
Talland Church St Tallanus
An ancient church on a cliffside, offering stunning views of Talland Bay and rich historical details like carved beams and a unique bell tower.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for coastal views

Talland Church St Tallanus
Best Time
Best for coastal views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient church on a cliffside, offering stunning views of Talland Bay and rich historical details like carved beams and a unique bell tower.
"Amazing little church up on the hill overlooking Talland Bay with probably some of the oldest grave stones i've ever seen."

Church may be locked
The church is often locked, so you might only see the exterior and churchyard. Plan accordingly! :lock:
Park at the bottom
Free road parking is available near the toilets at the bottom of the hill if you can find a space. :car:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Detached Bell Tower
Separate structure from the main church
A unique bell tower built directly into bedrock, linked by an archway. A true architectural marvel.

Ancient Carved Beams
Inside and outside the church
Admire the original, ancient carved wooden beams, showcasing centuries of craftsmanship.

Views of Talland Bay
Churchyard
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the beautiful Talland Bay from the churchyard.

Cornish Inscriptions
Inside the church
Discover fascinating inscriptions in Cornish, offering a unique linguistic and historical insight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Coastal Path Access
Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Church may be locked
The church is often locked, so you might only see the exterior and churchyard. Plan accordingly! :lock:
Park at the bottom
Free road parking is available near the toilets at the bottom of the hill if you can find a space. :car:
Combine with coastal walk
Perfect stop on the South West Coast Path. Enjoy the walk to Looe after your visit! :hiking_boot:
Admire the details
Look closely at the ceiling and pew carvings for incredible historical artistry. :art:
Tips
from all over the internet
Church may be locked
The church is often locked, so you might only see the exterior and churchyard. Plan accordingly! :lock:
Park at the bottom
Free road parking is available near the toilets at the bottom of the hill if you can find a space. :car:
Combine with coastal walk
Perfect stop on the South West Coast Path. Enjoy the walk to Looe after your visit! :hiking_boot:
Admire the details
Look closely at the ceiling and pew carvings for incredible historical artistry. :art:
Explore the churchyard
The churchyard offers stunning views and some of the oldest gravestones you'll ever see. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise St Tallanus Church for its stunning location overlooking Talland Bay and its rich historical features, including ancient carvings and a unique detached bell tower. While the church interior is often locked, the exterior and churchyard offer ample historical interest and breathtaking views, making it a worthwhile stop for coastal walkers and history enthusiasts.
"Amazing little church up on the hill overlooking Talland Bay with probably some of the oldest grave stones i've ever seen. The actual church doesnt seem much but when you look up at the ceiling and the carvings on the pews, you realise how much work was involved. Always visit Talland every time we come to Cornwall and walk the coast path to Looe after visiting the church. Parking is free on the road at the bottom by the toilets if you can get a space."
Paul Baker
"Stunning little church with amazing views. Great to go back as was baptized in the 80's"
David Munro
"I passed this church while walking a section of the coastal path and I always like to stop and take a look around a church. The building was sadly locked so I couldn't go inside, but it looked like a lovely building from the outside with a great view of the ocean."
Matthew Young (Urban Tiger)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Tallanus Church is located on the South West Coast Path. Many visitors arrive by walking along the path. Road access is possible, with parking available on the road at the bottom of the hill near the toilets, though spaces can be limited.
Yes, free parking is available on the road at the bottom of the hill by the toilets. However, it can get busy, so arriving early or being prepared to walk is advisable.
While there isn't direct public transport to the church itself, you can take buses to nearby Talland Bay or Looe and then walk along the scenic coastal path to reach the church. Check local bus schedules for routes serving the area.
Many visitors find walking the South West Coast Path to be the most rewarding approach, offering stunning sea views. Alternatively, you can drive and park at the bottom and walk up.
The church is situated on a hill, and access from the road parking involves an uphill walk. The churchyard itself has uneven terrain. The church interior may be inaccessible if locked.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit St Tallanus Church. Entry to the churchyard and exterior is free.
The church is often locked, so there are no set opening hours for the interior. Visitors can typically access the churchyard and admire the exterior at any time.
The church is frequently locked, meaning you may not be able to enter the interior. However, the exterior and churchyard are always accessible.
No, the churchyard of St Tallanus Church is free to enter and explore.
As it's a relatively quiet spot, crowds are generally low. Visiting during weekdays or outside of peak holiday seasons will ensure a more peaceful experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning views of Talland Bay from the churchyard, the unique detached bell tower, and the ancient carved beams and gravestones. The coastal path offers further scenic photo spots.
If you are able to enter the church, photography is generally permitted for personal use. However, always be respectful of the sacred space and any signage.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for both the church and the surrounding bay. Midday provides clear views but can be harsh.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for drone photography at St Tallanus Church, but always adhere to general aviation rules and be mindful of privacy for any visitors or residents. It's best to check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the church and the expansive bay views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details like carvings and gravestones.
🎫 📜 History & Architecture
St Tallanus Church is an ancient place of worship with a long history. It features very old gravestones, intricate carvings on its beams and pews, and unique architectural elements like a detached bell tower. It also contains inscriptions in Cornish.
The bell tower is detached from the main church building and is built directly into the bedrock. It's linked to the church by an archway and is a distinctive architectural feature.
Inside, you can find ancient carved wood beams, an organ, a font, granite columns, and inscriptions in Cornish. The craftsmanship of the ceiling and pews is particularly noteworthy.
It refers to writing or carvings on stone or other surfaces within the church that are in the Cornish language, offering a direct link to the region's historical linguistic heritage.
The gravestones are described as some of the oldest ever seen, indicating a very long history of burials at the site.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
🚶 Hikers and Coastal Path Enthusiasts
Remember that the church itself might be locked, so focus on enjoying the scenic location and the historical churchyard. The parking at the bottom can be a convenient point to start or end a section of your hike.
🏛️ History Buffs and Architecture Admirers
Even if you can't enter the building, the ancient gravestones in the churchyard and the overall atmosphere provide a compelling glimpse into the past. It’s a site that rewards close observation and an appreciation for historical detail.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the South West Coast Path
Planning your walk around the church visit allows for a more immersive experience. You can start your walk from a nearby village, reach the church, and then continue your journey, or vice versa. The views from the path leading to and from the church are consistently praised for their beauty, making it a highlight for many hikers.
Architectural Marvels and Historical Details
Beyond the structure itself, the church holds historical significance through its inscriptions in Cornish, offering a tangible connection to the region's linguistic heritage. The large churchyard is dotted with some of the oldest gravestones, each telling a silent story of the past. Even if the church is locked, the exterior and the historical elements within the churchyard are well worth exploring.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit