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As the vibrant summer crowds disperse and Cornwall’s beaches begin to empty out, the Autumnal charm of Cornwall emerges in October especially around half term. While the world knows Cornwall for its iconic summer escapes with soft sandy shores, rolling moorland and quaint fishing villages, the Autumn months reveal a different, equally captivating side of this coastal paradise. Here, we present a thought selection of Autumn activities to relish in Cornwall during October and beyond: Our Top Picks for October in Cornwall: Explore Scarecrows at Cotehele – Cotehele: Just a stone’s throw away from St. Mellion Estate, is the National Trust riverside hideaway of Cotehele. If you’re feeling brave, this October half-term and are looking for a spooky activity, head to Cotehele and embark on a quest to discover spooky scarecrows hidden in the garden. These scarecrows each hold a piece of local folklore, and your challenge is to spot them and read their stories to solve the mystery. Begin your adventure by picking up a free trial sheet from Visitor Reception, then wander through the enchanting gardens at Cotehele, keeping your eyes peeled for these eerie figures. Will you have what it takes to crack the riddle and unveil the mystery? Embrace the Coastline at Whitsand Bay – Torpoint: Whitsand Bay boasts over three miles of stunning golden sand stretching from Rame Head to Portwrinkle, making it one of Cornwall’s true hidden gems, the perfect place to visit during your Cornwall autumn break to St Mellion Estate. Accessible via steep paths and steps winding through lush autumnal vegetation, these beaches are a haven of tranquillity, especially if you embark on a holiday to Cornwall in October. During low tide, the expansive sands are perfect for cosy strolls. Explore the shoreline’s rock pools teeming with marine life, and offshore lies the popular dive site of HMS Scylla, an ex-naval frigate sunk in 2004 to create an artificial reef. Horror Maze at Cornish Maize Maze – Pillaton: Prepare for a spine-tingling adventure at the Halloween Maze of Horrors on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 6pm, with timed ticket entry. Brace yourself, as this event is not for the faint-hearted! Families are welcome, but parental discretion is advised. The maze promises a chilling experience, featuring fire jugglers, performers, scare actors, and more. This hair-raising journey through the maize includes scare scenes with live actors, and it will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Be prepared for what might be the scariest 15 minutes of your life! You’ll also find actors performing daring fire stunts, and a BBQ will be available alongside the regular cafe menu. And the best bit is this is less than 10 minutes from St Mellion’s door! Enjoy a Good Stomp Across Moorland at the Cheesewring – Bodmin Moor: Amidst the dramatic landscapes of Bodmin Moor lies one of Cornwall’s most iconic sites, the Cheesewring. The name of this granite tor is derived from a traditional gadget used for squeezing liquid out of cheese, although it’s also associated with cider making, where apple pulp is known as “cheese.” Take a walk this October half term to visit the seven rock slabs, the Cheesewring stands tall at thirty-two feet, with the smallest and lightest rocks at the base and the heaviest. On a misty day, the Cheesewring structure appears to hover above the moor and on a sunny day if you climb to the top, the vistas over Cornwall and Devon are simply spectacular. Don’t forget St. Mellion offers dog friendly holiday cottages too so you can bring along your four legged friends to explore the moor! Enjoy a Round of Golf or a Wellness Spa Treat at St. Mellion Estate: For golf enthusiasts, St Mellion is renowned as one of the UK’s premier golf venues, having hosted European Tour events and earning the title of ‘Best Golf Course’ in the West of England and Ranked 2nd Best 4* Golf Resort UK and Ireland. The Nicklaus Signature Course at St. Mellion is a masterpiece personally designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. This sequence of holes not only offers a delightful playing experience but also provides breathtaking visual panoramas. St Mellion also boasts a “hidden gem,” the Kernow Course, which opened in 2008 and quickly became a favourite among golfers. Complementing the Nicklaus Course, the Kernow Course features wide fairways, expansive greens, and a fantastic blend of holes, earning praise as “an outstanding course with a great blend of holes” from Today’s Golfer. And the most important question this October…’trick or treat?’ The answer being ‘treat’ of course! The Wellness Spa at St. Mellion offers a delicious menu of Elemis treats for you to choose from.   Indoor Activities to Enjoy During your Cornwall Autumn Break: A Dive into Marine Wonder at the National Marine Aquarium – Plymouth: The National Aquarium offers an immersive experience into the captivating world of marine life. Wonder through underwater ecosystems brimming with fascinating creatures. Witness the elegance of sea turtles, the allure of shimmering fish, and, of course the magnificent sharks as they glide through crystal-clear waters, recreated to mimic their natural habitats. As you navigate the aquarium’s exhibits, you can learn about ongoing efforts to safeguard delicate ecosystems and the crucial role each individual plays in preserving the biodiversity of our seas. The National Aquarium provides refuge from the autumn chill, making it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages! Everyman Cinema, Royal William Yard, Plymouth: When temperatures drop and evenings grow longer, there’s no better way to escape than snuggling up at the Cinema. Everyman Cinema is nestled within the historic Royal William Yard in Plymouth, this cinema presents a diverse selection of mainstream and art-house films throughout the week. When spending the evening at Royal William Yard, why not indulge in a sumptuous meal at one of the nearby restaurants, such as Wagamama, Bistrot Pierre, Pho or Hub.   With options for warm and chilly autumnal days, it’s clear that Cornwall in October offers a unique allure. The shifting autumn colours provide a picturesque backdrop for outdoor and indoor activities, ensuring that your visit to Cornwall during this season is nothing short of splendid. So, why wait? Plan your autumn escape to St. Mellion Estate and savour the magic of autumn in this captivating county. And, for seasonal fun, discover the array of Halloween activities awaiting you in Cornwall during this spooky season.  

