Exploring the History and Culture of Sennen Cove

A warm welcome awaits visitors to Sennen Cove and Vallendreath Cottages. Whether you have come for a short relaxing break or a longer holiday, there is plenty to see and do in the area. From water sports to hiking, cycling and even cliff jumping, there is such a huge variety of adventure waiting for you.
We have some visit suggestions for those who love history and getting to know an area’s background.

Sennen Cove Mystery

When staying at the Vallendreath Cottages you are on the doorstep to the question puzzling scholars of Cornish history. When the Doomsday book was written—1085 - 1100— it included information on local manors. However, over the years, the changing names of people and places created some problems in identifying them. 

In the second volume, the Exeter Doomsday Book—preserved in the Cathedral library of Exeter—there is a more extensive list of Cornish manors and farms. The forests and woodland of the era disappeared mainly due to the Cornish mining trade. Some of these manors were very small and known as trefs; over time, these have amalgamated or disappeared. 

A name change that confused scholars is ‘Witestan’. This tref included “half a plough and 1 serf and 8 beasts and 8 swine and 40 sheep and 40 goats and 12 acres of woodland.” According to F. E. Halliday in his book,—published in 1959— “A History of Cornwall”, Witestan is Whitesands in Sennen. However in his Essays of Cornish History—published in the 1940s—Charles Henderson argues it is more likely to be Whitstone near Tingetal. What do you think? 

Standing Stones Of Sennen
You can find Menhir or standing stones scattered throughout the UK. Most date back to the middle Bronze Age, and while there is speculation of the uses, people are still determining if they are part of Druid rites, an ancient calendar or way markers. Or all three! The stones have been erected by humans and are usually large upright stones. You can find one a short walk from Sennen’s First and Last pub. The stone is on private ground, so you should seek permission before entering.

Chapel Carn Brea
An easy five-minute drive inland or a 45-minute walk along the A30 brings you to the ancient site of Chapel Carn Brea. Named after the medieval church that once stood there. If you are lucky enough to be in the area on Midsummer’s Eve, you can see the beacon to guide travellers and boats still being set alight. Carn Chapel Brea is considered a neolithic site containing barrows or ancient burial sites. 

Two of the barrows are particularly interesting. The first is a long barrow from the early Neolithic period, which you can see as a long mound of granite rocks. The second is a late Neolithic entrance grave on the brow of the hill. This is a type only found in Penwith and Scilly, with an additional two chambers added in the Bronze Age, containing burial remains when excavated in the 19th century. 

History As Seen Today In & Around Sennen

Sennen Cove has several interesting buildings tied to the history and culture of the area. Most are easy to visit on foot and spend some time absorbing times long gone,

The Old Success Inn
This 17th Century fishermen’s inn is a pleasant 14-minute walk along the mostly flat SW Coast Path. There is only private parking at a cost, so walking is the best way to visit this pub, have a drink or a meal, and enjoy the lovely views across the bay. You may even catch a glimpse of the Sennen Whopper or dolphins!

The First and Last Inn
The history of Sennen is steeped in the bloodthirsty activity of smuggling contraband, and the First and Last inn was central to the story. A 1.3-mile walk or a five-minute drive from Vallendreath, you will find this haunt of smugglers, wreckers and murderers. Enjoy a drink or a meal but watch for the ghosts of some of the unsavoury characters who frequented this coaching inn built in 1620.

The Roundhouse & Capstan Gallery
A five-minute drive, or you could take one of two walks. One is around 18 minutes via the SW Coast Walk and Cove Hill or 27 minutes directly along the SW Coast walk. 
The Roundhouse is where the capstan or windlass was, where groups of men haul fishing boats up the steep incline from the harbour by chains. 
The base building would have been open in the 18th century, with a building for stores on the top added in the early 19th century. Both flours are now used as a shop and local artist’s gallery, but you can still see the windlass.

A Bit Further Afield

Geevor Tin Mine Museum
A little over a 35-minute drive or a 45-minute bus ride from Sennen, you will find the interesting Geevor Tin Mine. The largest preserved mine in the UK and a Cornish World Heritage Site, it is a great family-centred place to visit. Take a virtual tour to see the working of an 18th-century tin mine. Pan for ‘gold’ and gems, even put on a hard hat and explore what life was like for the miners. 

St Michael’s Mount
If you fancy going further afield with your exploration, a two-and-a-half hour car drive will take you to Marazion and the famous St Michael’s Mount. There is a car park for visitors to the town and St Michael’s Mount. You can visit the well-maintained castle and gardens, whose history goes back to Benedictine monks around 1066. 
There is a rich history and myths attached to St Michael’s Mount. The island’s name is from the Archangel Michael, the patron saint of fishermen, who is said to have visited the island’s western side to warn fishermen of danger. 

This tale and rumours of four miracles brought many pilgrims throughout the ages. The island is also famous for the lei-lines said to cross on the island. If you enjoyed tales of Jack, the giant slayer, the stories are based on the legend of Cormaran. The giant made his home on the island, terrorising locals until Jack from Marazion slew him. it is said he then placed his stone heart within the cobbled path leading to the mount.

Wherever you wander or prefer to stay on Whitesand beach, swimming, surfing, sunbathing, or just chilling, You will always find the warmest of welcomes and some great tall tales in Sennen Cove.

Late availability offers

We have some great late availability offers for cottages at Vellandreath Cornish Cottages: