Bell Tower
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Talland Church St Tallanus

4.9
·26 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime, during clear weather

Best for coastal views

CrowdLow
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Bell Tower

Talland Church St Tallanus

Best Time

Daytime, during clear weather

Best for coastal views

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.9
(26 reviews)

"Amazing little church up on the hill overlooking Talland Bay with probably some of the oldest grave stones i've ever seen."

Vertical photo
TIP

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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Detached Bell Tower

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

Ancient Carved Beams

Inside and outside the church

Admire the original, ancient carved wooden beams, showcasing centuries of craftsmanship.

Views of Talland Bay

Views of Talland Bay

Churchyard

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

Cornish Inscriptions

Cornish Inscriptions

Inside the church

Discover fascinating inscriptions in Cornish, offering a unique linguistic and historical insight.

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Planning Your Visit

Coastal Path Access

St Tallanus Church is perched on the South West Coast Path. Plan your visit around a scenic walk, but be aware that the church itself may be locked. Parking is available on the road below.

Historical Significance

This ancient church boasts incredibly old gravestones and intricate carvings. Explore the unique detached bell tower and discover inscriptions in Cornish for a glimpse into its rich past.

Best Times

When
Daytime, during clear weather
Why
Best for coastal views
Crowd
Low
When
When walking the coast path
Why
Integrate with scenic hike
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

STUNNING Cornish gem! Save and add this one to the list for your Cornwall summer adventures >> 📍 Polperro 🌊🌸 #devon #polperro #hiddengem #uktravel #cornwallliving #cornwall #contentcreator #explore #vanlifeuk #vanlife #devonlife #devoncoast
@storky_adventures
1.7K likes • 84.7K views

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:

#cornwall #discovercornwall #GetGrafting #adventure #explore #viral #polperro #looe #tallandbay
@apassportfullofstamps
56 likes • 2.7K views
The most picturesque place in the UK #polperro #traveltiktok #beautifuldestinations
@iamdollard
73 likes • 3.8K views

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

4.9
(26 reviews)

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

Stunning bay views
Ancient carvings
Unique bell tower

What People Dislike

Church often locked

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee to visit St Tallanus Church. Entry to the churchyard and exterior is free. Reddit

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. Reddit

The church is frequently locked, meaning you may not be able to enter the interior. However, the exterior and churchyard are always accessible. Reddit

No, the churchyard of St Tallanus Church is free to enter and explore. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 📜 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

The gravestones are described as some of the oldest ever seen, indicating a very long history of burials at the site. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🚶 Hikers and Coastal Path Enthusiasts

For those exploring the South West Coast Path, St Tallanus Church is a perfect rest stop with incredible views. Pack sturdy walking shoes and plenty of water. You can easily incorporate it into a longer hike, perhaps walking from Polperro or towards Looe. Reddit

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. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs and Architecture Admirers

St Tallanus Church offers a rich tapestry of historical and architectural interest. Pay close attention to the unique detached bell tower, the ancient carved wooden beams, and the Cornish inscriptions within the church. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the South West Coast Path

St Tallanus Church is a picturesque stop along the renowned South West Coast Path. This iconic trail offers breathtaking coastal scenery, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside villages. Visitors often combine a visit to the church with a walk towards nearby Looe or Polperro, enjoying the fresh sea air and stunning vistas. The path is well-maintained but can be challenging in sections, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Reddit

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. Reddit

Architectural Marvels and Historical Details

The architectural uniqueness of St Tallanus Church is a significant draw. Its detached bell tower, built directly into the bedrock and connected by an archway, is a rare and fascinating sight. Inside, the ancient carved wooden beams and intricate details on the pews showcase remarkable craftsmanship from centuries past. Reddit

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. Reddit

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