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The Roseland

The Roseland is one of Cornwall’s special places and remains undiscovered by many

OVERVIEW

An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Roseland is one of the most beautiful locations in Cornwall. There is an abundance of historical and horticultural interest with hidden creeks, stunning gardens and spectacular coastal scenery.

Many of The Great Gardens of Cornwall lie within a 10 mile radius including the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the national magnolia collection at Caerhays Castle, the Trewithen Estate’s Champion Trees, and Tregothnan, the largest private botanical garden in Britain.

A girl stands beneath a pink magnolia tree.
Beautiful pink Magnolias at one of Cornwall’s Great Gardens

February and March are the best time to see amazing displays of camellias and magnolias, on one of the Nare Spring Garden Breaks. Equally close is the world famous Eden Project. The Nare’s position, right on the South West Coast Path footpath and surrounded by National Trust land, is perfect for walkers wishing to explore the attractive Roseland coastline.

A dog looks out over Carrick Roads, where the River Fal meets the sea.
Looking out to Carrick Roads - where the Fal River meets the sea

The Fal River meanders its way from Truro out to sea past St Mawes. It is a stunning waterway full of hidden inlets and creeks, flanked by thick oak woodlands. St Just-in-Roseland Church is nestled in one such creek, a 13th century church, concealed with amazing botanical gardens.

St Just-in-Roseland church, with the river just beyond.
The 13th century church at St Just-in-Roseland

Further down river is St Mawes with its picturesque harbour, 15th century castle built by Henry VIII and lovely sea views. Ferries sail to Falmouth with its colourful waterfront and The National Maritime Museum. Crossing the Fal River by the King Harry Ferry are St Michael’s Mount, Tate and other St Ives galleries.

ON THE WATER

Alice Rose, The Nare's motor launch, sails the River Fal.
Alice Rose on the Fal River

Life in Cornwall is bound up with the sea and a visit here enables you to experience the water from many different perspectives. One can discover the dramatic scenery along the Fal and Helford rivers aboard The Nare’s motor launch, Alice Rose, complete with Coxswain and Crew. Scheduled sailings and private charters operate over the summer months, and include a luxury picnic onboard, tucked away in a hidden cove.

The view looking towards Nare Hotel from Nare Head with a quote from John Betjeman
The view towards the hotel from Nare Head

One may also wish to experience the thrill of sailing the Fal River and Carrick Roads estuary aboard the hotel’s 22’ yacht, Maggie O'Nare, which is skippered by The Nare Proprietor, Toby Ashworth. Individual tuition on smaller boats and sea fishing outings can also be organised from a number of places close to the hotel, and there are a number of high profile events on the water each year in this part of Cornwall, including the Falmouth and Fowey Sailing Regattas and the Fal River Festival.

Scores of sail ships at Falmouth Sailing Regatta.
Falmouth Sailing Regatta

The country house hotel by the sea