harbour, Fal River Links and King Harry Ferries offer a variety of options for the budding explorer. Additionally, through Orca Sea Safaris, King Harry Ferries even provide you with the opportunity to witness first hand some of the marine species that inhabit the barmy (relatively) Cornish waters including dolphins and basking sharks.
Buses and Trains
Many of the popular areas around Cornwall, and some of the less well-known spots, are easily accessed via bus and train services operating around the county. Due to the high quantity of vehicles which influx into the southwest, especially during those busy summer months, coupled with small country roads, congestion can be a very real problem when travelling around. By utilising public transport systems you are reducing your impact on the strained road system whilst also avoiding many of the most congested areas. Many of these services are carefully adapted to enable those with wanderlust to explore the far flung reaches of the county and experience some of the many attractions available. Of course, by utilising these services it also affords you the chance to enjoy a glass of Camel Valley wine or a pint of Doom Bar at your chosen destination!
Cycling and Walking
What better way to take in the beautiful Cornish countryside than by bicycle? By getting off the beaten track. Bridle paths, footpaths and cycle-ways crisscross the county taking you from coast to coast and along valleys. This type of travelling allows you to tailor your day out and ensures that you experience all the nuances of the West Country vista.
Popular cycle routes include the coast-to-coast trail, which contrasts the mining harbours of Portreath and Devoran on the Atlantic Coast with the sheltered and secluded waters of Restraonguet Creek. All levels of cyclist are catered for and routes vary in length and the degree of fitness required. We at St Michael’s can provide you with any information on bike hire allowing you to take advantage of the many competitive services available to you. Tandems, Tag-Alongs and Trailers are also easily sourced!
For those wishing to remain planted on two feet rather than two wheels, the footpaths around the region are also plentiful. Just for starters, the South West Coast Path perambulates the entire Cornish Coastline enabling you to pick up a section when and where you please. Again, this provides you with the opportunity to experience the varied spectrum that the Cornish coastline provides, from the rock cliffs of the Lizard to the golden sands of St Ives Bay. Other managed footpaths can bring you inland so that walkers can enjoy the tranquillity of Buddock Waters or the more rugged aspects of Bodmin Moor.
Gardens and Estates in Cornwall
Cornwall boasts some of the UK finest horticultural attractions from the unusual to the famous. Each one has something special and individual to offer and it is up to you to find your favourite! Whether these facilities are managed by a local family looking to preserve an heirloom or a large organisation such as the National Trust, gardens and estates are important for the local economy, act to maintain important cultural sites and encourage the incorporation of indigenous species into their displays.
The Eden Project is one garden that needs no introduction. Designed to fill a fifty metre deep crater and covering an area of 30 football pitches the three large Biomes have become synonymous with horticulture, education and even world class music concerts. A day at the Eden Project takes you through space age technology, subtropical jungles, relaxing open air gardens, Mediterranean heartlands and is a vibrant reminder of how we need to work cooperatively to guarantee sustainability. Throughout the year The Eden Project run additional attractions which add to the experience. Speak to our reception team for details of pop and rock concerts, outdoor ice skating, The Sexy Green Car Show, or a number of other activities to keep the young and not so young children in your group occupied. We offer tickets to the Eden Project at our reception, along with details on buses to the site.
Arguably the Lost Gardens of Heligan commands similar notoriety as The Eden Project, but for completely different reasons. Heligan was home to the Tremaine family for over four hundred years. As a result of the 1914 world war this well manicured was left in dis repair and the bramble and ivy began to enclose the gardens. An award winning restoration subsequently ensued and no provides over 200 acres for your exploration and enjoyment.
Closer to Falmouth, and within comfortable cycling distance from the St Michael’s Hotel, Glen Durgan offers a far more intimate example of a well groomed Duchy estate. The sub-tropical valley garden runs down to the Helford River offering you an opportunity to enjoy native plant species, wild flowers and some rarer and more exotic trees and shrubs. Whilst experiencing the Fox family estate why not take the chance to meander down to the picturesque hamlet of Durgan with its estuary side beach. It is easy to while away a quiet afternoon wandering around the quaint cottages and museums before popping along to the Ferryman’s pub and restaurant for a cream tea.
This is just three of the many gardens, estates and houses, which are littered around the county. Details of these can be obtained from our leaflet display or from the reception team. By investigating some of the more secluded options you may be in for quite an unexpected treat!
Here at St Michael’s our gardening team have worked to provide a picturesque environment for your enjoyment. It has been one of their goals to incorporate both local and international species into the displays. Additionally the grounds men are also fitting a range of bat and bird boxes around the site so if you are here in the spring time be sure to keep an eye out for a wide variety of breading pairs.
Farmers Markets
The Flying Fish Restaurant is not the only place that you can enjoy the best of Cornish Cuisine. Around the county farmers, producers and distributers regularly meet to promote their wears. These events are an excellent insight into rural life and provide the chance to sample some of the more abstract consumer items available, often only developed and available through a specific outlet. These markets are crucial to many local businesses allowing them to deal directly with customers and are considered an important part of the local economy whilst maintaining many of the traditional methods of food and beverage production that can so easily be forgotten in the hustle and bustle of 21st century living. This type of shopping really is the original ethical, sustainable industry! Below we have presented some information on the more established farmers markets in the region. You may encounter others on your travels so please notify us and we will update our list enabling others to enjoy the experience.
Callington Farmers Market:Callington Town Hall |
Second Friday of every month from 09:00 to 13:00 |
Carnon Downs Local Produce Market: Carnon Downs Village Hall |
Last Saturday of every month from 09:00 to 00:00 |
Falmouth Farmers Market: Prince of Wales Pier |
Every Tuesday from 09:00 to 14:00 |
Helston Farmers' Market: Events Square |
First Saturday of every month from 10:00 to 14:00 |
Isles of Scilly Local Produce Market: Town Hall or on Holgates Green depending on weather. |
First Thursday of every month from 10:00 to 14:00 |
Launceston Farmers Market: St Mary's Hall |
Every Friday from 09:30 to 14:00 |
Lostwithiel Farmers Market: Lostwithiel Community Centre |
Every 2nd Friday from 10:00 to 15:00 |
Mevagissey Farmers' Market: The Courtyard Indoor Market, West Wharf |
Every Sunday from 10:00 to 14:00 |
Pensilva Farmers' Market: The Sports Hall, Millennium House |
Second Saturday of every month from 09:30 to 00:30 |
Redruth Country Market: Redruth Town Centre, between clock tower and Market Way. |
Every Friday from 09:00 to 15:00 |
St Ives Farmers Market: The Backpackers |
Every Thursday from 09:30 to 15:00 |
St Neot Farmers Market: The Village Hall |
First Saturday of every month from 09:00 to 12:00 |
Stithians Produce Market: Stithians Resource Centre, New Road |
Third Saturday of every month from 10:00 to 12:00 |
Truro Farmers Market: Lemon Quay Piazza |
Every Saturday from 09:00 to 16:00 |
Truro Open Market: The Piazza, Lemon Quay. |
Every Wednesday from 08:30 to 16:00 |
