12:30pm – Mevagissey, Saint Austell
Drive 5 minutes from Heligan to reach Mevagissey, a postcard-perfect fishing village. If your journey falls at the end of June, you may stumble across their Feast Week celebrations, including public displays, music and floral dances.
Characterised by its colourful buildings jutted against the harbour, this traditional village is a great spot to stop for lunch. Here’s our recommendations for where to try:
ONE Polkirt Hill Restaurant
A respectable, sit-down restaurant showcasing the best of the Cornish catch. This option is a little more expensive than the others, but a wonderful setting to try fresh fish with gourmet trappings.
The Lighthouse Cafe
This humbler, friendly cafe offers a variety of coffee, cakes, cream teas, crepes and traditional english fry ups to satiate your appetite.
The Kings Arms
A classic local pub offering quality fare and a comfortable place to sit. Loved by locals, this place is good value for money with respectable portion sizes.
1:30pm – The Eden Project
Drive 20 minutes to visit a wonder of the noughties world: The Eden Project. These instantly recognisable domes are home to two separate indoor biomes, outdoor gardens, exhibitions and even aerial and zip wire experiences.
You will need a ticket to visit, but it’s worth the price: this cornucopia of biodiversity is the indoor answer to the gardens of Heligan and a great alternative if the weather puts you off the former.
3:00pm – Trevibban Mill Vineyard
If you’re not yet spent, stagger your return journey with a 30 minute detour to Trevibban Mill Winery. On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays this venue runs 3:00pm tours that end on a wine tasting session in the south facing room: a good place to be as the sun wanes in the sky.
When the tour isn’t on, this venue is open 12:00pm – 5:00pm every Tuesday to Saturday, with wine or cider tastings available without the guided tour! Be sure to book in advance.
5:00pm – Homeward bound
What a day! Luckily, it’s only a 20 minute drive back from your final stop – and we know the designated driver will have responsibly avoided the vino!
Enjoy dinner at the Plume of Feathers and reflect on the events of the day from a cosy bedroom.