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Penrose National Trust

4.7
·592 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover Cornwall's largest natural lake, woodland trails, and stunning coastal views at Penrose National Trust. A dog-friendly paradise!

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wednesday evenings

Bat watching spectacle

CrowdLow
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Penrose (National Trust) - Image 1

Penrose National Trust

Best Time

Wednesday evenings

Bat watching spectacle

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Cornwall's largest natural lake, woodland trails, and stunning coastal views at Penrose National Trust. A dog-friendly paradise!

4.7
(592 reviews)

"A beautiful place with stunning scenery, perfect for dog walks and family adventures."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Penrose is a fantastic spot for dogs! Enjoy miles of trails around the lake and coast. :dog:

🚲 Cycle Hire Available

Explore the estate on two wheels! Lakeside Cycles offers bike hire, perfect for a family day out. :bike:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Loe Pool Lake

Loe Pool Lake

Cornwall's largest natural lake

Wander the scenic trails around this vast freshwater lake, offering serene beauty and diverse wildlife spotting opportunities.

Instagram
Coastal Views at Loe Bar

Coastal Views at Loe Bar

Southern edge of the estate

Experience breathtaking sea vistas where the lake meets the coast, a truly picturesque spot for a leisurely stroll.

Reddit
Woodland Trails

Woodland Trails

Throughout the estate

Immerse yourself in tranquil woodlands, perfect for dog walks and family adventures with varied terrain.

Instagram
The Stables Cafe

The Stables Cafe

Near Penrose House

Refuel with delicious treats and coffee after your explorations, a popular spot for both humans and their canine companions.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors, Dog-Friendly Fun

Penrose National Trust is a paradise for nature lovers and their furry friends! Explore Cornwall's largest natural lake, enjoy stunning sea views, and discover woodland trails. Free parking (donations welcome) and facilities like toilets and a cafe make it a convenient day out for everyone. Instagram

Accessibility and Trail Variety

While some paths can be steep, Penrose offers wheelchair-accessible routes via quiet roads and tarmac paths, making it enjoyable for various mobility levels. Multiple car parks provide convenient access to different sections of the estate. Reddit

Best Times

When
Wednesday evenings
Why
Bat watching spectacle
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Parkrun and cycling
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Leisurely walks
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

On Wednesday evening, our bat club met at Penrose National Trust to witness a wonderful spectacle!🤩 We saw the members of a soprano pipistrelle maternity roost flying from the eaves of a lodge for their sunset snacks.🦟 Elsewhere on the estate, we saw common pipistrelles, lesser and greater horseshoe bats, and possibly noctules and whiskered bats.🦇
wildlifegroundswell
14 likes • 409 views

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Penrose is a fantastic spot for dogs! Enjoy miles of trails around the lake and coast. Instagram :dog:

🚲 Cycle Hire Available

Explore the estate on two wheels! Lakeside Cycles offers bike hire, perfect for a family day out. Instagram :bike:

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there 😎 Why not treat your Dad or Dad figure in your life to a day out on hire bikes around the beautiful Penrose National Trust Estate 👌👍 Has your cycling mad Dad been on an ebike or a gravel bike. Today is a perfect day to give one a go 😀🚴‍♂️ To book visit our website 💻 📞 07368 996058 ⌨️ ride@lakesidecycles.co.uk 💻 www.lakesidecycles.o.uk #localbikeshop...
lakeside_cycles
3 likes • 227 views
Great day out yesterday at Penrose📍🌳 It’s a brilliant dog friendly, wooded country walk around Cornwall’s largest natural lake! A must visit for anyone travelling Cornwall this year!🏞️ Penrose offers free parking (donations welcome towards the national trust) and facilities including toilets & cafe to enjoy a fantastic day out! All info on the National Trust website.🌲 • • • • • • #siberianhusky ...
halithehusky
67 likes • 1.7K views

🦇 Sunset Bat Tours

Witness an incredible display of bats emerging at sunset on select evenings. Check for club events! TikTok :bat:

☕ Cafe Treats

The Stables Cafe offers refreshments, including ice cream for humans and dogs! Instagram :coffee:

Timelapse Penrose Parkrun with Clive Finnimore. This real life run route is 5.08km at an average runner speed of 11.2 km/h, but feel free to run as fast or slow as you like. The run lasts 27:15 minutes and includes ambient sounds with no music.Course SummaryThe course is 5000m (5k) long. The course is at Penrose Estate, Helston. The course is run entirely on tarmac pathsCourse DescriptionAn out an...
clive_finnimore
9 likes • 227 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog-Friendly Paradise

