Rosewall Hill
Rosewall Hill offers breathtaking double coastal views, a peaceful sanctuary, and a touch of ancient Cornwall. A must-visit for its stunning panoramas...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Rosewall Hill
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Rosewall Hill offers breathtaking double coastal views, a peaceful sanctuary, and a touch of ancient Cornwall. A must-visit for its stunning panoramas and tranquility.
"The views up here are amazing. You get a decent view over St Ives and the sea to the north."
🚗 Small Car Park Alert
The free car park is tiny! Arrive early or late, or be prepared to park elsewhere and walk.
🌬️ Windproof Your Visit
It gets windy up here! Bring layers and a windbreaker for comfort.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 17 reviews
Type
Parking
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Coastal Views
Summit of Rosewall Hill
Soak in breathtaking double views of St Ives Bay and Mounts Bay, with glimpses of Marazion and St Michael's Mount.
Tranquil Escape
Rosewall Hill summit
Experience profound peace and quiet away from the crowds, a true sanctuary for reflection and nature appreciation.
Historical Landscape
Surrounding Rosewall Hill
Discover remnants of ancient Cornwall, including granite rocks and boulders, offering a sense of timelessness.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Small Car Park Alert
The free car park is tiny! Arrive early or late, or be prepared to park elsewhere and walk.
🌬️ Windproof Your Visit
It gets windy up here! Bring layers and a windbreaker for comfort.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be uneven. Good walking shoes or boots are a must for exploring safely.
📸 Double the Views
Capture stunning photos of both St Ives Bay and Mounts Bay from the summit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Small Car Park Alert
The free car park is tiny! Arrive early or late, or be prepared to park elsewhere and walk.
🌬️ Windproof Your Visit
It gets windy up here! Bring layers and a windbreaker for comfort.
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain can be uneven. Good walking shoes or boots are a must for exploring safely.
📸 Double the Views
Capture stunning photos of both St Ives Bay and Mounts Bay from the summit.
🤫 Respect the Sanctuary
This is a peaceful bird sanctuary. Leave no trace, keep noise levels down, and enjoy the quiet.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Rosewall Hill for its absolutely breathtaking, panoramic coastal views, offering a unique double vista of St Ives Bay and Mounts Bay. Many highlight the profound peace and quiet found here, describing it as a true sanctuary. The free, accessible parking is a plus, though its limited capacity is a common point of note. Some mention the potential for strong winds and the natural, uneven terrain.
"Excellent hike from here. Breathtaking views"
J P
"Im hoping this is Rosewall Hill,also known as Top Buttermilk Hill.If it is then yes i had a great time.Still on holiday,photographs to follow.10.7.18 As you leave St Ives in the direction of Zennor you will see two chimneys.That's the hill the photographs are taken from.Known locally at Top Buttermilk Hill there is a bird sanctuary and the hill is unspoilt.There are mine stacks and openings which are fenced off.The bus driver told me not many people visit here,and there are only spaces for 3-4 cars to park.The views are stunning,so is the silence.It's a sanctuary so in return for this little secret respect it.No rubbish left,no shouting.thanks.No ancient monuments by the way."
Ian Chamberlain
"Delivering to a farm. Love this road from St Ives down to St Just"
John Widger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rosewall Hill is a short drive or a longer walk from St Ives. Many visitors park at the small, free car park directly on the hill. If driving, follow signs towards Zennor from St Ives; you'll see two prominent chimneys which mark the hill.
Yes, there is a small, free car park at Rosewall Hill. However, it only accommodates about 3-4 cars and can fill up very quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early or late is recommended.
While there isn't a direct bus stop at the very top of Rosewall Hill, you can take a bus from St Ives towards Zennor and potentially walk from a nearby stop. Check local bus routes for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Rosewall Hill is accessible for cyclists. Some enjoy riding to the top and experiencing the views, though be prepared for potential strong winds.
Rosewall Hill offers easy access to the coastal path, allowing you to explore the stunning Cornish coastline. The free car park is a convenient starting point for these walks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Rosewall Hill is a natural landscape and there are no admission fees. The car park is also free to use, though space is limited.
Rosewall Hill is accessible at all times as it is an open natural area. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the views.
Yes, Rosewall Hill is considered a sanctuary, particularly for birds. Visitors are asked to respect the environment and leave no trace.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at Rosewall Hill. It's a natural, unspoiled location. You'll find amenities in nearby St Ives.
While not explicitly prohibited, drone usage in natural and potentially sensitive areas like bird sanctuaries should be approached with caution and respect for wildlife and other visitors. Always check local regulations.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll be treated to spectacular panoramic views. To the north, you get a great view over St Ives and the sea. To the south, you can see the sea again, stretching towards Marazion and St Michael's Mount. 
Absolutely! The dramatic coastal scenery, changing light, and expansive views make Rosewall Hill a photographer's dream, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The terrain is natural and can be uneven, with grassy slopes and rocky outcrops. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for comfortable exploration.
Rosewall Hill is part of the wider network of trails around St Ives, including access to the South West Coast Path. You can explore the hill itself or embark on longer hikes.
The granite rocks and boulders are a characteristic feature of the Cornish landscape, adding to the ancient and rugged feel of Rosewall Hill. They inspire artists and visitors alike.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, Rosewall Hill is a natural, unspoiled location and does not have any dining facilities. You'll need to head into St Ives for food and drink options.
St Ives offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional pubs to seafood restaurants and cafes. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy with the views from Rosewall Hill.
Yes, Rosewall Hill is a perfect spot for a picnic. Enjoying a meal with the stunning coastal views is a memorable experience. Just remember to take all your rubbish with you.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful light for photography. Evenings with sunny weather are particularly popular.
It's ideal for landscape photography, capturing sweeping coastal vistas, and seascapes. It also offers opportunities for capturing the rugged textures of the granite and the movement of the wind.
The primary 'landmarks' are the breathtaking views themselves, encompassing St Ives Bay, Mounts Bay, and the distant St Michael's Mount. The unique granite formations also make for compelling shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the sea and sky. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
As a bird sanctuary, there's potential for birdwatching and photography. However, the open nature of the hill means you'll likely be photographing birds in flight or at a distance.
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