St. Nectan's Glen
St. Nectan's Glen
4.5
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
About
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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48 within 3 miles
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31 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Sarah BLondon, United Kingdom47 contributionsBeautiful - well worth the effort to get up there.Lovely place. It’s quite a walk (up lots of steep steps and along narrow paths) from the car park so you’ll need to bare that in mind. My 3yo made it with support on the biggest steps. The waterfall is beautiful. We went in half term and the cafe got pretty busy around lunchtime. Staff all friendly and helpful.Visited February 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 17, 2023
- KasiaMacclesfield, United Kingdom66 contributionsLovely place and staff.We didn't quite understand why had to pay to see the waterfall, we've seen so many and much more spectacular without having to pay in order to see them. However, the place is lovely and I imagine they put a lot of effort to maintain it. It probably is much more worth seeing during spring and summer. The tea room was very nice and cozy with tasty food and great service.Visited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 18, 2023
- George M5 contributionsA must visit! Such a brilliant experience.Upon reaching the fall after a beautiful, short, 15 minute walk to the base, we found a fantastic cafe which provides food, drink, coffee, cakes, inside and outside seating. Decent toilets considering it’s in the woods. And the fall itself. Pictures don’t do justice you have to go and stand in the pool below for yourself. £7 odd for such an amazing experience. There’s also a meditation room for the more spiritual minded people which my girlfriend loved. A must do if you’re in the area. Oh and you can take your dog which is even more amazing. The staff were 11/10. So helpful and brilliant service.Visited February 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 22, 2023
- Diane15 contributionsLovely place to visitLovely walk to the waterfalls, although very challenging. £8 to visit the waterfalls which takes 10 minutes to walk around, but still a lovely place to visit. Cafe and toilets clean. Staff friendlyVisited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 17, 2023
- Lynne H5 contributionsAn amazing hidden gem of CornwallA must visit. They invest all the profits into the amazing sites regeneration and development for generations to see and share. Wonderful staff and cafe a divine place to chill, eat and relax. Make the effort to visit. Your will come away with more than just a wonderful walk through some beautiful scenery. It is a powerful experience to walk around to see and feel the power of the waterfall ..it is just magicalVisited March 2023Traveled soloWritten April 3, 2023
- 436MimiLondon, United Kingdom128 contributionsMagical glenWhat a magical find! This wilderness walk through the forest to the cafe alongside the babbling stream is magnificent. Make sure you wear sturdy, waterproof shoes as the trail can be a little muddy. The dog thought it was fantastic, but must remain on a lead at all times. The cafe at the top of the walk is well stocked and reasonably priced. Even in the wind and rain the woodlands offer some protection from the elements. Don’t forget to find the Roman gate post from 251 AD or the Holy well by the church. You will need £3 cash for the car park. This walk is not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. I would recommend if you have very young children keep in mind this is a 25-35min walk, some of which is quite steep. Our kids were older (10-16) and thoroughly enjoyed it, even the mud!Visited April 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 6, 2023
- steveBridgend, United Kingdom50 contributionsGreat walkGreat walk along the stream via the valley. Trees and ferns everywhere,quite stunning. There are lots of slate steps some hand rails. It's definitely worth the effort.. a great cafe at the falls. Definitely paddle in the water..Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 3, 2023
- Martin P1 contributionGood but the walk and climb was a bit difficult.Be aware that it is a long walk that is uneven and steep in places. It was not too bad on a dry day but it could be slippery in places if wet. I am 72 years of age and reasonably fit, I did enjoy seeing it, but I found it hard work and probably wouldn't do it again. It is also worth noting that you need to walk through the water when you reach the bottom to see the waterfall properly and, more important, to reach the path that leads you out. I am not sorry I went, and I got some good photos, but you do need to be reasonably fit and steady on your feet - especially on a hot or wet day.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 11, 2023
- DmclellanOxford, United Kingdom182 contributionsLovely spotBrilliant walk along the stream towards the falls . Was somewhat surprised at being charged to see the falls, but after seeing them, I appreciate it is high maintenance. The falls are wonderful with good photography opportunities.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 14, 2023
- rogerp761Fordingbridge, United Kingdom422 contributionsSuch a chilled out experienceCar parking by the roadside and easy to find. There is an ambling wooded walk to the attraction alongside the stream created by the waterfall. There are a lot of steps at the waterfall and within the woods. The pond created by the waterfall is about 4 inches deep so you may have to paddle barefoot to get up close or take appropriate footwear. There is a cafe and small gift shop both of which were reasonably priced.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 14, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,561 reviews
Excellent
1,110
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Terrible
72
Linda G
Stockport, UK30 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
The sat nav sent us to the wrong place and then on the way we went past a field that said 'car parking for St Nectan's Glen'. We assumed this was the official car park but this was not the case. The walk from this car park is fairly challenging and even a bit dangerous in places. Several other people fell into the same trap, some elderly and some carrying small children. It was completely irresponsible on the part of the people who are running the alternative car park to not make this clear. A young boy was collecting the £3 parking charge and I suspect this was a ploy so that people didn't challenge him when they returned to their cars.
