News from Budock Vean

Free Things To Do

There are some fantastic places to visit and things to do in our local area that won’t cost the earth – just a donation to charity in some instances – and maybe an ice-cream or two! We would always advise planning your visit and calling ahead as some places are a little ‘off the beaten track’ with limited parking.

Circular Walk from BV
Just 10 minutes from our place you can hit the coast path and enjoy a beautiful circular walk that takes you past a waterside pub, two amazing gardens and a some hidden coves. There’s a short or longer walk – click the link above or ask at Reception for a map.

Wild Swimming
The Helford River is a perfect spot for a swim. You could head out from Helford Passage or from Grebe Beach at Durgan, but it’s always advisable to have someone else with you. If you want to improve your confidence first, our recommended teacher, Len Hatcher, can help with this.

Nature Reserves
Cornwall Wildlife Trust has over 50 nature reserves across Cornwall, they are free to visit, but the Trust would appreciate a donation to help keep these special places …. special! We’re proud to support them in their efforts.

Falmouth Lifeboat
From April until the end of October, the dedicated team of volunteers provide free guided tours of the lifeboats Tuesday to Friday from 11am until 3pm. There is no need to book, just go into the lifeboat shop attached to the station.

Circular Walk around Pendennis Headland, Falmouth
Take in stunning views of Famouth Bay and the twin castles of Pendennis and St Mawes. There’s a short and a longer version, depending on how far you want to go. Just walk around what we locals call ‘the Point’ or extend it to cover the beautiful seafront walk past Castle and Gyllyngvase beaches. Ice cream stops and beach cafes along the way for refreshment.

Garden Visits – Falmouth
Falmouth has several public gardens that are free to visit. You could explore Gyllyngdune Gardens (which you will pass on the walk above) with it’s beautiful shell grottos and which leads to the Princess Pavilion. Then there’s Queen Mary Gardens next to Gyllyngvase Beach – again, you can pass this on the above walk. Just one road inland is Fox Rosehill Gardens with some amazing plant specimen and further into the centre of town is Kimberley Park, with a lovely children’s play area, pond and seasonal entertainment events.

Famouth Art Gallery
Falmouth Art Gallery has a vibrant exhibition and event programme. Exhibitions change regularly with works from their permanent collection hung alongside major museum loans, work from local artists, community groups, school children and students. Their events cater for all ages, from babies upwards. There will be something for everyone.

Penryn Town Museum
Penryn museum is located in the centre of the town, on the ground floor of the Town Hall. Free to enter, and covers every aspect of Penryn’s fascinating history. they have toys, old fire appliances, kitchen appliances, advertisements, original Glasney stone, lots of historic photographs and much more.

Flicka Foundation, Trenoweth, Mabe
Founded by Mary Berryman in 1995, the sanctuary site provides a safe home for over 100 donkeys and horses, all of whom have been rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment. During the summer months nearly all the donkeys are out in the paddocks; you can take a stroll down the visitor walkways and watch them enjoying their their lives in peace. Vegetarian cafe on site.

Roskillys Farm, near St Keverne
Located on the Lizard Peninsula, this is where the delicious ice cream we serve comes from. Free fun for all the family. Meet the animals, stroll around the meadows, enjoy the tranquility by the ponds and of course, sample the ice cream! Dogs on leads welcome.