Article Date: Wednesday, 30 April 2025
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Off the Beaten Track: More Mysterious and Timeless Sites to Explore
Cornwall continues to surprise with its wealth of ancient ruins, holy wells, and mystical stone circles—many of which go unnoticed by the average tourist. If you’re curating a private or customised group tour and want to explore the forgotten and the free, these lesser-known locations promise atmosphere, intrigue, and a direct line to Cornwall’s myth-soaked past.
1. Castle an Dinas – The Hillfort with a View
High on the slopes above St Columb Major lies one of Cornwall’s most impressive Iron Age hillforts. Castle an Dinas boasts massive earth ramparts, panoramic views, and legends linking it to King Arthur himself.
Archaeologists believe this was a major tribal centre over 2,000 years ago. The sheer size of the fort is astonishing—and if the skies are clear, you can see both coasts from its summit.
Getting there: Easy parking on a minor road between St Columb Major and St Dennis. A short walk to the site.
2. Duloe Stone Circle – Small but Perfectly Formed
Cornwall’s smallest stone circle, but it packs a mysterious punch. The eight white quartz stones of Duloe, near Looe, form a compact but powerful presence in a peaceful field surrounded by farmland.
Believed to date back to the Bronze Age, it may have had lunar or fertility-related significance—although no one’s quite sure. One for quiet reflection.
Getting there: Park in Duloe village. The circle is signposted and only a short walk from the road.
3. Boleigh Fogou – Cornwall’s Underground Enigma
Fogous are unique to Cornwall—underground stone chambers whose purpose is still debated. Boleigh Fogou, near St Buryan, is one of the best-preserved, dating back to the Iron Age.
Entry is via guided tour only, but it’s still free to visit if arranged in advance with the private farm owners. Prepare for damp, dark mystery—these places are not for the claustrophobic!
Getting there: Near St Buryan. Email or phone to arrange your free visit (details online).
4. Tregeseal Stone Circle – Wild and Windblown
Tucked away in West Penwith near St Just, this restored stone circle stands in a haunting moorland setting. It’s less visited than nearby sites, but atmospheric and ancient in equal measure.
Originally one of three stone circles, Tregeseal is thought to have been a sacred site for Bronze Age ceremonies.
Getting there: Park at Carn Kenidjack or near Botallack and walk across open access land. Good boots essential.
5. Boskednan Stone Circle (Nine Maidens of Boskednan)
Not to be confused with the Nine Maidens near St Columb, this circle near Madron is nestled among gorse and heather. Also Bronze Age, it’s often overlooked but offers sweeping views of the Penwith moors.
Legend says the stones are dancing maidens turned to rock for revelry on the Sabbath. Apparently, ancient gods were strict party poopers.
Getting there: Footpath access from the road between Madron and Morvah. No facilities; wild terrain.
6. Chûn Quoit – The Portal to Prehistory
Chûn Quoit is one of the best-preserved Neolithic quoits (burial chambers) in Cornwall. Its massive capstone is supported by upright stones, creating a simple but striking silhouette on the skyline.
Nearby is Chûn Castle, an Iron Age hillfort—so this is a two-for-one history spot.
Getting there: Park near the road from Morvah to Pendeen. A short uphill walk brings you to the site.
7. Trevalga Church and Medieval Hamlet
Near Boscastle lies Trevalga, a rare preserved medieval hamlet with narrow lanes and a stunning 12th-century church. It feels like a place time forgot, tucked between moor and sea.
The churchyard and surrounding farmland are deeply peaceful, and the views out to sea are breathtaking.
Getting there: Accessible by car. Park respectfully in the village. No entry fee.
8. St Piran’s Oratory – Buried Church in the Sands
Near Perranporth, the ruins of St Piran’s Oratory—the oldest Christian site in Cornwall—lie buried in shifting sands. The original 6th-century chapel was once lost entirely beneath dunes, but sections have been carefully excavated.
It’s a humble, sacred site, ideal for those interested in early Christianity.
Getting there: Park at Perran Sands Holiday Park and walk through the dunes (about 1 mile).
9. St Nonna’s Church, Altarnun – The Cathedral of the Moors
Dubbed the ‘Cathedral of the Moors’, this 15th-century church in Altarnun is rich in atmosphere. It features stunning wood carvings and a holy well nearby, dedicated to St Nonna (mother of St David, patron saint of Wales).
The churchyard is ancient, peaceful, and dotted with Celtic crosses.
Getting there: Easily accessible by road in the village of Altarnun, near the A30. Free entry.
10. Cadson Bury Hillfort – Hidden among Trees
South of Callington, Cadson Bury is an Iron Age hillfort set within the woods. Unlike many hillforts that dominate open hills, this one is shaded and slightly secretive, adding to the sense of discovery.
It’s managed by the National Trust but free to access, and a lovely place for a quiet walk with history.
Getting there: NT car park nearby; paths lead uphill through woods to the ramparts.
Inspired Yet?
These timeless places offer a very different Cornwall—one steeped in mystery, history, and ancient energy. If you’re designing a small group tour or private excursion, these sites deliver unforgettable moments without the crowds or the cost. Want help planning a route or itinerary that links them together? We’re here to help.
