Great places to visit on your way to Cornwall
Make the Journey Part of the Holiday
The journey to Merlin Farm is all part of the adventure. If you're travelling to Cornwall from further afield, why not break up the drive and discover somewhere special along the way?
We've put together some of our favourite places to stop en route to Merlin Farm Cottages, from picturesque villages and historic towns to beautiful coastal spots that are well worth a little detour. Whether you're looking for somewhere to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, explore somewhere new or simply enjoy a memorable stop along the journey, there's plenty to discover.
So take your time, explore a little, and make getting to Merlin Farm part of your holiday.
Clovelly – A Beautiful North Devon Detour
If you're travelling to Merlin Farm from the north, Clovelly is a gem worth visiting before on your way to/from Cornwall. Although it is not directly on the route, it is a relatively manageable detour and well worth considering if you have the time.
Perched dramatically on the North Devon coast, Clovelly is one of England's most distinctive villages. Its famous steep, cobbled street winds down through a collection of charming whitewashed cottages to the historic harbour below. With no vehicles permitted along the village street, Clovelly has retained a wonderfully peaceful and timeless atmosphere.
A visit can easily fill a couple of hours, particularly if you take your time exploring the harbour, shops and historic buildings. The entrance ticket also includes parking, Clovelly Court Gardens, the Fisherman's Cottage, Kingsley Museum and access to walks and picnic areas around the estate.
For families, the village's famous donkeys are an added attraction, while keen walkers can join the South West Coast Path and enjoy spectacular views along the North Devon coastline.
The photographs featured here were taken on a mizzly September day, but Clovelly was just as charming beneath the soft autumn mist. In fact, the slightly atmospheric weather only added to the village's timeless character. Whether you visit on a bright summer morning, a crisp autumn afternoon or a drizzly day, Clovelly has a beauty that doesn't depend on sunshine. Want to see more of Clovelly? Take a look at our Instagram post from our day exploring this beautiful North Devon village (or here for Facebook post).
From the M5: Clovelly is reached by leaving the M5 at Junction 27, then taking the A361 towards Barnstaple and A39 towards Clovelly. Allow roughly 35–45 minutes each way, depending on traffic, plus your time visiting Clovelly.
Kerdroya & Colliford Lake – A Unique Bodmin Moor Stop
Just off the A30, Kerdroya and Colliford Lake makes an unusual and worthwhile stop, with almost no detour from the main route.
Kerdroya is a remarkable piece of Cornish land art – a 56 metre-wide labyrinth created using traditional Cornish hedging techniques and more than 140,000 stones. Its winding path leads towards the heart of the labyrinth, with beautiful views across Colliford Lake and the surrounding Bodmin Moor landscape.
The site overlooks Colliford Lake, Cornwall's largest inland lake, offering a peaceful place to stretch your legs, enjoy the scenery or simply relax beside the water. There is also a small sandy beach, and if you follow the lakeside path around to the left, you'll discover a beautiful collection of ancient, gnarled trees, their twisted trunks and branches adding a sense of history and character to this tranquil corner of Bodmin Moor. It’s a lovely spot for families, walkers and nature lovers to pause and explore.
It can be enjoyed as a quick break or as a longer stop to explore the surrounding landscape and an easy and memorable addition to your journey through Cornwall before continuing towards Merlin Farm and the coast.
Jamaica Inn – A Historic Stop on the Edge of Bodmin Moor
Step back in time at the legendary Jamaica Inn, situated on the edge of Bodmin Moor, right alongside the A30. Dating back to 1750, this famous coaching inn has a fascinating history and was made famous by Daphne du Maurier’s novel Jamaica Inn.
Stop for a hearty lunch in this atmospheric historic inn and soak up the character and stories of this much-loved Cornish landmark.
A memorable stop with plenty of character - and a lovely way to begin your Cornish adventure. Book in advance.
Strawberry Fields – A Great Refreshment Stop on Your Way to Cornwall
Strawberry Fields Farm Shop, just off the A30 at Lifton is the perfect place to break up the journey, arrive around lunchtime for a delicious homemade lunch or set off early on your way home and stop for a hearty breakfast. The restaurant serves breakfasts, homemade pies and pasties, daily specials, fresh fish, quiches and plenty of tempting cakes and cream teas.
There’s also a fantastic farm shop and bakery, packed with homemade and local produce, including fresh bread, cakes, pasties, pies, cheeses, fruit and vegetables - ideal for picking up some treats for your stay.
It’s a lovely place to stretch your legs, enjoy some good food and start your Cornish adventure before continuing on to Merlin Farm. Book in advance.