Discover Hallagenna Cottages - Your Gateway to Bodmin Moor
Nestled in the heart of Bodmin Moor, Hallagenna Cottages offers a tranquil escape with direct access to the moor, allowing guests to explore Cornwall's natural beauty just steps from their doorstep. Perfect for walking, cycling, and discovering the best of Cornwall.
Looking for a relaxing, countryside getaway in Cornwall? Nestled on the edge of the wild and beautiful Bodmin Moor, Hallagenna Cottages offer charming self-catering accommodation just outside the village of St Breward. Surrounded by open moorland, spectacular walking and cycling routes, and with access to wonderful horse-riding trails - it's the perfect base for families, couples, or friends seeking a peaceful retreat in nature.
Comfortable, Well-Equipped Cottages
Our cottages - converted from traditional stables and farm buildings - have been sympathetically renovated with modern comforts while preserving rustic charm. Each cottage features a fully-equipped kitchen and comfortable living spaces. Whether you're a couple, a family or a group, our cottages will accommodate up to 4 guests, and we are happy to welcome dogs in most cottages.
The Perfect Base for Exploring Cornwall
With direct access to Bodmin Moor from the property, you can enjoy miles of walking, cycling and breathtaking moorland scenery without leaving the doorstep. The location is ideal for exploring both North and South Cornwall - from dramatic moorland tors to stunning coastal villages. For cycling enthusiasts, the nearby Camel Trail offers an 18-mile traffic-free ride through beautiful Cornish countryside. Outdoor lovers will be captivated by the natural surroundings, from wild ponies and deer to historic stone circles and hidden valleys.
Dog-Friendly and Peaceful
Bring your four-legged friends along - we welcome up to two medium-sized dogs per cottage. With plenty of open moorland and direct access to nature, it's ideal for dog-walking, hiking, and exploration. Our cottages are managed with sustainability in mind, aligning comfort with environmental responsibility.
Easy Booking & Flexible Stays
For stays during peak season we usually operate a Friday-to-Friday booking system for one-week stays. Outside of peak times, short breaks (minimum 3 nights) are often available - making Hallagenna Cottages a flexible option for short escapes or longer holidays. Contact us to check availability, especially if you'd like to bring a dog or request non-standard dates.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat, an active holiday full of walking, cycling and horse-riding, or a memorable family getaway - Hallagenna Cottages are the perfect gateway to explore the wild beauty of Cornwall - in comfort, with character and with the freedom to roam.
A Rich History Dating Back to 1673
Hallagenna Farmhouse, dating back to 1673, is one of Cornwall's earliest tenanted farmhouses. It evolved from traditional farming into a horse stud and pony trekking centre, taking full advantage of the stunning moorland setting.
The property is famously home to Beatos, the iconic black stallion from Lloyds Bank adverts, who made a splash galloping along a Cornish beach. Beatos sired over 300 foals, producing many exceptional showjumpers and dressage horses, with one even reaching the Olympics. He now rests in the paddocks at Hallagenna.
From Working Farm to Holiday Retreat
Several farm buildings were converted into holiday cottages in the 1970s. Under new ownership from 2007 and 2019, the cottages have been refurbished and expanded to five cottages, combining comfort, heritage, and peaceful moorland surroundings. Horses remain an integral part of the estate, living in the remaining 5-acre paddocks.
Explore Bodmin Moor
Guests have direct access to Bodmin Moor, one of Cornwall's most dramatic landscapes. With open countryside, granite tors, valleys, and historic sites, Bodmin Moor offers endless walking, wildlife spotting, and photography opportunities.
Highlights include:
- Roughtor and Brown Willy - Cornwall's highest peaks with panoramic views
- The Cheesewring and Stowe's Hill - iconic rock formations
- Dozmary Pool - linked to Arthurian legend
- Minions Heritage Centre and the "Hurlers" stone circles
St Breward - Charming Moorland Village
Just a short distance from the cottages, the village of St Breward offers traditional pubs, shops, and local walking routes. Known for its historic granite church, the village provides a warm welcome and a glimpse into Cornwall's rural heritage.
The Camel Trail - Cycling & Scenic Adventures
The renowned Camel Trail is easily accessible, offering an 18-mile traffic-free route from Bodmin to Padstow. Ideal for cyclists, walkers, and families, the trail features riverside views, wildlife spotting, and charming cafés along the way.
