The Roseland

Ros

    The quiet coast

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    Carne Beach

    Bordered by the Fal Estuary to the west and the St Austell Bay to the east, the Roseland Peninsula has been designated part of Cornwall’s National Landscape for the quality of its landscape and coastal scenery.

    Accommodation on The Roseland

    Despite being a floral delight in the spring and summer when hedgerows are full of wild flowers, the name Roseland, has nothing to do with the favourite blooms of many an English garden. It actually comes from the Cornish word Ros, meaning promontory. And there’s several promontories to choose from, The Dodman at the eastern end, Nare Head overlooking Gerrans Bay and St Anthony Head at the mouth of the Carrick Roads.

    Although only a short drive from St Austell and Truro, its maze of lanes deters many from exploring far from the main centre of population at St Mawes. But those feeling adventurous will soon find themselves driving down narrow lanes to lovely wide-open beaches, staying on out of the way campsites and at farm shops selling super fresh produce grown in nearby fields.

    When most of Cornwall is busy, here’s a place you can escape the crowds, especially if you’re willing to swap wheels for feet. The South West Coast Path isn’t as tough here as it is in other parts, country lanes not as busy, but the welcome in pubs is just as warm.

    Things to do on The Roseland

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    Nature & Wildlife

    The South Coast Central National Landscape

    This central section of the South Coast National Landscape takes in the land around the nine creeks of the Carrick Roads in the Fal estuary and the famous Roseland Peninsula.

    Falmouth, Mevagissey, St Mawes, TruroRead more
    Beaches

    Carne Beach

    Carne Beach is situated on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula and is a favourite haunt for walkers.

    St Mawes, The RoselandRead more

    Plan your trip

    Everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to the Roseland

    • Follow the M5 to Exeter, then take the A38 into Cornwall. Just beyond Liskeard turn onto the A390 passing through St Austell towards Truro. Most roads leading left off this road head towards the Roseland.

      You can also get to the Roseland by using the King Harry Ferry situated between Truro and Falmouth.

    • The National Express coach travelsa from St Austell to Truro stopping at Grampound and Tresillian along the way.

      Bus sevices on the Roseland can be few and far between. The No50 runs from Truro to St Mawes via Tregony and the No51 runs from St Austell to Portloe and Veryan. In the east, Mevagissey and Gorran Haven are served by the No23 bus (April 2023)

    • The nearest railway stations are at St Austell and Truro. St Mawes can also be accessed by ferry from Falmouth train station.

    • The King Harry Ferry carries cars across to the Roseland from between Falmouth and Truro.

      Passenger ferries run between St Mawes and Falmouth, and St Mawes and Place.

    FAQ's

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    • The King Harry Ferry was established in 1888, and connects St Mawes and the Roseland Peninsula with Feock, Truro and Falmouth by avoiding the alternative 27 mile route through Truro & Tresillian.

      Each year the King Harry Ferry saves 5 million car miles, 1.7 million kg of CO2 and ¾ of a million litres of fuel. It carries 300,000 cars every single year.

      Find out more

    • Yes they can, managed by the National Trust, Porthcurnick beach is a great family-friendly, and dog-friendly, beach. It’s also great for exploring rock pools, full of mini-creatures and colourful sea weeds that live in these shadowy pools.

    • Ros, means promontory in the Cornish language, so the name is a mixture of Cornish and English, the land on a promontory.

    • St Mawes has a pharmacy, dentist, Spar superstore, bakery and more. The Co-op sells a full range of groceries, wines beers and spirits, and seasonal homewares. There's also galleries, boutiques and a selection of gift shops.

    • Caerhays Castle is an English Heritage Grade 1 Listed Building. Since 2019 it has been home to Charles Williams and his wife Lizzie, who are continuing the transformation of the castle, estate and gardens which has been in the Williams family since the 1850s along with and Burncoose Nurseries near Redruth.

      The Castle and gardens are opened for a short spell in the Spring each year.

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