1. Breathtaking Wedding Album Backdrop ~ without question golf courses offer the most stunning scenery to frame your day; woodland, lakeside, bridges, endless countryside. Golf buggy’s can also be available to take you out to the very best spots! Daniella Pengelly Photography Summit Imagery Younger Photography Dan Ward Photography Paul Keppel Photography Rebecca Roundhill Photography 2. Licensed for Wedding Ceremonies ~ many golf clubs are licensed allowing you to say your vows & celebrate with friends & family all in one venue. Contact Cornwall Registration Services / 0300 1234 181 for all you need to know about booking your Civil Ceremony. 3. All-Inclusive Packages ~ most golf clubs offer all-inclusive packages as they have all the package elements already on site as standard. The food, the bar, the furniture, the supplier partnerships… making it easy to budget and stress free. Accommodation for your wedding night and guests is also a bonus! Wedding Packages at St. Mellion Estate Classic Wedding Package Signature Wedding Package Winter Wedding Package DIY / Dry Hire Wedding Package 4. Plenty of Free Parking ~ generally golf clubs have large private car parks allowing stress free provision of free parking for all your guests. 5. Dedicated Wedding Team ~ the support and service provided will be second to none as hospitality is what they do! At St. Mellion we are lucky enough to also offer a dedicated Wedding Coordinator, Kate Townsley (otherwise known as the Fairy Godmother!). The whole team are here to deliver the wedding of your dreams. If you are looking for the perfect wedding venue please give Kate a call on 01579 352062 or email her on kate.townsley@st-mellion.co.uk Visit our website to find out more about getting married at St. Mellion Estate 🌟 Get married at St. Mellion this Autumn for just £4750!*🌟 *terms and conditions apply 📸 @paul_keppel_photography 📸 @summitimagery 📸 @danwardphotography 📸 @becca_roundhill_photography #gallery-1 { margin: auto; } #gallery-1 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 33%; } #gallery-1 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-1 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

“Set across 450 acres of tranquil Cornish countryside, the St Mellion Estate is ideal for spa lovers and non-spa-loving partners, with two golf courses, tennis courts and three swimming pools, alongside the Elemis spa…” Read More…

“The European Challenge Tour returns to St. Mellion Estate this week for the British Challenge presented by Modest! Golf Management. Here’s what you need to know before the players tee it up in round one on Thursday.Read More…

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque countryside on the Cornwall/Devon border, dog friendly St. Mellion Estate serves as an ideal base for embarking on memorable walking adventures across Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor & snippets of stunning Westcountry moorland. With its convenient location and proximity to captivating destinations, this location offers more than just exceptional golf, it is a gateway to explore Dartmoor’s stunning landscapes. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the fantastic walks you can enjoy while staying at St. Mellion Estate, including Wistman’s Wood, Lynford Gorge, Minions and Brown Willy and the brand new Tamara Coast to Coast Way The Benefits of Walking Holidays on Dartmoor With over 450 square miles of moorland, forests, rivers, and valleys, there’s always something new to discover. One of the main benefits of taking a walking holiday to explore Dartmoor is the chance to immerse yourself in nature and escape the noise and stress of modern life. By walking at your own pace, you can take in the wild and rugged scenery, watch the incredible wildlife, and connect with the natural world in a way that’s simply impossible anywhere else. Exploring Dartmoor’s walking trails gives you an insight into some untouched countryside and the unique chance to learn about the area’s rich history and culture. Dartmoor is home to an incredible array of archaeological sites, including prehistoric stone circles, Bronze Age settlements, mysterious terrain and medieval ruins. By exploring the moors on foot, you can get up close to these ancient sites and gain a deeper understanding of the area’s past. From your base at St. Mellion Estate you’ll have the chance to visit charming villages and towns, sample a Devon Cream Tea, and meet friendly locals who are passionate about their home and the mysteries that surround them. Planning Your Dartmoor/Bodmin Moor Walking Holiday – What to Consider When planning your Dartmoor/Bodmin Moor walking holiday, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should decide on your key areas of exploration, the length of your stay needed at St. Mellion Estate and more importantly the time of year you want to visit. Dartmoor & Bodmin Moor are beautiful year-round, but some walks may be more challenging in the winter months when the weather is colder and wetter. However, for many seasoned hikers, the winter months offer a more rugged Dartmoor walking experience where the breathtaking scenery comes to life; Dartmoor is especially magical in the snow! In this blog we have listed some intermediate rambles across Dartmoor, but you should consider your fitness level and experience before you go, and choose walking routes that are suitable for your abilities. There are a range of interesting rambles available on the Dartmoor National Park website where you will be able to find something suitable for your hiking level. If you plan to make your walking Dartmoor holiday as stress free as possible, we recommend booking guided tours with a local expert, these guides can offer a wealth of knowledge, insight and expertise, as well as the opportunity to meet like-minded people.   Dartmoor Walk Wistman’s Wood, Dartmoor: A short drive from St. Mellion Estate lies Dartmoor National Park, home to the enchanting Wistman’s Wood. Nestled within the heart of Dartmoor National Park, the woods is renowned for its ethereal beauty and its captivating, spooky history. This ancient oak woodland, with its gnarled trees covered in moss and lichen, exudes an otherworldly atmosphere that has long fascinated locals and visitors alike. Legend has it that Wistman’s Wood is home to a host of supernatural beings and mythical creatures. Tales of ghostly apparitions, mischievous pixies, and the notorious “Wisht Hounds” have been passed down through generations. The Wisht Hounds, also known as the “Yell Hounds”, are mythical creatures steeped in folklore. Legend has it that these spectral hounds roam the moors and woodlands of Dartmoor, but live in the depths of the infamous Wistman’s Wood. Described as large, black dogs with glowing eyes and eerie howls, they are believed to be harbingers of doom or spirits of the restless dead. Crossing paths with the Wisht Hounds is said to bring misfortune or even death and their likeness has even been said to be Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s inspiration for the “Hound of the Baskervilles”. This mythical tale adds to the mysterious allure and spooky reputation of Dartmoor’s ancient landscapes. Stepping into Wistman’s Wood is a highly enjoyable hike, especially for nature lovers, it is like stepping into a realm untouched by time. The twisted, contorted branches and dense undergrowth create an intricate labyrinth, unlike any other part of Dartmoor. The presence of the woods, in the heart of baron wild moorland, is a spectacle in itself and well worth the walk just to see the juxtaposition of the Dartmoor landscape. Whether you believe in the supernatural or not, Wistman’s Wood is undeniably a place that sparks the imagination and leaves visitors with a sense of wonder. Exploring its moss-covered boulders, following winding pathways, and listening to the rustling leaves evoke a feeling of stepping into a forgotten world, where the boundaries between reality and the mystical are blurred. If you fancy continuing your haunting experience, head 2 minutes up the road to The Warren House Inn which has been open to walkers since 1845. Like many pubs on Dartmoor, the inn makes various loose claims to “haunting and mystery”, the most interesting story is that of “Jan Reynolds” who, as the folktale goes, sold his soul to the devil and dropped his cards by the Inn. Tales of individuals making pacts with the devil or engaging in Faustian bargains have been a common theme in literature, legends, and folklore across Devon and Cornwall. Why not book lunch at this traditional pub and discover the history for yourself?   Dartmoor Walk, Lynford Gorge, Dartmoor: For a breathtaking adventure, head to Lynford Gorge in Dartmoor. This spectacular natural feature offers a dramatic ravine with a cascading river leading to an area called the “devil’s cauldron”. A hike across Dartmoor to Lynford Gorge is not for the faint hearted, the walk takes you on a steep walk into a forest-like woods and at the bottom you will be surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. Embark on the circular walk, allowing the sounds of rushing water and birdsong to envelop you. This Dartmoor walk takes in awe-inspiring scenery and gives you a chance to cross ancient stone bridges (as well as more modern rope bridges for the young at heart), and follow the meandering pathways. Lynford Gorge is distinct from any other area of Dartmoor, a true gem for nature lovers and provides an exhilarating escape from everyday life. ​​After a fulfilling day of exploration, you may find yourself hungry and in need of a satisfying lunch. Fortunately, there are several options available nearby. The nearby villages of Lydford and Shortacombe offer a selection of charming pubs where you can enjoy a hearty meal or pint of Devon Ale. So, lace up your walking boots, embrace the beauty of Lynford Gorge, and be prepared for a memorable circular walk that will leave you enchanted by Dartmoor’s captivating landscapes.   Bodmin Moor Walk, Minions and the Cheesewring, Cornwall: Whilst not strictly a Dartmoor walk, staying at St. Mellion Estate either in the 4* hotel or one of the popular self-catering holiday cottages, gives the perfect base to explore walks across Devon and Cornwall. A short drive to the Southwest will offer a glimpse into the breathtaking Bodmin Moor which strikes a desolate landscape in stark contrast to Dartmoor. Your walk will visit the home of the granite uplands and you will be able to see (and climb) one of its most iconic landmarks, the Cheesewring near the village of Minions. Situated amidst the rugged expanse of Bodmin Moor, the Cheesewring offers a unique spectacle that has captured the imagination for centuries. This stack of granite pillars, resembling wheels of cheese, is unique in its makeup. Each massive rock is stacked upon a smaller stone and is yet to topple! The shape of the stacks is one of the enduring mysteries surrounding the Cheesewring. Cornish folklore offers a range of explanations, with tales of supernatural beings and mythical contests. One legend suggests that the Cheesewring was created during a fierce competition between the devil and a saint, resulting in the rock stacks collapsing into their distinctive formation. Others attribute its creation to giants or ancient civilizations, their purpose lost to time. Allow yourself to be swept away by the dramatic landscapes, mythical tales, and the enduring charm of this extraordinary natural wonder. Lace up your boots, breathe in the fresh moorland air, and let the wonders of South East Cornwall unfold before you. Bodmin Moor Walk, Brown Willy, Cornwall: What could be a better way to explore Dartmoor than to gaze upon it from afar? To get a look at Dartmoor, head to the highest point in Cornwall, Brown Willy. Standing proudly at 420 meters (1,378 feet) above sea level on Bodmin Moor, on a clear day this Cornish granite tor offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Like a lot of the Cornish and Devon moorland, Brown Willy is steeped in myth and legend. Its peculiar name has sparked curiosity and amusement for generations. Some speculate that it derives from the Cornish word “Bronn Wennili,” meaning “hill of swallows,” while others believe it is a historic mispronunciation of “Bronn Wennyly,” which translates to “hill of the winds.” Regardless of its origin, the name has become an endearing part of Cornwall’s cultural fabric. The ascent to Brown Willy is a popular pursuit for hikers on walking holidays who are staying at St. Mellion Estate. The journey takes you across open moorland, dotted with heather, gorse, and ancient stone circles. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, revealing breathtaking vistas of rolling hills, rugged tors, and the vast expanse of Bodmin Moor. Reaching the summit, you can spot landmarks such as the rugged coastline, the iconic Camel Estuary, and even the edge of Dartmoor in the distance. Beyond its natural beauty, Brown Willy holds a sense of mystery and enchantment, drawing visitors to explore its ancient history and archaeological sites. From Bronze Age settlements to Neolithic burial chambers, the moorland surrounding Brown Willy is a treasure trove of historical significance.   Tamara Coast to Coast Way, Cornwall & Devon Border (literally): The 87-mile (140km) Tamara Coast to Coast Way broadly tracks the River Tamar, which forms most of the border between Cornwall and Devon, taking in landscapes ranging from wooded valley to rolling farmland, heather-covered moors and areas shaped by the region’s mining history. Read more…   St Mellion Estate: The Perfect Base for Walking Holidays in Devon and Cornwall St Mellion Estate is an excellent choice if you’re looking for places to stay near Dartmoor. The hotel serves as a base when planning walking holidays in Devon and Cornwall. Located in the scenic countryside, it provides easy access to a range of captivating destinations. After a day of exploring, you can retreat to the hotel’s comfortable rooms or your very own holiday cottage and unwind amidst peaceful surroundings. Staying at St. Mellion Estate means that you can take advantage of various amenities that will only enhance your stay. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool, a round of golf, a workout in the fitness centre, or indulge in a rejuvenating Elemis spa treatment. Whether you prefer challenging hikes or leisurely walks, St. Mellion Estate is ideally situated for exploring the diverse landscapes of Devon and Cornwall. This region offers an array of natural wonders waiting to be discovered.