Close to Cornwall's Best Beaches
While tucked away in the moor, Hallagenna is within easy reach of North Cornwall's top beaches:
- Polzeath Beach - surfing and family-friendly
- Rock - sailing, watersports, and ferry to Padstow
- Daymer Bay - calm waters, golden sand, and dunes
- Trevone and Harlyn Bay - rockpools, walks, and sunsets
A Warm Welcome Awaits
Whether for relaxation, adventure, or exploring Cornwall's heritage, Hallagenna Cottages offers comfort, history, and natural beauty in one peaceful retreat. With centuries of heritage and breathtaking surroundings, every stay promises memorable experiences.
The Ultimate Guide to Hallagenna & Bodmin Moor
Your perfect base for exploring wild Cornwall, the Camel Trail & the North Coast -- Hallagenna Cottages, St Breward.
1. Staying at Hallagenna -- Peace, Comfort & Moorland Views
Hallagenna Cottages are thoughtfully converted farm buildings on the western edge of Bodmin Moor. Spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, underfloor heating and private outdoor space create comfortable, year-round self-catering accommodation. With direct access to moorland footpaths and bridleways, the cottages are ideal for walking, cycling and stargazing.
2. Bodmin Moor -- A Wild Landscape Rich in Legend & History
One of Britain's last granite wildernesses, Bodmin Moor is a dramatic landscape of tors, wide horizons and prehistoric remains. From the cottage it's easy to reach iconic peaks, ancient monuments and remote walking routes.
Rough Tor & Brown Willy
Rough Tor and Brown Willy are two of Cornwalls highest points. Hikes to their summits reward walkers with wide views across the county and a palpable sense of openness.
Prehistoric Sites & Ancient Monuments
The moor is scattered with Bronze Age cairns, standing stones and hut circles -- sites that give the landscape a deep historic resonance and great exploration opportunities.
Wildlife & Stargazing
Expect to see moorland ponies, raptors, and small mammals. With minimal light pollution, Bodmin Moor is also a superb place for stargazing; the night sky is often vivid and star-filled.
3. St Breward -- The Gateway Village to the Moor
The village of St Breward sits a short distance from Hallagenna and offers a friendly village pub, a small shop for essentials and historic granite architecture including the parish church. It's the local hub for walkers and visitors beginning their moorland explorations.
4. Explore the Camel Trail -- Cycling, Walking & River Scenery
The Camel Trail starts near Wenford Bridge and runs for around 18 miles from Bodmin through Wadebridge to Padstow. A traffic-free, gently sloping route built along a disused railway, it is ideal for families, cyclists and walkers. Birdlife, riverside scenery and easy gradients make the trail a leisurely way to experience Cornwall's countryside and estuary.
Route Highlights
- Wenford Bridge to Bodmin -- woodland and riverside scenery
- Bodmin to Wadebridge -- river views and small-town stops
- Wadebridge to Padstow -- estuary vistas and beaches
5. Beaches Near Hallagenna -- North Cornwall's Coastal Gems
Although located on the moor, Hallagenna is within easy driving distance of some of North Cornwall's best beaches -- typically 25-40 minutes away. These coastal options let you combine moorland days with sun, sea and surf.
Daymer Bay
A sweeping crescent of sand on the Camel Estuary, Daymer Bay is calm, family-friendly and backed by dunes. At low tide you may glimpse the remains of a submerged ancient forest -- a fascinating sight for nature-lovers.
Polzeath, Rock & Trebarwith
Polzeath is a surf hotspot with surf schools and cafés; Rock offers sailing and watersports with a short ferry to Padstow; Trebarwith Strand provides dramatic cliffs and excellent sunset photography.
6. Suggested Itineraries for a Perfect Stay
Day 1 -- Moorland Magic
- Walk from Hallagenna onto Bodmin Moor
- Explore Rough Tor or Brown Willy
- Lunch in St Breward and evening stargazing
Day 2 -- Camel Trail Adventure
- Cycle from Wenford Bridge to Wadebridge or Padstow
- Lunch by the harbour and wildlife-watching on the estuary
Day 3 -- Beach & Coast Day
- Morning at Daymer Bay or Polzeath
- Afternoon in Rock, Port Isaac or Padstow
- Seafood dinner and return to the moor
Day 4 -- History & Hidden Cornwall
- Visit ancient stone circles and prehistoric remains
- Explore Blisland, Minions or Golitha Falls
- Picnic by a tor or riverside
- Evening walk from the cottage
7. Why Hallagenna Is the Ideal Base for Your Cornwall Holiday
Hallagenna offers a tranquil alternative to busy resorts: authentic village life, direct moorland access, easy travel to both countryside and coast, and a comfortable place to relax after days spent outdoors.
Highlights:
- Peace and privacy away from crowds
- Direct access to open moorland and walking routes
- Proximity to the Camel Trail and North Cornwall beaches
- Perfect for walking, cycling, family trips and stargazing
E&OE