Saint Blazey: History and Outdoor Trails

Saint Blazey offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: local history, buildings and outdoor trails. In the 15th century, the town was a centre of a local wool industry; the St Blazey locomotive shed complex represents another chapter in engineering history. The Church of St Blaize offers its own architectural interest. Walkers and cyclists can consider the route from Par Beach to St Blazey, the Clay Trails and a footpath to the Eden Project. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Saint Blazey, these themes can help you plan your trip around your interests.

Church Architecture and the Saints Way

The Church of St Blaize is a parish church dating from around 1440 and was restored in 1839. Its features include restored 15th-century three-light tracery windows and a three-storey crenellated tower. Inside, granite rubble walls, five-bay arcades and 19th-century vaulted ceilings shape the architecture. The different dates point to a building history spanning several centuries: its origins around 1440, the restoration of 1839 and interior features from the 19th century. St Blaise lies on the Saints Way. During its usual summer opening hours, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., walkers can enter the church and have their maps stamped. Opening hours may vary; check locally before your visit.

Wool Industry and Railway History

In the 15th century, Saint Blazey was a centre of a local wool industry. Later, a woollen mill was established in the rooms of the Town Hall in the centre of Saint Blazey. Thus, the history of wool spans from a local industrial centre in the 15th century to the later mill in the Town Hall. The St Blazey locomotive shed complex marks another chapter. The complex is listed as a Grade II* building; in Cornwall, it is a uniquely preserved example of a purpose-built railway engineering works. Wool processing and railways therefore stand side by side as two distinct historical themes.

Trails, Marshland and Landscape

The walking and cycling route from Par Beach to St Blazey passes through the old marshland of the estuary. The Clay Trails are mostly gravel and are suitable for walking and cycling. A footpath connects Saint Blazey with the Eden Project. When planning your routes, you can distinguish them by their respective character: marshland on the route from Par Beach, mostly gravel on the Clay Trails, and the footpath connection to the Eden Project. Trail conditions may change; check locally before setting out.

If you would like to include a valley landscape in your trip alongside the old marshland, consider Luxulyan Valley: it is near Saint Blazey, and the River Par flows through the valley.

Discover more destinations: Callington, Gunnislake, Killigarth, Pentewan, Penryn, Lanivet, Porthleven, Millbrook.

For the broader travel overview: Cornwall.