Discover Altarnun: Churches, Stone Circles and History

The parish of Altarnun lies on the eastern side of Bodmin Moor. Several distinct interests come together in trip planning: church art, prehistoric stone settings, a historic bridge connection and literary associations. If you are looking for a hotel in Altarnun, considering your main interest can help focus your view of the destination. The different places tell different stories: some lead into sacred art, others into Cornwall’s prehistory or its literary and smuggling history.

Church, craftsmanship and a historic connection

The Church of St Nonna preserves a Norman font. Its tower houses a peal of eight bells. Particularly rich in detail are the 79 carved oak bench ends in the church pews, made by Robert Daye; their motifs depict biblical themes, older beliefs and local activities. The furnishings thus bring together religious imagery and scenes from everyday local life. Guided tours and a church guide are available.

The Altarnun Old Bridge offers a different perspective. It forms part of a historic route and connected the local parishioners with the Church of St Nonna for many centuries. The cultural picture therefore includes not only the church interior but also the historic relationship between a route and the community.

Comparing stone circles

The Nine Stones stone circle is one of Cornwall’s smallest stone circles and is protected as a Scheduled Monument. The visible arrangement consists of eight granite slabs. The Leskernick south stone circle is also a protected monument in this category; it is classified as a small Early Bronze Age stone circle. Here, 23 granite stones form a circle approximately 30 metres in diameter.

At Goodaver Stone Circle, 23 granite slabs stand upright to form an almost circular arrangement. These three examples can be considered according to different features: at Nine Stones, the visible arrangement of eight slabs stands out; for Leskernick south, the Early Bronze Age and approximate diameter are noted; and Goodaver has an almost round shape made up of upright stones. If you are interested in prehistoric monuments, these differences can help you choose which historical sites to focus on.

Literature, Methodism and smuggling history

Jamaica Inn is closely associated with Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name. The Smuggling Museum at Jamaica Inn uses the film The History of Jamaica Inn to present Cornwall’s smuggling history. The novel and the museum film thus offer two distinct points of interest: the literary connection on the one hand and the presentation of regional smuggling history on the other.

Wesley Cottage introduces another religious tradition. The cottage and chapel date from the 18th century; the chapel is said to be possibly the world’s smallest Methodist preaching place. Wesley Cottage was restored and opened to the public in 1950.

Plan your bus connections

The local bus network offers frequent services to Bodmin, Launceston and beyond. If you are planning a bus journey, check the timetable before travelling so that your day’s plans are based on current departure times.

Discover more destinations: Mylor Bridge, Porthleven, Pensilva, Lanlivery, Germoe, Millendreath, Wendron, Cardinham

For the wider travel overview: Cornwall.