St Nectan's Glen
St Nectan's Glen
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- pumpkin020London, United Kingdom73 contributionsMediate heavenBeautiful nature trail. We spent over 4 hours exploring this walk, the dog loved the woodland walk. The nature trail, full of information with peacocks walking freely infront of you. The waterfall path does cost £8 it is worth it, as you can see the up keep and keeping the path safe. We met several staff maintaining the place, all very polite. You can spend as much time near the waterfall, we went early and it was very quiet. Cafe food nice. Highly recommend wearing waterproof shoes or good grip, wet can be slippy on the wood. Several steps throughout the walk. Upon leaving use the alternative route although up hill, it straight forward back to car park. Parking is £3 for the day. Plenty of picnic benches to have own food outside, several scattered up the hill with a view.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 September 2023
- Henry D10 contributionsMystic Cornwall livesThe waters are said to have amazing healing qualities. Just give an offering and have a paddle. I last visited in 1998, it’s changed a lot but unusually for the better. At one with the mystical nature of King Arthur’s Cornwall.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 12 October 2023
- Caro9 contributionsAn absolute must seeThe whole experience was totally magical. Totally immersed in nature and the waterfall was mesmerising. Lovely cafe. We sat out on the deck in the warm (October) sunshine. There was also comfortable seating around a roaring log burner which was very welcoming. I didn’t want to leave and I cannot wait to return. Thank you for sharing this little piece of paradise with the general public.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 October 2023
- Claire D6 contributionsIncredible visitVisited here mid October, need your hiking boots to get there but incredible experience and absolutely stunning views. Waterfall at the top was breathtaking and so peaceful. I would imagine extremely busy in the summer so glad we visited when less busy. Very good value for money, cafe and shop great too. Will certainly be visiting again.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 October 2023
- samfantasticDoncaster, United Kingdom12 contributionsVery peacefulWhat a wonderful day we had! Weather forecast was dreadful but we decided to brave it with wellies and rain coats. After a quick shower while we enjoyed lunch in the cafe we headed down to the waterfall, it was breathtaking, the whole experience was wonderful, so quite and peaceful. Happy with the entry fee as this supports the area and keeps it as a place of beauty. Sat in the meditation room and then headed up for a lovely milkshake. Found the beautiful hut for quite contemplation and sat there in the quite before heading round the nature reserve. The water was really fast in the falls due to the rains and everything so pretty so if you don't want to pay the fee there is still lots to do. We intended on having a couple of hours here but stayed for about 4 hours including the walk there and back. If you love nature and quite contemplation this is your place.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 November 2023
- Helen A4 contributionsI could have lingered here for much longer!What a wonderful place. Hard to describe but a woodland, waterside walk to a waterfall glen that has been sympathetically dotted about with folklore practices, such as ribbons on trees, and pieces of art that range from statues to carvings to quiet places to sit and focus on wellness. The underlying ethos of living with nature and accepting individual spirituality is gently sewn through the glen and end venue. The cafè is remarkable as is the waterfall and its grand reveal!Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 December 2023
- epembertonNorth Yorkshire, United Kingdom386 contributionsLovely out of seasonWe really enjoyed our visit - it was a bit pricey with paying for parking, lunch and the waterfall admission, but we pretty much had the whole place to ourselves which was lovely. I imagine it gets rammed in summer! It’s a walk of a mile or so from the car park, mostly flat but there are steps along the way and would recommend sturdy boots. Dogs welcome throughout the site but must be kept on leads.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 January 2024
- sweetlaney125 contributionsSlippery wet walk but worth itGorgeous natural beauty spot. Visited here recently on a rainy day but it added to the magic of the area imo however it did make the tracks very muddy and slippery and it was flooded in parts. I have a joint condition and it was difficult to get to the waterfall (but worth it)and when we arrived we were surprised to find there was a cost to go to the actual waterfall (we didn't bother). Nice little cafe with cakes etc but like most of Cornwall it was overpriced imo!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 20 March 2024
- Vicki MBirmingham, United Kingdom63 contributionsGorgeous walk and waterfallWe didn't really know what to expect. But in off season, a quiet carpark, beautiful walk, gorgeous waterfall and a lovely cafe and shop at the end, it was fab. The walk took about 30 minutes to get there, the beginning is quite flat, as it is a single track road, but then turns into a forest walk, and then muddy slippy steps. An 8 year old was fine, and there are railings for quite a bit of it. It would be hard going on a rainy day. When you get there, up a few steep steps the shop and cafe is lovely. And then a short circular walk with some steep steps again. But it is so worth it. The falls are beautiful, will go again.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 March 2024
- Arran7225London, United Kingdom166 contributionsGreat out of session walkWe decided to go on a recommendation from TikTok! Wasn’t disappointed. The walk from the car park to the waterfall is about 30 mins. It’s a steady walk to the fall, the last part was the hardest with the steps up to the gift shops and fall entrance. The waterfall is worth the walk and the scenery to it is also stunning. £3 for parking and £7 each to walk down to see the waterfall. Rally good morning out, would 100% recommend. The staff are supper helpful and polite, especially The lady in the gift shop!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 March 2024
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4.5
1,598 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
239
Average
89
Poor
66
Terrible
75
Linda G
Stockport, UK38 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 1 August 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
2 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 25 August 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, UK172 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 25 August 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 12 August 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, UK212 contributions
Sept 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 6 September 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, UK143 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 25 August 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 2 January 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
61 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 9 April 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, UK18 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 8 January 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, UK160 contributions
Sept 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 3 October 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.
can children paddle in the stream/river-is there access?
Written 19 July 2021
Yes my 3 year old did , just make sure they are wearing some shoes that can go in water with grips for the rocks
Written 20 July 2021
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!
Written 11 July 2023
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?
Written 12 August 2020
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.
Written 16 August 2020
What is the ease of accessibility to the falls. Steepness etc please.
Written 4 March 2020
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.
Written 11 July 2023
Cuánto dura la ruta hasta la cascada? hay algún acceso rápido para personas con discapacidad?
Written 2 October 2019
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.
Written 8 February 2020
Is the walk pram friendly? It looks absolutely stunning.
Written 3 September 2019
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.
Written 3 September 2019
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.
Written 10 July 2019
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.
Written 9 June 2019
How can I take my one year old baby and is it safe? Are the walking paths well secured?
Written 15 January 2019
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.
Written 28 January 2019
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