Penrose is a fantastic spot for dogs! Enjoy miles of trails around the lake and coast. Instagram :dog:

🚲 Cycle Hire Available

Explore the estate on two wheels! Lakeside Cycles offers bike hire, perfect for a family day out. Instagram :bike:

🦇 Sunset Bat Tours

Witness an incredible display of bats emerging at sunset on select evenings. Check for club events! TikTok :bat:

☕ Cafe Treats

The Stables Cafe offers refreshments, including ice cream for humans and dogs! Instagram :coffee:

🚶‍♀️ Varied Walking Paths

Paths range from tarmac to tracks; suitable for most fitness levels and some wheelchair users. Reddit :walking:

🅿️ Multiple Parking Options

Several car parks are dotted around the estate, offering convenient access to different areas. Reddit :parking:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(592 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Penrose National Trust for its stunning natural beauty, particularly the expansive Loe Pool and picturesque coastal views. It's a highly recommended dog-friendly destination with ample parking and convenient facilities like a cafe. Some paths can be steep, but accessible routes are available.

"Beautiful place. Good parking. Stunning scenery. Some steep paths down to the start of the walk, but wheelchair access via quiet road and tarmac paths. Paths turn into tracks, so OK for some wheelchair users. Great walk for dogs and energetic kids."

Zena Walsh

"This is a lovely large park with some stunning views of the sea. There's lot's of paths to chose from including some well surfaced paths suitable for wheelchair users. There's 3 carparks around the outside so you can chose one that's closer to the section you want to visit."

Hannah Wild

"Another lovely small car park and easy access to walks"

Brenda Merrifield

What People Like

Stunning scenery
Dog-friendly environment
Ample parking

What People Dislike

Some steep paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Penrose National Trust is located near Helston in Cornwall. You can reach it by car, with several car parks available on the estate. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is advisable. Reddit

Yes, there are multiple car parks around the estate, making it easy to access different walking routes. Parking is free, but donations towards the National Trust are welcomed. InstagramReddit

Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Penrose. Lakeside Cycles offers bike hire, including e-bikes and gravel bikes, for a fantastic day out on the trails. Instagram

Absolutely! Penrose is a great destination for a day trip, offering a variety of activities from leisurely walks to cycling and wildlife spotting. Instagram+1

The estate has a network of paths. For a comprehensive experience, consider using a map or following the main trails around Loe Pool. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Penrose National Trust is generally free, and parking is also free, though donations are encouraged to support the National Trust's conservation efforts. Instagram

The estate is typically open year-round for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty. Specific facilities like the cafe may have seasonal hours. Instagram

No, there are no specific entrance fees for Penrose National Trust. It's a public access area managed by the National Trust, with a focus on donations. Instagram

Yes, you can visit Penrose National Trust without a membership. It's a public space, and donations are appreciated rather than mandatory entry fees. Instagram

For bat watching, Wednesday evenings are highlighted for witnessing maternity roosts. Bird activity is often best in the early morning or late afternoon. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

The trails around Loe Pool offer stunning lake and coastal views, while the woodland paths provide a more shaded and serene experience. InstagramReddit

Yes, Penrose is very dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome on the trails, and many visitors enjoy bringing their pets along for the walk. Instagram :dog:

Yes, there are facilities including toilets and a cafe (The Stables Cafe) available on the estate, making it convenient for a day out. InstagramReddit+1

Penrose is known for its diverse wildlife, including various bat species (soprano pipistrelles, horseshoe bats), house martins, and other birdlife. TikTokInstagram

Yes, Penrose is great for families. The open spaces, gentle trails, and the opportunity to see wildlife make it an engaging experience for kids. Instagram

🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining

The Stables Cafe is a popular spot for refreshments, offering coffee, snacks, and ice cream. It's a great place to relax after a walk. InstagramReddit

While specific picnic areas aren't highlighted, the numerous scenic spots around Loe Pool and the woodlands are perfect for enjoying a picnic. Instagram

Yes, The Stables Cafe offers dog-friendly treats, including ice cream, so your furry companions can enjoy a snack too! Instagram :dog:

Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy at the various scenic spots around the estate. Instagram

The cafe typically offers a range of hot and cold drinks, cakes, snacks, and light meals. They also have specific treats for dogs. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The reflections on Loe Pool, the coastal views at Loe Bar, the ancient woodlands, and the wildlife (especially bats and birds) offer fantastic photographic subjects. Instagram+2

