St Hilary: Church, Art and Coastal Landscape

If you’re looking for a hotel in St Hilary, the village offers a clear focus on cultural history: St Hilary Church brings together architectural features from different periods, religious art and an unusual broadcasting history. The neighbouring Old Church House adds to this heritage with a Heritage Centre. The church’s location between two bays and the St Hilary and Hayle Valley circular walk are additional highlights.

Church and Local History

The tower of St Hilary Church dates from the 13th century; the rest of the building was rebuilt in 1855 by William White after a fire in 1853. The tower and the rest of the building thus represent two distinct phases: a structure dating from the 13th century and a reconstruction following the fire.

St Hilary Church has close links with artists of the Newlyn School; in the 1920s, artists from the school contributed to its decoration. The uniquely painted choir stalls and rood screen depict legends of Cornish saints. The church’s decoration thus connects the history of artistic contributions with specific stories.

Another aspect is its broadcasting history: in 1926, the BBC broadcast Bernard Walke’s community play Bethlehem live from St Hilary; it was the BBC’s first outside broadcast. A Roman inscribed stone is also located in the church.

The restored Old Church House is next to St Hilary Church and houses a Heritage Centre. Its exhibitions explore the church’s history and art, as well as local genealogy. The Centre also explains St Hilary’s historical links with St Michael’s Mount. Its themes therefore extend beyond the building and its furnishings to include family history and historical connections.

Landscape and Walking Route

The church stands on a hill between St Ives Bay and Mount’s Bay. A St Hilary Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan published in 2024 designates the part of St Hilary Parish south of the A394, extending down to Prussia Cove and Cudden Point, as part of the Cornwall National Landscape. The coastal section of the Cornwall National Landscape at St Hilary is designated as County Wildlife Site (CWS) P3.1, “Prussia Cove to Stackhouse Cove”. These designations refer to different geographical units: a part of the parish south of the A394 and a coastal section within the Cornwall National Landscape.

Another walking option is the St Hilary and Hayle Valley circular walk. The route description, last updated on 27 August 2026, mentions only grid-like coffin stiles. A post dated 29 August 2026 mentions Guy’s Butterfly House as a possible stop along the route and recommends booking a visit in advance.

For your trip planning, different themes take centre stage: the church’s architectural and art history, the Heritage Centre’s historical connections, or the designated coastal landscape and the walking route described here.

Discover more destinations: Bodmin, Wendron, St Germans, Launceston, Maxworthy, Lanivet, Liskeard, White Cross

For the broader travel overview: Cornwall.