St Cleer Holy Well and Cross - Image 1
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St Cleer Holy Well and Cross

4.3
·42 reviews·Saint Cleer, United Kingdom

An ancient holy spring and Celtic cross, offering a glimpse into millennia of spiritual history and architectural evolution.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer local disruptions

CrowdLow
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St Cleer Holy Well and Cross - Image 1

St Cleer Holy Well and Cross

Best Time

Weekdays, late morning

Fewer local disruptions

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient holy spring and Celtic cross, offering a glimpse into millennia of spiritual history and architectural evolution.

4.3
(42 reviews)

"A little off the beaten track, but definitely worth a visit for the architectural stonework and antiquity."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking is limited in the residential area. Be prepared to walk a short distance from where you can find a spot.

🌿 Overgrown Grounds

Maintenance can vary. If grounds are overgrown, access might be tricky.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Holy Well Structure

The Holy Well Structure

Village of St Cleer

Discover the ancient holy spring housed within a restored medieval structure, a testament to centuries of spiritual significance.

Celtic Cross

Celtic Cross

Adjacent to the well

Admire the striking Celtic cruciform standing beside the well, adding to the site's ancient and mystical atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Access and Maintenance

While the St Cleer Holy Well and Cross is a historically significant site, parking can be challenging as it's located in a residential area. Some visitors note that grounds maintenance can be an issue, with overgrowth sometimes obstructing access. Plan for a short visit and be prepared for potentially difficult entry if the site is overgrown.

Historical Significance

This ancient holy spring, likely pre-Christian, was later restored in the Middle Ages and sympathetically in the 19th century. It's a fascinating glimpse into millennia of spiritual practice. Combine your visit with nearby ancient sites for a richer historical experience.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, late morning
Why
Fewer local disruptions
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon, combined with other sites
Why
Maximize exploration
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What a glorious day for our Well Dressing Ceremony and Beacon Lighting at St Cleer Holy Well and Cross! It’s always so special to host the Well Dressing for the community of St Cleer and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who joined us today to mark our 40th anniversary. The festivities had a wonderful atmosphere and we hope you all enjoyed yourselves! The next public beacon lighting ...
cornwallheritagetrust
44 likes • 705 views

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking is limited in the residential area. Be prepared to walk a short distance from where you can find a spot. Reddit

🌿 Overgrown Grounds

Maintenance can vary. If grounds are overgrown, access might be tricky. Reddit

⏱️ Quick Visit

The site itself is small; allow 10-15 minutes unless you're soaking in the tranquility. Reddit

🗺️ Combine with Nearby Sites

Tie in a visit with Cheesering, Hurlers, Trethevy Quoit, and Golitha Falls for a full day. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Challenges

Parking is limited in the residential area. Be prepared to walk a short distance from where you can find a spot. Reddit

🌿 Overgrown Grounds

Maintenance can vary. If grounds are overgrown, access might be tricky. Reddit

⏱️ Quick Visit

The site itself is small; allow 10-15 minutes unless you're soaking in the tranquility. Reddit

🗺️ Combine with Nearby Sites

Tie in a visit with Cheesering, Hurlers, Trethevy Quoit, and Golitha Falls for a full day. Reddit

✨ Appreciate Antiquity

Focus on the architectural stonework and ancient history, likely dating back thousands of years. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(42 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the historical significance and unique stonework of St Cleer Holy Well and Cross, viewing it as a valuable glimpse into ancient spiritual practices. However, some note that the site's maintenance can be lacking, and parking is a significant challenge due to its location in a residential area.

"This Holy well may be a little off the beaten track but defo worth a visit if only to appreciate the Architectural Stonework and antiquity.
It's pretty obvious that this well probably dates back thousands of years when our ancestors were trekking between the stone circles, Quoits and other Holy places across the landscape"

Andy Deaves

"Nowhere to park. In residential area but good to see"

Deborah Jackson

"Who ever is in charge of maintaining the grounds here should be embarrassed ! It's completely overgrown so much so that the gate is stuck half open with shrubs and a tree branch making entrance very hard...this amazing piece of history won't last long if the plants ruin the integrity of the building and wall."