Absolutely. The combination of the large lake, the rugged coastline, and the rolling hills provides diverse and stunning landscape photography opportunities. Instagram

Yes, Penrose is a haven for wildlife. With patience, you can capture images of birds, bats, and other local fauna. Remember to be respectful and maintain a safe distance. TikTokInstagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require prior permission from the National Trust. Always check their guidelines. Instagram

Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light for landscapes. Midday can be good for wildlife, while evenings are prime time for bat spotting photography. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Penrose National Trust is a wonderful spot for families! The vast Loe Pool offers plenty of space for kids to run around, and the woodland trails are perfect for mini adventures. Instagram Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery, or stop by The Stables Cafe for a treat. Instagram The dog-friendly nature means your four-legged family members can join in the fun too! Instagram Consider hiring bikes for an extra layer of excitement exploring the lake's perimeter. Instagram

🐶 Dog Owners

If you're traveling with your canine companion, Penrose National Trust is a must-visit. It's incredibly dog-friendly, with extensive trails around the lake and along the coast that dogs will love to explore. Instagram Leashes are generally recommended, especially near wildlife and other visitors. The Stables Cafe even offers doggy ice cream, making it a treat for your pup too! Instagram You'll see many happy dogs enjoying the freedom of this beautiful estate. :dog:

🚶‍♀️ Active Explorers & Cyclists

For those who love to stay active, Penrose offers a fantastic playground. The network of walking trails caters to various fitness levels, from gentle strolls to more challenging routes. Reddit Cyclists will be thrilled with the hire options from Lakeside Cycles, offering e-bikes and gravel bikes to tackle the varied terrain around Loe Pool and beyond. Instagram The parkrun held here also attracts runners looking for a scenic 5k route. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Penrose by Bike

Penrose National Trust is a cyclist's dream, offering a fantastic network of trails perfect for exploring the estate. Lakeside Cycles, located on-site, provides a range of hire bikes, including e-bikes and gravel bikes, catering to different preferences and fitness levels. Instagram The trails wind around the expansive Loe Pool, Cornwall's largest natural lake, and extend towards the dramatic coastline at Loe Bar, offering diverse scenery for your ride. Whether you're looking for a leisurely family cycle or a more adventurous gravel ride, Penrose has something to offer. Instagram

Many visitors rave about the freedom cycling provides to cover more ground and discover hidden corners of the estate. The paths are generally well-maintained, though some sections might be more suited to mountain or gravel bikes. It's a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Penrose, combining exercise with stunning views. Instagram Remember to check the bike hire availability and book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get the bike you want for your adventure. Instagram

Wildlife Wonders at Penrose

Penrose National Trust is a significant habitat for a variety of wildlife, making it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts. The estate is particularly renowned for its bat population. On warm Wednesday evenings, visitors have the chance to witness the incredible spectacle of soprano pipistrelle maternity roosts emerging for their sunset foraging. TikTok Beyond pipistrelles, the area is home to common pipistrelles, lesser and greater horseshoe bats, and potentially noctules and whiskered bats, offering a rich experience for bat enthusiasts. TikTok

The diverse habitats, from the freshwater Loe Pool to the woodlands and coastal areas, support a wide array of birdlife. House martins and swifts have been observed nesting and foraging around the estate, adding to the avian diversity. Instagram The tranquil environment of the lake and its surroundings also provides a sanctuary for other creatures, making it a rewarding location for patient observation and photography. Instagram+1 Remember to tread lightly and observe wildlife from a respectful distance to ensure their continued well-being. TikTok

Accessibility and Family Fun

Penrose National Trust strives to be an inclusive destination, offering enjoyable experiences for visitors of all abilities and ages. While some of the natural terrain can be steep, the estate has made efforts to improve accessibility. Wheelchair users can navigate parts of the estate via quiet roads and well-surfaced tarmac paths, allowing them to enjoy the stunning scenery. Reddit The presence of multiple car parks also ensures convenient access to different sections of the estate, minimizing long walks from parking to points of interest. Reddit

For families, Penrose is a fantastic choice. The open spaces around Loe Pool are perfect for energetic kids to explore, and the dog-friendly nature of the estate means the whole family, including furry members, can join in the fun. Instagram The Stables Cafe provides a welcome spot for refreshments and treats, making it easy to spend a full day out. Instagram The opportunity to see wildlife, cycle around the lake, or simply enjoy a woodland walk makes Penrose a memorable outing for families. Instagram

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