The score I've given is not based on this however (as that wouldn't be fair) but is still reasonably low as the waterfalls themselves cost rather a lot for what you actually get to see. We also visited at the beginning of easing of lockdown and the social distancing around the entrance was very haphazard and didn't feel particularly safe compared to other attractions in the area. It felt like commercialised nature mixed with mock spirituality. We probably wouldn't have bothered with the visit had I known how limited it was as there are far many more beautiful sights in the area that you don't have to pay to see.
The score I've given is not based on this however (as that wouldn't be fair) but is still reasonably low as the waterfalls themselves cost rather a lot for what you actually get to see. We also visited at the beginning of easing of lockdown and the social distancing around the entrance was very haphazard and didn't feel particularly safe compared to other attractions in the area. It felt like commercialised nature mixed with mock spirituality. We probably wouldn't have bothered with the visit had I known how limited it was as there are far many more beautiful sights in the area that you don't have to pay to see.
Written August 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel H
3 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Visitors should be aware that access to the water falls are along some very narrow woodland footpaths where social distancing is completely impossible. You are literally face to face with people puffing and panting coming back down the same paths they went up which are only 4 feet wide in places. We could literally smell people’s breath as they passed you! Once you have accessed and paid the entrance fee a one way system is in place but it’s a bit late to be honest. This fact is not made clear on their website which tells you about all the precautions they have put in place but it fails to point out the one major flaw in their plan that over 80% of the walk is very intimate in a damp humid environment. We felt uncomfortable the entire journey and no I am not paranoid I generally felt my family was put at unnecessary risk, if we were aware of the situation we could have avoided it. There is an alternative entrance and exit which is much wider which is not sign posted and this was pointed out to us after we expressed our concern. All visitors access and exit using the same woodland foot path which is a major problem in their Covid-19 plan and I personally do not think this attraction should be open as it just does not work.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pennyp29
Salisbury, UK134 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Don't forget your wellies!! There's a free car park at the base of the walk and then it's about a mile walk on a public footpath through the woods alongside a pretty stream. Steep steps, narrow and muddy at times before the entrance to the waterfall. Should have just retraced our steps from there. Quick as a flash a card reader comes out and at nearly £18 for a family of 4 it feels very expensive when you're just going to see one waterfall. More steps and a very small circular walk and no way to cross the stream apart from a couple of rocks so unless you're wearing wellies or you take off your footwear prepare to get wet. Apparently from previous reviews there maybe wellies to borrow. Nothing in evidence today. Toilets beside the cafe.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph W
1 contribution
Aug 2020
What a complete shambles!! The car park is totally inadequate and we had to park on the grass verge, which is not safe due to the traffic filing by. The other vehicles parked there made it all the more dangerous as approaching traffic was hidden from view. My young son nearly being sideswiped by a passing motorcycle. There is then a long walk along a footpath to the entrance to the Glen. Do not be fooled by the walk through the glen on the way to the waterfall. The walk is along a public footpath through exquisite woodlands and it is free but is absolutely spoilt by the dog mess, litter strewn all over and the sheer volumes of people!! As you get closer to the waterfall the barbed wire and signage makes you feel as though you are approaching some sort of prison camp. There is an extortionate fee to go to see the waterfalls themselves which only bear a passing resemblance to the pictures on the website. As for back to nature on my visit it was full of screaming people and their barking dogs, so noisy not even a sparrow could be seen. We sought solace in the cafe which was reasonably priced but the food is not great. There were only two toilets one of which was closed!! We followed a group from the falls back along a different unmade track towards the road. The track is a hard-uphill slog. We saw the group in front leave bottle on the track and two members disappeared behind a hedge presumably because of the lack of facilities elsewhere. To make matters worse when we finally began to head downhill the track is bordered on either side by a high stone Cornish hedge. We met a car coming up and there was nowhere for me or my family to take refuge and we were forced to retreat. It was downright dangerous. Having made it back to the car exhausted and having been fleeced, we drove on to Boscastle. Far from an experience with nature it was more like an expensive extreme workout with elements of danger thrown in. I will not be going back!