Demon72

What People Like

Ancient history
Architectural stonework
Atmospheric site

What People Dislike

Parking difficulties
Grounds maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The St Cleer Holy Well and Cross is located in the village of St Cleer, Cornwall. It's situated by the side of the road, making it accessible by car. However, parking can be difficult as it's in a residential area. Reddit+1

No, there is no dedicated parking. Visitors typically park on the residential streets nearby and walk to the site. Reddit

Information on direct public transport is scarce. It's best to check local bus routes for services to St Cleer village, though driving is generally more convenient. Reddit

The site is right on the roadside. Park your car safely and walk the short distance to the well and cross. Reddit

Yes, it's located within the village of St Cleer, making it relatively easy to find once you are in the village. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee. St Cleer Holy Well and Cross is a historical site freely accessible to the public. Reddit

As an outdoor historical site, it is generally accessible at all reasonable hours. There are no set opening or closing times. Reddit

No, entry to the St Cleer Holy Well and Cross is free of charge. Reddit

The site is open to visitors at all times, though it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and better appreciation. Reddit

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but visitors are expected to be respectful of the historical and spiritual nature of the site. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that 10-15 minutes is sufficient to see the well and cross, unless you wish to sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

You can see the ancient holy spring housed in a structure, and a Celtic cruciform nearby. It's a site of significant antiquity. Reddit+1

Maintenance can be inconsistent, with some visitors noting overgrown grounds that can make access difficult. Reddit

The ancient stonework and cross offer unique photographic opportunities, especially for those interested in history and heritage. TikTok

It's an ancient holy spring, likely pre-Christian, with medieval and 19th-century restorations, representing a long history of spiritual use. Reddit+1

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the atmospheric ancient well structure and the striking Celtic cross. The surrounding village and landscape also offer scenic backdrops. TikTok

Absolutely. The site's antiquity, with its pre-Christian origins and medieval restoration, makes it a prime location for historical and heritage photography. Reddit+1

Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the textures of the stonework and create a more dramatic atmosphere. TikTok

No specific restrictions are mentioned, but it's always good practice to be mindful of any private residences nearby and to photograph respectfully. TikTok

Drone usage regulations vary. Always check current aviation rules and local bylaws before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

St Cleer Holy Well and Cross offers a brief but intriguing stop for families interested in history. While there are no specific play areas, the ancient well and cross can spark children's imaginations about the past. Reddit+1

Keep the visit short and engaging, perhaps by turning it into a 'treasure hunt' for historical features. Combining it with a visit to nearby natural attractions like Golitha Falls, which offers more space for kids to explore, can make for a more balanced family outing. Reddit

🚶 History Buffs & Heritage Seekers

For those fascinated by ancient history and spiritual sites, St Cleer Holy Well and Cross is a must-visit. Its pre-Christian origins and layered restoration offer a unique glimpse into millennia of human belief and practice. Reddit+1

Make sure to explore the surrounding area, as recommended by many visitors, to fully appreciate the density of ancient sites in this region. Consider it a key point on a larger tour of Cornwall's prehistoric and early medieval heritage. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ancient History of St Cleer Holy Well

The St Cleer Holy Well and Cross is a site steeped in ancient history, with origins likely predating Christianity in Britain. It's believed to be an ancient holy spring, a place of reverence for millennia. The current structure, while showing signs of medieval and 19th-century restoration, sits upon a site that has likely been significant for spiritual practices for thousands of years. Reddit+1

This continuity of sacredness is what draws many visitors. The well itself was a source of water, often considered to have healing properties in ancient traditions. The presence of the Celtic cross nearby further signifies the site's evolution, blending older pagan beliefs with later Christian influences. It's a tangible link to the spiritual landscape of our ancestors. Reddit+1

When visiting, take a moment to appreciate the layers of history. Imagine the people who have come to this spot over countless generations seeking solace, healing, or connection. The architectural stonework and the very atmosphere of the place speak volumes about its enduring significance. Reddit

Exploring the Surroundings

While St Cleer Holy Well and Cross is a fascinating site, its true magic is often amplified when combined with other ancient landmarks in the vicinity. Many visitors recommend tying in a trip to this well with explorations of nearby megalithic sites and natural wonders. Reddit

Key attractions to consider include The Cheesering, a unique tor of balanced granite boulders, and The Hurlers, a trio of Bronze Age stone circles. Trethevy Quoit, a magnificent Neolithic dolmen, is another must-see for history enthusiasts. For those who appreciate natural beauty, Golitha Falls offers a picturesque river walk. Reddit

Planning a day that encompasses these sites allows for a comprehensive immersion into the rich heritage and stunning landscapes of Bodmin Moor. It transforms a short stop at the well into a full day of discovery, connecting ancient spiritual sites with natural beauty. Reddit

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