“The most beautiful place imaginable – a shock of surprise and delight, lying indeed like a jewel in the hollow of the hand.” This is how Daphne du Maurier described Trelowarren when she first visited in the 1930s.
How right she was. We stumbled across the estate quite by accident not long after we'd moved to Cornwall and it really felt as if we'd unearthed a treasure. Situated at the top of the Lizard Peninsula, the historic 1000-acre estate is now one of our favourite places to visit, not just for the beautiful landscape but for the excellent cafe and restaurant that occupy the former stable yard.
Flora is run by chef Tim Spedding and his wife Louise Roedkjaer Spedding. The emphasis is on the freshest seasonal ingredients grown on the estate and sourced from a network of local suppliers.
During the day, food is served in the cafe or outdoors in the courtyard, making it an ideal pitstop for visitors with dogs. As well as delicious small plates and wood-fired pizzas, there's an excellent selection of Scandinavian-inspired cakes and pastries. On Sundays, the team serves superb Sunday lunches in the New Yard restaurant which will also be opening on Friday and Saturday evenings during the autumn. Make sure you keep an eye out for special events. Since taking over last year, Tim and Louise have hosted a midsummer party, a sushi evening and a Christmas craft market.
If you're eating at Flora, we highly recommend allowing some extra time to explore the estate. The Manor of Trelowarren is mentioned in the Domesday Book but there has been a settlement on the site since Prehistoric times. It has been owned by the Vyvyan family for more than 600 years.
Between the beginning of April and the end of September, members of the public are allowed access to the walks that crisscross the grounds the woodland. Even the briefest wander through the woods or down the drive yields beautiful views of the landscape and an insight into the history of Trelowarren. Visitors enter via the impressive gates built by the Royalist Vyvyans to celebrate the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. There's a Victorian tower that resembles a medieval turret and a quay built to welcome Queen Victoria on a visit which sadly never happened.
Most interesting, though, is Halliggye Fogou, an underground tunnel complex that dates back to the fourth or fifth century BC. Fogous (which takes their name from the Cornish 'ogo' word for cave) are peculiar to this part of Cornwall. Their purpose is still unclear to archaeologists. It has been suggested that they were used for storage or as a place of refuge. It's also possible they were used for ceremonial and ritual purposes.
Halliggye Fogou, which is located beneath an Iron Age Hill fort, is the largest and best preserved in Cornwall. It's a short walk from Flora but make sure you take a torch.
Click here for more information from English Heritage
West Cornwall is home to many prehistoric sites. For a brief overview, have a look at the article on Journal https://www.middlecolensofarm.co.uk/post/prehistoric-penwith
To find out more about Flora or book a table, click here https://www.floranewyard.co.uk
Other things to do on The Lizard
Take a tour of the Lizard lighthouse
Take a walk around Frenchman's Creek
Learn to surf at Poldhu Cove
Visit picturesque Kynance Cove (but go early. It's a very popular spot).
Take a walk along the South West coast path
Spend a day on the beach at Gunwalloe
Explore the historic fishing village of Cadgwith
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