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SteveMRochester
Gillingham, UK205 contributions
Sep 2021
Whilst the waterfall is great to see and I would recommend that to anyone but ethically I can't see how they have the nerve to charge people to see something that mother nature created. St Nectar's Glen haven't improved the surrounding area or added anything special, just charging people (£6.45ea) to see a waterfall. Commercialisation in all its glory. The gift shop is expensive, the cafe is equally expensive. It is also a long walk from the car parking and it isn't suitable for anyone who has mobility issues or is disabled. Best to wear or bring waterproof boots as the best view is in the water
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
suhu
Hampshire, UK84 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I went with my family, there was a short walk to water falls about 5 km walking up and down , while entering the falls you have to pay for entrance which was worth money , staff very helpfull. It was one of the most sacred places we have visited so far , it was so peaceful and beautiful, kids can spend whole day playing in the water. There were some wishes made using ribbons tie( we can buy from shop), coins inserted into tree , stone circles built. They have restaurant , playarea, toilets available before entrance . We quite enjoyed our visit. Remember to take some coins to pay at car park ( £3 carpark fee) .
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanna B
2 contributions
Dec 2019
We were blessed with a bright, sunny December day for our first visit to St. Nectan's Glen. Who could fail to be moved by such a beautiful place and the spectacle of ancient woodland and waterfalls? It is quite a climb to the top but worth every step. The cafe sells great food and coffee and all the staff we met were friendly and helpful. We were glad to give the modest admission fee and borrow over-sized wellies to see the main waterfall and pay our respects. We both agreed it was our favourite part of the trip. My one suggestion would be that as much focus is given to the natural environment as spirituality (for me they are one and the same), for example, wildlife friendly items for sale in the shop, bird feeders/boxes around the site, more information on the wildlife to be seen there. I appreciate that some of this might be seasonal. Wonderful to hear that large-scale tree planting is ongoing. Thank you to all, we will be back in the summer!
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaffacake
52 contributions
Apr 2021 • Solo
What a beautiful place, unspoiled and definitely worth the walk to it.
Getting down the Glen could be difficult for people with mobility issues, it’s roughly a three mile round trip down to the waterfalls and back, with the final bit being quite a steep staircase. Although you don’t need to go down to the actual falls to appreciate the beauty of the area, having walked to the cafe at the end of the route it would be a shame not to do the final climb. There is a charge off £6 per adult to go down to the falls, they do family tickets and apparently the money goes back into the area for conservation. You will get wet feet so take good walking boots or wellies. The cafe itself sells drinks and hot and cold snacks and there is also a restaurant although it wasn’t open due to Covid but I’m assured it is good. Hopefully next time I go it will be open and there definitely will be a next time
.
The two car parks are not enormous but then again this is a hidden gem so maybe it’s not well known - you can almost miss the signs to it if you’re not looking.
Expect to take at least a couple of hours, this beautiful walk is not to be rushed.
Getting down the Glen could be difficult for people with mobility issues, it’s roughly a three mile round trip down to the waterfalls and back, with the final bit being quite a steep staircase. Although you don’t need to go down to the actual falls to appreciate the beauty of the area, having walked to the cafe at the end of the route it would be a shame not to do the final climb. There is a charge off £6 per adult to go down to the falls, they do family tickets and apparently the money goes back into the area for conservation. You will get wet feet so take good walking boots or wellies. The cafe itself sells drinks and hot and cold snacks and there is also a restaurant although it wasn’t open due to Covid but I’m assured it is good. Hopefully next time I go it will be open and there definitely will be a next time
.
