The Dodman
Towering above the sea, this historic headland offers dramatic, panoramic views
Take the South West Coast Challenge
The South West Coast Path Challenge is coming to the coast this October.
The Dodman
Facilities and access
The Dodman
Overview
Towering above the sea, this historic headland offers dramatic, panoramic views
The Dodman is the highest headland on the south Cornish coast. Offering spectacular views, this area is also of great archaeological interest.
A massive Iron Age earthwork, nearly 666m long and over 6m high, encloses the headland. Over 2,000 years ago, this earthwork could have housed a series of dwellings, known collectively as a promontory fort or cliff castle.
The Bulwark earthwork provides a circular footpath around the Dodman, connecting to the South West Coast Path. More history is evident in the late 18th-century watch house, a survivor of what was a chain of Admiralty signal stations set up to alert the Navy in Plymouth of any untoward shipping movements.
Adding to the drama of Dodman Point is a large granite cross erected in 1896 by Rev G Martin as a navigational aid for seafarers. Visible from several miles away, it still helps sailors find their way along this stunning stretch of coastline.
A haven for walkers, bird-watchers and budding archaeologists alike, the Dodman offers space from the hustle and bustle and a chance to get back to nature. To stay a little longer, why not book one of our cottages at Penare and Hemmick?
- Telephone
- +441872580553
- roseland@nationaltrust.org.uk
The Dodman
How to get here
- Address
- Penare car park, Penare, St Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6NY
- By cycle
- National Cycle Network Route 3 runs through Gorran Haven village, less than 2 miles from Penare hamlet on the Dodman
- On foot
- The South West Coast Path winds through the Dodman and Black Head
- By train
- St Austell 9.5 miles to Penare car park (SW999404)
- By road
- From A390, St Austell to Truro, take B3273. Either continue through Mevagissey, Portmellon, Gorran Churchtown and on to Penare, or cut inland before Mevagissey, taking minor roads past Gorran Churchtown and on to Penare where there is a small National Trust car park (SW999404)
- Parking: Penare car park (SW999404) is: 2km to Dodman Point; 1km to the South West Coast Path; 1km to Hemmick beach
- By bus
- Western Greyhound 526, St Austell to Gorran Haven, then 2.4 mile walk along the South West Coast Path to Dodman Point
The Dodman
Prices
Admission free
What is Gift Aid?
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points. Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
- Gift Aid Admission or
- Standard admission
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you the Gift Aid Admission prices. But it's entirely up to you which ticket you choose. If you want the Standard Admission instead, just let us know when you come to pay.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid* — an extra 25 per cent — potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below: Payment of the additional percentage donation is entirely voluntary, so if you prefer to pay the standard admission please advise our reception staff at the till point.
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
The Dodman
Opening times
Saturday 1 October
- Dodman and Black Head Dawn to dusk
Sunday 2 October
- Dodman and Black Head Dawn to dusk
Monday 3 October
- Dodman and Black Head Dawn to dusk
Tuesday 4 October
- Dodman and Black Head Dawn to dusk
Wednesday 5 October
- Dodman and Black Head Dawn to dusk
Thursday 6 October
- Dodman and Black Head Dawn to dusk
Friday 7 October
- Dodman and Black Head Dawn to dusk