Tucked away in a peaceful valley on the Roseland Peninsula, Cotna Eco Retreat offers a soulful escape from modern-day bustle. Beyond the organic gardens and eco-yurts lies a world brimming with natural beauty, coastal adventure, and cultural charm. Whether you’re a seasoned walker, food lover, or simply craving stillness by the sea, here are five unforgettable things to do near Cotna.
- Kayak or Paddleboard in Portmellon Bay
Just a short walk down through Cotna’s ancient woodland lies Portmellon, a south-facing hamlet with a friendly local’s feel. This family-friendly cove is often sheltered and calm—ideal conditions for wild swimming, stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking.
The cove’s waters are crystal-clear once you start to paddle out and follow the coast to hidden inlets and coves. The rugged cliffs and waters are home to local wildlife; cormorants, oystercatchers, gulls, seals and occasional pods of dolphins.
The Paddle Shed provides paddleboard and kayak rentals, as well as lessons during the summer. The Shack offers great coffee, cakes and the best pasties around. Or enjoy a sundowner outside The Rising Sun pub before treating yourself to a meal of locally caught fish.
Insider Tip: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the calmest seas and golden light.
- Visit the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Just a 10-minute drive from Cotna lies one of Europe’s most mysterious and magical gardens: The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Once a grand Victorian estate, the gardens were lost to overgrowth during the First World War and rediscovered in the 1990s.
Today, Heligan is a lush, 200-acre wonderland of ancient woodlands, walled vegetable gardens, jungle-like ferns, and hidden sculptures like the famous “Mud Maid.” Kids love the rope bridges and rare animal breeds on the working farm, while gardeners and artists alike draw endless inspiration from its tranquil beauty.
Don’t Miss:
- The Jungle Walk with its boardwalks and tropical plants
- The Productive Gardens, which echo Cotna’s organic ethos
- Seasonal events like pumpkin harvests, storytelling, and twilight walks
Heligan’s spirit of revival and connection to nature aligns beautifully with Cotna’s values, making it a must-see.
- Take a Dip at Vault Beach or Hemmick Cove
Cornwall is known for its stunning beaches, but the ones near Cotna are special for being off the beaten track—less crowded and full of local charm.
Vault Beach
A 40-minute walk from Cotna through fields and coastal paths, Vault is a long, curving pebble and sand beach nestled below Dodman Point. Its sheltered location makes it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or beachcombing. The water is clean, calm, and perfect for a morning dip.
Hemmick Beach
Smaller and more rugged, Hemmick lies just beyond Dodman Point. It’s best reached by a coast path hike and offers a sense of complete seclusion. With tide pools and dramatic rock formations, it’s a photographer’s dream and a peaceful place to reflect.
Both beaches offer that rare blend of natural beauty and stillness. They’re also accessible without getting in the car—something Cotna guests love.
Pro Tip: Bring a picnic from Cotna’s organic kitchen and enjoy a meal on the sand. There’s no better way to appreciate the simplicity of good food in a beautiful place.
- Explore Mevagissey — A Classic Cornish Fishing Village
Just 5 miles from Cotna lies Mevagissey, a postcard-perfect harbour town with a working fishing port, cobbled streets, and a creative, welcoming vibe. It’s a lovely half-day trip, easily reached by car or on foot via the coast path.
Things to do in Mevagissey include:
- Sampling fresh seafood from harbourside stalls or dining at local pubs
- Visiting the Mevagissey Museum, packed with maritime history
- Exploring independent art galleries and craft shops
- Taking a boat trip, from mackerel fishing to wildlife watching
In the summer, the village comes alive with Shanty Week, Feast Week and open studio tours. Yet even in winter, its local beauty and warm cafes make it a charming place to explore.
- Experience Organic Living at Cotna Itself
While the area surrounding Cotna is full of adventure, you’ll likely find that some of your best memories happen right on the land itself.
Cotna is more than accommodation—it’s a working smallholding rooted in permaculture and off-grid living. Guests often say their time here changes how they think about food, energy, and well-being.
Activities at Cotna include:
- Sourdough bread-making courses led by Sara, using Cotna’s own organic recipes
- Wild food foraging walks, learning to identify edible herbs and plants
- Yoga and forest bathing in quiet corners of the land
- Helping out in the garden or collecting eggs from their happy free-range hens
You can also opt to stay in one of the unique accommodations:
- Three Rustic Yurts, cosy and candlelit with wood-burning stoves
- A Shepherd’s Hut, ideal for solo travellers or romantic breaks
Sitting outside your Cornish yurt at dusk, sipping herbal tea or a glass of Cornish cider as the stars emerge, you’ll feel far removed from the modern rush. And that, many would argue, is the best activity of all.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re gliding through quiet waters, exploring historic gardens, or simply listening to the wind rustle through Cotna’s apple trees, this quiet corner of Cornwall offers something rare and restorative.
By staying at Cotna Eco Retreat, you’re not only supporting sustainable tourism—you’re embracing a way of travel that nurtures the earth and the spirit. And in the spaces between adventure and stillness, you may find exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
