If you’re visiting the Roseland then you’ll find Cotna Eco Retreat just outside Gorran Haven, on the stretch of south coast towards St Mawes. The local area is in an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with its peaceful unspoilt beaches, wooded valleys and beautiful coastline.
This area of Cornwall is off the beaten track, a lovely place to live and a great place for a relaxing holiday at any time of the year. There are no major roads and Truro or St Austell are about 12 miles away.
Cotna Eco Retreat itself is within walking distance of the sea and near the south west coastal path. It is ideal for walking, cycling or beach holidays standing at equal distances between the beaches of Gorran Haven, Portmellon and Caerhays – all within walking distance by public footpaths.
Local Places to Visit on the Roseland
Gorran Haven: A picturesque and unspoilt little Cornish village by the sea with its own family-style beach, which varies in size depending on the tides. There is a quay which children enjoy jumping off, and three good local beach cafes. The Haven is a busy fish and chip shop with indoor space if it’s too wet to sit on the quay.
Portmellon: a 30-minute walk down our beautiful woodland valley.The Paddle Shed rents out kayaking and paddleboarding equipment to paddle along the little coves towards Mevagissey or Colonna Beach. The Shack offers great coffee, cakes & pasties (vegetarian & vegan options) with organic salad boxes in summer and a little shop with fruit, veg & general supplies. The Rising Sun pub serves drinks overlooking the sea.
Hemmick Beach: A beautiful beach, particularly at low tide – lovely for BBQ’s as it keeps the sun late into the evening. Best to park in Penare carpark if you are driving there from Cotna Eco Retreat.
Vault Beach (above) : The longest stretch of sandy beach, where you can get away from the crowds and even sunbathe nude down the far end if you so fancy!
Mevagissey is a proper old Cornish fishing village that has working harbour, various good pubs and restaurants with galleries and craft shops. From here you can organise a fishing trip or a ferry to Fowey.
Just down the road from Cotna Yurts is the award winning Lost Gardens of Heligan (above) with its inspiring collection of plants, vegetable and fruit gardens along with the jungle and pineapple pits. The restored Victorian gardens, which were rediscovered in an abandoned state by Tim Smit & friends in the 1990’s, have now attained worldwide fame. The Jungle and Italian Garden are highlights with exotic veteran plants and layers of classical garden design. There are various events throughout the year, and good food at the café.
Caerhays (above) has a good beach, a large car park, café and Caerhays Castle. The gardens are only open during Spring when the Magnolia trees, Camellias and Rhododendrons are in full bloom.
The Eden Project (above) is just a 30 minute drive away with its tropical and mediterranean biomes. A good day out but can be busy on wet days in high season!
Charlestown is a classic Cornish port and low-key tourist attraction with its tall ships docked in the little harbour. A film set for many pirate and seafaring films such as The Pirates of the Caribbean, and more recently Poldark. The Shipwreck Museum has had a Tim Smit makeover and there are various cafes and restaurants. Worth a visit, especially with children.