The two car parks are not enormous but then again this is a hidden gem so maybe it’s not well known - you can almost miss the signs to it if you’re not looking.
Expect to take at least a couple of hours, this beautiful walk is not to be rushed.
Written April 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacqueline G
Exeter, UK19 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had a lovely walk through the woods to the cafe and waterfalls. Had lunch in the cafe we just had toasted sandwiches but we both agreed they were really good and would recommend eating here. Staff very friendly and polite, service very good. We then visited the waterfalls really beautiful especially when you're at the bottom looking at the falls. Really enjoyed everything about this visit.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris_Nick_On_Tour
London, UK137 contributions
Sep 2020
We loved the visit to St Nectarns. The walk to the waterfall which is free is well worth the entry price, the walk is beautiful. The walk can be quote muddy so would advise wearing sensible footwear. The walk around the waterfall is quite short but well worth the price when take into account the beautiful walk to the site itself. The main waterfall is stunning and the photos didn't do it justice. We went when it was quite quiet so we didn't have to queue to take photo. To cross to the main waterfall you do need to walk over the shallow stream so be prepared to roll up trousers to cross! The cafe is lovely and the food was great as we stopped for a coffee and cake at the end. Only advice would be the walk to the waterfall is quite slippery, with some high steps so just something to bear in mind but overall really recommend.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane F
Trowbridge, UK1 contribution
can children paddle in the stream/river-is there access?
Emmaparker12
2 contributions
Yes my 3 year old did , just make sure they are wearing some shoes that can go in water with grips for the rocks
How far is the walk from car park to fareena cafe?
Martin P
1 contribution
If you are reasonably young and of average fitness, I would say about half an hour.
However, it is steep in places and uneven in the dry and very muddy and slippery in places after rain. So maybe allow about 45 minutes or more if. like me, you are not as young and fit anymore!
Nisha T
16 contributions
What is each part of the walk like?
I'm asthmatic and concerned about the up and down bits after the walk from the car park... (i'm ok walking long distances on flat or steady inclines but not a large number of steps in 1 go (gaps in between are fine).
please can i get some thoughts on the number of steps you have to climb up and how long it takes?
Tristan
7 contributions
Most of the walk there is fine, there's one steep section with steps just before you arrive but it's fairly short. I can't remember how many steps it was but if you did need to stop half way there's a wide corner bit where you could easily pause without being in the way.
At the falls themselves there's a little walk around that goes up and down with a fair few steps, but you could always ask if you could go in through the exit and bypass that to go direct to the falls instead.
Michelle T
8 contributions
What is the ease of accessibility to the falls. Steepness etc please.
Martin P
1 contribution
I think you should allow a minimum of two hours to walk to it, around it and back to the carpark.
However, if you are a bit older, or not in good health, two and a half hours would be more realistic.
Cuánto dura la ruta hasta la cascada? hay algún acceso rápido para personas con discapacidad?
supergt1971
King's Lynn, UK11 contributions
It is a good 10-15 min walk,no level areas at all apart from the initial road leading up the hill,as such i would say not good for someone not fully able bodied.
Is the walk pram friendly? It looks absolutely stunning.
Paulineindevon
Cornwall, UK96 contributions
Only with a all terrain buggy. You also may need someone with you to lift pram over some of the steep parts. Personally I would only do it again with a baby carrier. Please don't let this pit you off, it really is worth the effort.
How long is the walk to the waterfalls?
damarisjane
Leicester, UK30 contributions
About 2 miles. It took us about 30 minutes to walk at a steady pace - some rocks to step up / over and on a wet day it is pretty muddy too.
Ken E
Stevenage9 contributions
is st nectans glen on a public footpath ?
Matt L
Derby, UK28 contributions
Yes the path through the Glen to the visitor centre is free to access, it’s a really nice walk. There’s a nice cafe and small gift shop there, payment is required to to go any further to access the waterfalls via a separate path.
How can I take my one year old baby and is it safe? Are the walking paths well secured?
Lynne P
41 contributions
All very secure. I agree, buggies not advisable, baby on your back is the only safe option in my opinion.
If I were you I’d call the glen, the staff are extremely helpful.
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St. Nectan's Glen Information
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