St Day Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your St Day Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

St Day sits in prime position for exploring Cornwall's mining heritage and stunning landscapes. The village itself has the impressive St Day Church (TR16 5JY), a Grade II listed building that's worth popping into for its architecture and history.

Heartlands (TR14 0DW, open 10am-4pm daily, free entry) is just down the road in Pool. This 19-acre site includes botanical gardens, art studios and the largest flat screen in Cornwall showing the history of Cornish mining. Trip Advisor score: 4.5/5.

Gwennap Pit (TR16 5JH, open dawn till dusk, free entry) is a remarkable open-air amphitheatre just outside St Day where Methodist founder John Wesley preached 18 times between 1762 and 1789. The acoustics are amazing - stand in the middle and speak normally, your voice will carry to everyone. Trip Advisor score: 4/5.

East Pool Mine (TR15 3NP, open 10:30am-5pm, April-October) showcases two of the largest surviving Cornish beam engines, magnificent examples of Cornish engineering. National Trust members get in free. Trip Advisor score: 4.5/5.

Pet Friendly

I've found St Day brilliant for dog holidays. Many cottages with hot tubs here welcome dogs, often with enclosed gardens so your dog can roam safely while you enjoy the hot tub.

The Fox & Hounds pub (TR16 5LH) in St Day welcomes dogs inside and out, with water bowls provided. They do good pub grub too - the Sunday roasts are particularly good after a morning walk.

For walks, try the Great Flat Lode trail which passes near St Day. It's a 7.5-mile circular route through mining landscapes with wide paths and stunning views. Parts follow old tramways so they're nice and flat.

Portreath Beach (TR16 4NN) allows dogs from October to Easter and before 10am/after 5pm in summer. It's about 15 minutes drive and has a stream at one end where dogs can splash around even during restricted times.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in St Day

Carn Marth (TR16 5JW) sits just outside St Day and rises to 235m above sea level. The walk up takes about 30 minutes and rewards you with panoramic views across Cornwall - on clear days you can see both the north and south coasts. There's also an amphitheatre cut into the hillside that hosts occasional summer performances. One visitor told me: "We watched the sunset from here and could see for miles. Worth the climb 100%."

St Day Old Church (TR16 5LE) is a fascinating ruin that dates back to the 15th century. The tower still stands tall and the graveyard contains memorials to local mining families. The church fell into disrepair when the new one was built, but has been preserved as a monument. I recommend reading the information boards that tell stories of the people buried here - including several mine disaster victims.

Scorrier House Gardens (TR16 5AU, open selected days April-September) is a hidden gem just outside St Day. This 400-acre estate has been home to the Williams family since 1778. The gardens contain some of the earliest introductions of rhododendrons to the UK and a champion 57m Monterey Pine. A recent visitor commented: "Like stepping back in time - we had the gardens almost to ourselves and the camellia collection is outstanding."

Is St Day a good base for exploring Cornwall?

Yes! St Day sits almost exactly in the middle of Cornwall, making it perfect for exploring. You can reach the north coast beaches like St Agnes (15 mins), the south coast at Falmouth (20 mins), Land's End (45 mins) and the Eden Project (35 mins) all within easy driving distance. After a day exploring, you'll appreciate returning to your hot tub!

What's the best time of year to visit St Day?

May and September offer the best combination of decent weather, longer days and fewer crowds. July and August bring warmer temperatures but expect busier roads and attractions. Winter stays can be magical too - many cottages with hot tubs in St Day are cosy with woodburners and there's nothing better than a hot tub under starry winter skies.

Are there any good places to eat in St Day?

The Fox & Hounds pub serves good quality pub food with local ingredients. For something special, try The Plume of Feathers in nearby Redruth (5 mins drive) which does excellent seafood. St Day also has a bakery for fresh bread and pasties and a small convenience store for essentials.

How far is St Day from the beach?

The closest beach is Portreath (15 mins drive), a sandy bay popular with families and surfers. Chapel Porth (20 mins) is a National Trust beach with amazing coastal walks. If you want more facilities, Perranporth (25 mins) has shops, restaurants and a huge stretch of sand.

Is there public transport from St Day?

There's a limited bus service connecting St Day with Redruth, where you can catch trains to other parts of Cornwall. However, to make the most of the area, I'd recommend having a car. Many of the best spots aren't easily accessible by public transport.

What should I pack for a hot tub cottage holiday in St Day?

Besides swimwear for the hot tub, bring walking shoes as there are great trails nearby. The Cornish weather can change quickly, so pack layers and waterproofs even in summer. Beach towels are useful and binoculars for wildlife spotting or stargazing from your hot tub!

Some helpful links:

1. Cornwall Heritage Trust - St Day Old Church
2. Visit Cornwall - St Day Information
3. National Trust - East Pool Mine