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Carnewas at Bedruthan
Dramatic coastline with views over huge rock stacks
Bedruthan, near Padstow, Cornwall, PL27 7UW
Important notice
There is currently no access to Bedruthan beach (not National Trust) following cliff falls.
Opening times for 30 April 2025
Asset Opening time Clifftop walks Dawn - Dusk Shop 10:30 - 17:00 Tea-room 10:30 - 16:00 Please check for winter tea-room opening. May be closed in bad weather.
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Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Whole day £9.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Car park
Open dawn until dusk. No overnight camping or parking.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs welcome under control, particularly around livestock and cliff edges. Also welcome on a lead in tea-room garden and picnic area.
- Shop
Delightful shop selling a variety of gifts and local products
- Tea-room
Carnewas Tea-room (not National Trust) sells hot and cold drinks, light lunches, cakes, ice creams and are well known for their excellent cream teas
- Toilet
A toilet will be available only when the tea-room is open over the winter. Please check for opening times.
Blue Badge parking. Level path with natural surface to clifftop viewpoint. No access to Bedruthan Beach (not National Trust).
- Accessible toilet
- Designated parking
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access to shop
- Level access/terrain
Accessible paths to cliff top views
- Seating available
- Steps/uneven terrain
Steps and uneven paths beyond those that are accessible
- By road
just off B3276 from Newquay to Padstow
Sat Nav: Use PL27 7UW
- On foot
¾ mile of South West Coast Path runs through this site
- By train
Newquay 7 miles
- By bus
The nearest bus stop is at Mawgan Porth on the Go Cornwall bus service 56 (Newquay to Padstow). From the bus stop walk along the South West Coast Path to reach Carnewas. It is a 2.3 miles (2km) walk.
- Cycling
NCN323 is 3 miles (4.8km) away at Porthcothan (along the B3276).
Planning your visit
Project
Project
Stair access to beach closure at Carnewas at Bedruthan
A rock fall in 2019 means access to the beach at Carnewas at Bedruthan has been closed, while the National Trust works on how a route could be safely reinstated in a sustainable way while also protecting the cliff face.
Article
Visiting Carnewas at Bedruthan with your dog
Carnewas at Bedruthan is a two pawprint rated place. Dogs are welcome at Carnewas and Bedruthan. Here are some top tips if you are planning a visit with your dog.
Carnewas Tea-room
Carnewas Tea-room (not National Trust) serves light refreshments, including cream teas and light lunches. Check for opening.
PDF
Article
Follow the Countryside Code
Help to look after National Trust places by observing a few simple guidelines during your visit and following the Countryside Code.
Highlights
Clifftop views
Panoramic views of the giant rock stacks that have made this stretch of coast so popular. Carpeted with wild flowers in spring. Please note there is no access to the beach following rock falls.
Park Head
The South West Coast Path runs along cliffs to the headland at Park Head and Porth Mear Valley.
Carnewas Tea-room
Tea-room (not National Trust) and garden serving light lunches, cake, cream teas and ice cream. Picnic area by the shop.
Shop
Once the counthouse for a 19th-century mine, the shop sells local gifts and treats, books and souvenirs.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to do at Carnewas at Bedruthan
There's plenty to discover at Carnewas at Bedruthan, Cornwall. From exploring local history and cliff top walks to wildlife watching and stargazing, there's something for everyone.
Top trails
Trail
Carnewas at Bedruthan coast walk
A moderate walk taking in a remarkable stretch of the north Cornwall coast, with views of the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Bedruthan Steps and the sheltered Porth Mear cove.
Trail
Booby's Bay walk
Enjoy views across Constantine Bay, explore hidden coves and look out for rare species of birds and plants on this walk on a popular stretch of the north Cornish coast.
Trail
Park Head walk
An easy, level walk to the clifftops at Park Head with views of the towering sea stacks and the picturesque Bedruthan Steps in the foreground.
Trail
Carnewas bus route walking trail
Carnewas at Bedruthan can be reached by bus which stops just along the coast at Mawgan Porth. This trail takes in the breathtaking views of the giant rock stacks and further along the coast towards Trevose Head.
Eating and shopping
Eating and shopping at Carnewas at Bedruthan
Whether you treat yourself in the tea-room or enjoy a picnic, you'll struggle to find a more scenic lunch spot. The shop has a range of gifts, many sourced and produced locally.
Places to stay
Porth Mear Cottage
This traditional Cornish cottage has views for miles over countryside and out to Trevose Head.
Porth Mear Barn
A converted stone barn for 6 people, in a rural setting by the South West Coast Path.
Skipper's Cabin
A cosy shepherd’s hut in a secluded valley close to Porthcothan beach.
Trescore
Cosy up near the woodburner in this two-bedroom coastal retreat as the sun descends below the horizon.
The West Wing
Live in the historic house of Trerice where views extend over the gardens and countryside.
Overhaven
A spacious, rural cottage with lots of original features and views to the Stepper Point lighthouse.
The Old Farmhouse
Surround yourself with farmland and countryside views in this rural cottage, just a 10-minute stroll to the sandy beach of Pentireglaze Haven.
Pentireglaze West Cottage
One of the best cottages to stay for scenic walks with the north Cornwall coast in sight.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Carnewas at Bedruthan
Carnewas has become one of the most popular destinations on the north Cornish coast because of the spectacular cliff-top view of sea stacks stretching across Bedruthan beach (not Trust-owned).
This piece of coastline, just a few miles along the coast from Padstow, keeps itself hidden as you first enter the car park. However, take a short walk along the well established paths and you will be rewarded with views that are arguably some of the most impressive in Cornwall.
Take in the sea air on magnificent walks along the coast path towards Park Head and the sheltered Porth Mear cove beyond. Visitors in the spring and autumn will be treated to carpets of flowering squill as well as the stonechats and linnets often seen here.
The buildings that now serve as the shop and café are a reminder of Carnewas' industrial past when iron, copper and lead was mined from the cliffs.
The steps to the beach are currently closed following a rock fall.
History
Article
History of Carnewas at Bedruthan
Carnewas at Bedruthan, Cornwall has a history of mining dating to the 19th century, but was also a popular Victorian holiday resort and has a legend about a local giant.
Our work
Project
Project
Stair access to beach closure at Carnewas at Bedruthan
A rock fall in 2019 means access to the beach at Carnewas at Bedruthan has been closed, while the National Trust works on how a route could be safely reinstated in a sustainable way while also protecting the cliff face.
Article
Our work at Carnewas at Bedruthan
Discover how the rangers look after Carnewas at Bedruthan for wildlife and visitors.
Article
South West Coast Path: creating a year-round economic asset in Cornwall
Thanks to funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, significant improvements have been made at Carnewas at Bedruthan to help make the South West Coast Path a year-round experience. Find out about other nearby places that have benefitted.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Carnewas at Bedruthan.