Attractions and Places To See around Altarnun - Top 20

Altarnun is situated on the edge of Bodmin Moor, offering a wealth of natural beauty. You can visit The Cheesewring, a unique granite formation, or ascend Brown Willy Summit, Cornwall's highest point, for panoramic views. Rough Tor is another striking granite summit nearby. The area also features the Bronze Age The Hurlers Stone Circles, Nine Stones of Altarnun, and Goodaver Stone Circle.

Yes, the area is rich in history. The Hurlers Stone Circles are a significant Neolithic or Early Bronze Age site. In Altarnun village, you'll find St. Nonna's Church, known as 'The Cathedral of the Moor,' with its 15th-century architecture and 16th-century carved bench ends. A medieval packhorse bridge also crosses the Penpont Water. The historic Jamaica Inn, immortalized by Daphne du Maurier, is within the parish boundaries.

Altarnun is a fantastic base for walking and hiking on Bodmin Moor. You can embark on challenging hikes to Brown Willy Summit and Rough Tor. There are also numerous routes that explore the moorland, including those around the stone circles and natural formations like The Cheesewring. For more options, explore the various hiking routes available in the region, such as those listed in the Hiking around Altarnun guide.

Yes, there are several easy and family-friendly options. The area around The Hurlers Stone Circles offers relatively flat terrain suitable for families. You can also find easy walks around Siblyback Lake or the Jamaica Inn. For a selection of less strenuous routes, consult the Easy hikes around Altarnun guide.

For breathtaking views, head to Brown Willy Summit, the highest point in Cornwall, which offers expansive vistas across Bodmin Moor and towards the sea. Rough Tor also provides excellent views, as does The Cheesewring, which offers a great perspective over the moor to the coast.

Within Altarnun village, St. Nonna's Church is a must-see, renowned for its impressive tower and intricate wooden bench ends. The village also features a charming 15th-century medieval packhorse bridge. Nearby, in the hamlet of Trewint, you can visit the Wesley Cottage and Museum, where John Wesley stayed and preached, offering insights into Methodism's local history.

Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. The Rising Sun Inn in Altarnun is a traditional moorland inn dating back to the 16th century. For a cafe experience, Snail's Pace Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and snacks with indoor and outdoor seating, and is also a bike hire point.

Families have several engaging options. The Hidden Valley Discovery Park offers a mix of gardens, puzzles, nature trails, and a miniature railway. Trethorne Leisure Park, the largest undercover attraction in North Cornwall, provides various activities and animal interactions. The Hurlers Stone Circles are also considered family-friendly for a historical outing.

Bodmin Moor, where Altarnun is located, is generally very dog-friendly, offering vast open spaces for walks. Many of the public footpaths and moorland trails, including those leading to Brown Willy and Rough Tor, are suitable for dogs, though it's always advisable to keep them under control, especially near livestock.

The best time to visit Altarnun for outdoor activities is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to September) when the weather is milder and days are longer. This period is ideal for hiking and exploring the moorland. However, Bodmin Moor can be beautiful in all seasons, with winter offering a rugged, dramatic landscape for those prepared for colder, wetter conditions.

Beyond the main attractions, consider visiting St. Nonna's Holy Well, a short walk from the church, historically known for its curative properties. The Cornwall Wildlife Trust reserves like Priddacombe Downs, Armstrong Wood, Beales Meadows, and Greena Moor (Creddacott Meadows) offer quiet havens for nature and wildlife observation, providing a peaceful escape.

The terrain around Altarnun is primarily moorland, characterized by rugged granite outcrops, open grassy areas, and some boggy sections, especially after rain. Walks to summits like Brown Willy and Rough Tor involve rocky ascents. Paths can range from well-trodden tracks to less defined routes across open moor, requiring good footwear and navigation skills.

Most attractions around Altarnun are best accessed by car, as public transport options are limited in this rural area. Parking is generally available near popular trailheads and attractions, such as the Rough Tor car park for accessing Rough Tor and Brown Willy, or near Minions for The Hurlers Stone Circles. Snail's Pace Cafe also offers free parking.

Yes, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust manages several reserves in the Altarnun area. Priddacombe Downs is a large area of open moorland. Armstrong Wood provides quiet woodlands, while Beales Meadows and Greena Moor (Creddacott Meadows) offer diverse habitats with grasslands, broadleaved woodland, scrub, and streams, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and enjoying nature.

The Altarnun area offers various cycling opportunities, particularly for road cycling. You can find moderate-difficulty routes that explore the surrounding countryside, such as loops from Lewannick or Laneast. These routes often take you through scenic landscapes and charming villages. For detailed options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Altarnun guide.