Idyllic is an understatement for this picture-perfect village set above the rugged Atlantic coast. Lost in time yet close to the bustling harbour town of St Ives DH Lawrence a one-time resident said it perfectly "When we came over the shoulder of the wild hill, above the sea, to Zennor, I felt we were coming into the Promised Land.’

Zennor is a little village that’s easily missed but worth looking for. Located between St Ives and St Just it’s far enough inland from the dramatic cliffs to enjoy a degree of shelter. The wild and romantic landscape has been inhabited for at least 4000 years and at the height of the tin and copper mining industry in the 1840s over 1000 people lived and worked in Zennor, today there’s a population of around 200.

The name Zennor comes from the Cornish name for the local saint, Saint Senara, and fishing, farming, mining and quarrying were the main industries of the past. There used to be a stone quarry on Zennor Hill and the local granite was used to build the Falmouth Harbour walls and much of St Ives. The quarry and the mines all closed a long time ago and only a few locals still rely on farming and fishing. 

VEOR COVE - Veor Cove is usually very quiet. It's popular with both adventurous swimmers and naturists and high cliffs surround the remote cove.

PENDOUR COVE - Pendour Cove is famous for the Mermaid of Zennor and can only be reached by the more adventurous swimmers, making it perfect for private picnics. The beach disappears at high tide and swimming during a dropping tide is unadvisable.

PORTHZENNOR COVE - Porthzennor Cove is tucked in to the east of Zennor Head and can be relatively sheltered. It's accessed via the coast path and has fine white sand which usually disappears after winter storms.  

THE NORMAN CHURCH OF ST SENARA - The Norman church of St Senara is definitely worth a visit. It was restored in 1890 by which time family boxes had replaced all but one of the original carved oak seats. It’s believed to be named after Princess Azenor of Breton, the mother of St Budock and is famous for the mermaid of Zennor. Two medieval bench ends remain and have been turned into a seat. On one end is the famous carving of the mermaid of Zennor holding a comb and mirror in her hands. There’s also a bronze dial bearing the figure of a mermaid with an inscription dated 1737 on the south side of the church tower. The legend claims that the mermaid enticed Matthew Trewhella into the sea after he fell in love with the beautiful stranger who occasionally visited the church. It's believed he followed her towards the cliffs and into the sea at Pendour Cove and was never seen again. The name Trewhella is a very old family name from Zennor and the mermaid carving in the church is believed to commemorate the strange events and to serve as a warning to the other young men of the dangers of merrymaids. At the gate to the church there is a coffin rest. This dates back to a time where pallbearers might have had to carry the dead a long way in their coffin to the church. The coffin would have been placed on the coffin rest while the pallbearers sat on the stone benches alongside to rest and recover before carrying the coffin into the service with decorum.

GALLERIES - Well known artist Patrick Heron lived above Zennor at “Eagle’s Nest” for much of his life. Much of his work mirrors the sharp edges of the Cornish coastline and the granite boulders in his garden. Tate St Ives displays some of his work, including his stunning stained-glass window designed for the gallery, particularly interesting for not having any leading. It’s one of the largest unleaded stained-glass windows in existence.

WALKING - There’s a fantastic circular walk from Zennor to Gurnard’s Head that follows the coast path past Veor Cove and over Carnelloe Cliff and Boswednack Cliff to Treen Cove where there are the remains of a medieval chapel and an engine house. The walk passes both The Gurnard’s Head and The Tinner’s Arms and has spectacular views of the coastline.

SHOPPING

ZENNOR WAYSIDE - a beautiful gift shop, gardens and gathering space next to the Moomaid of Zennor.

ST IVES FARMERS MARKET - an award-winning market, showcasing the best of local Cornish producers. You can find a wide range of local food and drink, including fish, meats, vegetables, baked goods, plants and alcoholic drinks.

BOSAVERN FARM SHOP - a not-for-profit Social Enterprise run on Wholesome Food Association principles by a community of employees, members and volunteers. Great for organic fresh vegetables and eggs.

EATING

THE GURNARDS HEAD - Follow you follow what is apparently one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the UK, narrow and winding in parts, to a gastro-pub with traditional feel. The pub is well known in the area for its great food and has become a firm favourite of ours.

THE TINNER’S ARMS - fantastic for food and drinks in its picturesque garden in the quaint little village.

MOOMAID OF ZENNOR - a Cornish ice cream company based at their dairy farm on the cliffs of Zennor. Aside from various flavours of delicious ice cream, you can also pick a coffee and a slice of cake, or some light lunch.

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