Landrake – Churches, River Valleys and Cornish Lanes

Landrake lies on a hilltop between the deeply incised valleys of the rivers Lynher and Tiddy, which are partly influenced by the tides. The parish therefore combines a distinctive landscape with small historic points of interest. Anyone looking for family holiday accommodation can put together a variety of day trips here, combining nature watching, church visits and regional attractions without losing sight of the character of a rural location.

Landscape and orientation in Landrake

The southern part of the parish, most of which belongs to St Erney, is bordered to the east and west by tidal rivers. Small hamlets and farms are connected by narrow Cornish country lanes. These roads are just as much part of the local character as the hilltop itself and give exploring a distinctly rural setting. The parish church of St Michael is visible for many miles and therefore serves as a prominent landmark in the landscape.

The A38 is also important for travelling to the area: the main road crosses the parish from east to west. If you would like to visit St Michael, the parish church is on the main road through Landrake. There is only limited roadside parking directly by the church. It is recommended that you park shortly after leaving the A38 and walk the remaining approximately 200 yards. You should take this information into account when planning your day, particularly if you are travelling with several people.

Discovering churches and history

St Michael brings together several layers of history in one place. The surviving masonry dates from the 13th century, with additions and alterations from the late 14th century and the mid and late 15th century. The south doorway and the main nave area of the longhouse up to the chancel are Norman. The stone used for the construction came from the nearby Tartan Down Quarry in Landrake.

St Erney also has a distinctive ecclesiastical designation. The church is usually called St Erney, but it is dedicated to Saint Terminus or possibly Saint Ternimus. From Landrake, you can reach it by following the signs, driving uphill past St Michael and continuing for about a mile. There is no parking directly by the church; however, there is usually sufficient parking at the bend. St Erney is open during services on the first and third Sunday of each month.

At St Michael, services are held at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings on the first, second, third and fourth Sunday of each month. Anyone wishing to plan a visit around a service can include these times in their travel plans without having to set the rest of the day in advance.

Further evidence and points of interest around Landrake

A holy well at Markwell was mentioned in 1018; it was probably known as St Mark’s Well. A chapel at Markwell was mentioned in 1308 near the site of the holy well. Beside Poldrissick Quay, you can see the remains of the Tamar barge Millom Castle, built in 1870. Poldrissick Farm is also home to a complete cider mill. These varied locations give you the opportunity to get to know Landrake not only through its churches, but also through wells, shipping and regional agriculture.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Landrake, it is worth considering your preferred daily rhythm in advance. If the focus is to be on the churches and historic traces, the information about access, parking and service times is particularly useful. Anyone primarily wishing to explore the landscape and the parish’s scattered points of interest should include the narrow country lanes and the different locations in their plans.

Further destinations for your own orientation: Altarnun, Saint Cleer, Saint Austell, Trelash, Linkinhorne, Coverack, St Keverne and Saint Stephen.

To the main travel overview: Cornwall.