Saint Mawgan: Discover its history, gardens and trails

Saint Mawgan can be explored through specific themes: historic crosses and church architecture, the Japanese Garden, and trails and a nearby beach. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Saint Mawgan, you can first consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on culture, gardens or outdoor activities. The places and landscape features offer different points of interest to help you decide.

Crosses, the Church and Lanherne

Lanherne Cross stands immediately west of the Church of St Mawgan and northeast of Lanherne Carmelite Convent. The standing cross dates from the 10th or 11th century. Its head is a comparatively rare lantern cross, and its carving is exceptionally intricate. The cross is made from a single piece of Pentewan stone. Its material, the shape of its head and its stonework offer three distinct ways to look at the same monument.

The Church of St Mawgan dates from the 13th century. Lanherne Carmelite Convent was formerly the home of the Arundell family. The building dates from the early 16th century and may incorporate older parts; Lanherne has been a Carmelite convent since 1794. These dates distinguish the church’s history from the building and use history of the convent.

The history of the village of St Mawgan can probably be connected with the arrival of the Welsh missionary Meugan or Mawgan in the 6th century, at the place where Mawgan Porth is now located. According to tradition, Meugan or Mawgan and his followers founded a monastery on the River Menalhyl, one to two miles inland. This early local history is presented with due caution: the connection is described as probable.

The Japanese Garden

The Japanese Garden covers about one acre and includes a Water Garden, a Stroll Garden and a Zen Garden. A Zen Viewing House offers a view of the gardens and rock scenery. The named areas and the Viewing House give the garden different features to consider when planning a visit.

The Japanese Garden is considered to be at least 90 percent wheelchair accessible; its paths are surfaced with gravel. If this information is important for planning your trip, check the conditions before you arrive.

Trails and Mawgan Porth

The Cornish Celtic Way runs from the churchyard of St Mawgan along a public footpath through sheep pastures and woodland, and across a stream. Check the condition of the path before setting out. Nearby, paths lead inland from Mawgan Porth through the valley to St Mawgan; secluded trails run beside the river through open woodland. The route descriptions mention different landscape features: pasture, woodland and a stream on the Cornish Celtic Way, and a valley, river and open woodland on nearby trails.

Mawgan Porth is near Saint Mawgan and has a sheltered sandy beach with gentle waves, suitable for beginners trying surfing. Beach conditions and lifeguard cover vary by season, so take them into account when planning your trip. Alongside the trails described, you can therefore choose between different travel interests, including a beach and an option specifically suited to beginners trying surfing.

Discover more destinations: Perranporth, Lanlivery, Penhallow, Millendreath, Probus, Wendron, Penryn, Constantine Bay

For the broader travel overview: Cornwall.