St. Just in Roseland

Today I have revisited the beautiful location of St. Just in Roseland with 2 friends who are currently staying in Tintagel. I previously dropped by a couple of weeks ago, and that was my first time, despite it being on my 'must visit' list for many years.

The 13th century church is set by the bank of a tidal creek, down a no through road just 4 miles from St. Mawes on the Roseland peninsula in the south of Cornwall. You get a feeling of entering a secret valley as you drive down the road, which adds to the magical seclusion of the location. There is a car park at the top of the churchyard, and overflow parking for busier days. The charge is a voluntary donation at the cash machine or into the various donation boxes nearby and in the church itself. These donations are put towards the upkeep of the church and the beautifully maintained gardens. Winding pathways lead down to the church itself and to the holy well.

The churchyard garden is filled with many tropical plants as well as camellias and hydrangeas, bluebells and pink campion to name but a few. Wild flowers are allowed to thrive alongside the cultivated flowers and shrubs.

Whilst it is lovely just to sit and look out across the creek to the boatyard and various boats moored around, take time to read some of the gravestones. We found an interesting pair of stones for a husband and wife, John and Jennifer Galsworthy, he a KCVO CMG and she an MBE. Research shows him to be a renowned diplomat, and she received her award for services to Health Care and to the community. They lived at Trewithen House, less than 12 miles away and now a beautiful garden open to the public. 

Do follow the sign for the holy well. The pathway takes you around the creek to the bank opposite the church, and you get the best view of the church and its wonderful setting overlooking the water.

Back up by the car park, there is a lovely cafe serving the most wonderful looking, and tasting cakes and light lunches. The Ploughmans was lovely and filling.