If you’re planning a visit to Cornwall, St Nectan’s Glen is a gem worth exploring. Nestled near Tintagel, this mystical woodland offers stunning natural beauty, including a unique waterfall that has become a popular destination for those seeking tranquillity and a touch of spiritual wonder. The star of the show is St Nectan’s Kieve, a 60-foot waterfall that flows dramatically through a circular opening in the rocks.

Here’s a detailed review of our family trip to St Nectan’s Glen during the summer holidays.

Arriving at St Nectan’s Glen: Parking and First Impressions

We visited St Nectan’s Glen on my birthday, arriving reasonably early to secure a spot at the paid car park. Given that it was the summer holidays, we knew the car park could fill up quickly, and we were glad to have arrived in time. The surrounding woodland is free for all to visit, and we enjoyed a scenic walk from the car park to the café, gift shop, and waterfall.

The path to the waterfall is lined with beautiful large ferns, interesting rock formations, and small, soothing waterfalls. The natural setting immediately immersed us in a peaceful and enchanting atmosphere, perfect for a family adventure in nature.

Starting Our Day: Lunch at the Café

Our first stop was the lovely café, where we enjoyed an early lunch. The café itself is beautifully decorated, with both indoor and outdoor seating available. My husband and I opted for a delicious vegan lentil dahl stew, while our children enjoyed a classic serving of chips.

The café also features a wish tree, where visitors can leave their wishes. My daughter was excited to add her own wish to the tree, adding a personal touch to our visit!

Exploring the Free Nature Trail

After lunch, we set out to explore the nature trail near the cafe. This part of the experience is entirely free and was a highlight of our visit. The kids loved exploring and we all appreciated the chance to connect with nature without any rush.

Visiting the Waterfall: A Mixed Experience

To access the famous St Nectan’s Glen waterfall, visitors need to pass through the small shop where tickets are sold. At just under £30 for our family of four, the entrance fee felt steep at first. We had previously been put off by the cost, especially when seeking a free family day out. However, given the waterfall’s reputation and the fact that it was my birthday, we decided to treat ourselves.

Access to the waterfall is via a descent down some rather slippy steps and slopes, so it’s important to be cautious. The steps are equipped with rails, but those with poor mobility might find it challenging. Upon reaching the bottom, we passed through a one-way metal turnstile gate that led us to the waterfall.

The waterfall itself is quite mesmerising. The water gushes through a natural circular hole in the rock, creating a unique and captivating sight. Despite the busy summer crowds, we managed to take turns with other respectful visitors to enjoy the waterfall, take photos, and soak up the natural energy. However, considering the price, we wished for a more exclusive experience, which might be possible during less busy times outside the peak season.

Reflecting on the Cost: Is It Worth It?

On our way home, we discussed whether the price to visit the waterfall was justified. My husband felt that such beautiful natural places should be free for all to enjoy, while I wondered if the fee helped to preserve the area and limit overcrowding. 

The same mixed feelings ring true in their TripAdvisor reviews with some feeling the cost is worth every penny, and others remarking it’s a rip-off. I can understand the arguments for both viewpoints.

Although we had mixed feelings about the cost, we were ultimately glad to have experienced the waterfall. In hindsight, visiting outside of the summer holidays might have allowed us to enjoy a quieter, more peaceful experience.

The Mystical and Spiritual Atmosphere

St Nectan’s Glen is often described as a mystical and spiritual place, and it’s easy to see why. The combination of the powerful waterfall, the carved rocks, and the hanging foliage creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The crystal-clear water at the base of the waterfall invites quiet reflection, and it’s a place where you can truly feel the power of nature.

Our children were particularly fascinated by the tree trunks filled with hammered-in coins. These “wishing trees” are a form of ancient tradition where people believe that leaving an offering brings good luck or grants a wish. Seeing so many coins embedded in the wood added to the sense of history and mysticism in the glen.

They also enjoyed the gift shop very much, being impressed by the large crystals and avid crystal collectors and fans themselves! The gift shop is small, but has a large selection of various shaped crystals, incense holders and other small gifts.

Ending the Day with a Sweet Treat

After our time at the waterfall, we made our way back up the steps and out of the gate, stopping by the café once more for a hot drink and slice of cake. The café’s cosy atmosphere provided the perfect end to our visit before we walked back through the woodland to the car park.

We were also able to see some peacocks roaming around and sat in the wedding hut (where they offer weddings and handfasting ceremonies).

Since it was my birthday, we had visitors arriving in the afternoon, so our time at St Nectan’s Glen was about a half-day experience. Had we no other plans, we would have ventured into nearby Tintagel for a pasty (there’s a shop that sells ginormous pasties in Tintagel, twice the size of others!)

Final Thoughts: Would We Visit Again?

St Nectan’s Glen is a beautiful location, and the waterfall is truly stunning. While we might not pay to see the waterfall again due to the cost, we’re glad we’ve seen it and had the chance to explore the magical woodland. For those considering a visit, I recommend going during quieter times if possible, and setting aside a few hours to appreciate the experience fully.

History and Visitor Information

St Nectan’s Glen is named after Saint Nectan, a 5th-century monk who is believed to have lived as a hermit in the area. The site has long been considered sacred, and its spiritual significance has attracted visitors for centuries. Today, it remains a place of pilgrimage for those seeking peace and connection with nature.

Visitor Information and Tips:

• Location: Near Tintagel in Cornwall. The address is St Nectans Glen, Trethevy, Tintagel, PL34 0BE, Cornwall. Click the Google Map below for directions.
• Car Park: Paid car park is available; early arrival is recommended during peak times. It was cash only and £3 for the day.
• Entry Fee: At the time of visiting it was £9 per adult and £5 per child.  Under 5s were free.
• Café: On-site café with indoor and outdoor seating. Delicious vegan cakes and plant-based hot meals are available, along with plenty of soft drinks such as kombuchas and juices.
• Best Time to Visit: Outside of the summer holidays for a quieter experience. However, even in the summer holidays, it’s a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the popular beaches and locations!
• Access: Steep steps and slopes; may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Allow approximately 30 minutes for the walk from the car park to the waterfall.

Information is correct at the time of writing and our visit.  Visit the official website at https://www.st-nectansglen.co.uk/ for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.

Have You Ever Visited St Nectan’s Glen Waterfall?

What were your thoughts on this unique and mystical location? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!

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