St Benets Abbey

Business Details

Historic Bed & Breakfast in Cornwall | St Benets Abbey

St Benets Abbey Bed and Breakfast in Cornwall is a family-run business established in 1411, offering guests a unique blend of historical charm and modern comforts. Our six individually furnished rooms feature en suites, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary amenities, set within a medieval building at the geographical centre of Cornwall. Positioned midway along the Saints Way pilgrimage route, we provide easy access to Cornwall's major attractions while offering a peaceful retreat with ample off-road parking and spacious guest areas. Our location between Bodmin and St Austell makes us an ideal base for exploring both coastal and inland destinations, with local amenities including a Norman church and village shop just minutes away. We pride ourselves on maintaining the architectural integrity of this historic property while ensuring guests enjoy contemporary conveniences such as free Wi-Fi and digital television.

Our commitment to preserving Cornwall's heritage extends to our hospitality approach, where personal touches and local knowledge enhance each visitor's experience. The property's historical significance is complemented by practical facilities including accessible ground-floor rooms and family accommodation options. Our proximity to the A30 motorway ensures easy accessibility while maintaining a tranquil rural setting. We actively promote regional tourism by providing information about nearby attractions including the Eden Project, Bodmin Moor, and coastal towns like Padstow and Fowey. Our guest areas feature both indoor and outdoor spaces designed for relaxation, including a quiet lounge and extensive gardens. This combination of historical authenticity, strategic location, and modern amenities has made us a preferred choice for both leisure and business travellers seeking authentic Cornish accommodation.

Services

Saints Rooms Trail Rooms Family Room Guest Areas Attraction Information

Highlights and features

We offer 15th-century historic accommodation with modern comforts
Our central location provides easy access to Cornwall's major attractions
Family-run business maintaining historical authenticity since 1411
Ample off-road parking and accessible ground-floor room options
Personalised local knowledge enhances guest exploration of Cornwall

What people say

Warm and friendly hosts Historic building charm Central Cornwall location Easy access to attractions Comfortable accommodation

Website

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Services

Saints Rooms

Our Saints Rooms combine medieval charm with modern comforts in three first-floor bedrooms. Each room features a king-size bed (including a four-poster option), en suite shower, flat-screen TV, and complimentary amenities. The historic architecture preserves original features while providing contemporary conveniences for a comfortable stay.

Trail Rooms

Trail Rooms offer standard double or twin beds with en suite facilities across two first-floor and one ground-floor options. Each room maintains historical character while providing modern comforts including digital television, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities for guest convenience.

Family Room

The Lanivet Family Room accommodates two adults and two children with a double bed and adjacent single beds. This trail room includes all standard amenities with additional space for family needs, maintaining the property's historic character while meeting modern family requirements.

Guest Areas

Spacious guest areas include a historic dining room, quiet lounge with reading materials, and extensive gardens for relaxation. These preserved spaces showcase original architectural features while providing comfortable environments for guests to enjoy during their stay.

Attraction Information

We provide detailed information about local attractions including the Eden Project, Bodmin Jail, and coastal towns. Our central location between Padstow and Fowey makes us an ideal base for exploring Cornwall's cultural and natural landmarks.

People

Ric

Owner

Co-owner of St Benets Abbey with extensive knowledge of Cornish history and hospitality, providing warm and professional guest services since acquiring the property.

Jenny

Owner

Co-owner managing daily operations at St Benets Abbey, combining hospitality expertise with local knowledge to ensure guests enjoy authentic Cornish experiences.

Questions

What historical significance does St Benets Abbey have?

Built in 1411, it's a medieval historic house at Cornwall's geographical centre, positioned midway along the Saints Way pilgrimage route.

What room types are available?

We offer Saints Rooms with four-poster/king beds, Trail Rooms with standard/twin beds, and a family room accommodating four people.

How accessible is the property?

Located just off the A30 motorway with ample off-road parking, we provide easy access to Cornwall's attractions while maintaining a tranquil setting.

What amenities do rooms include?

All rooms feature en suites, flat-screen TVs with Freeview, free Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, and complimentary toiletries.

What local attractions can guests visit?

Nearby attractions include the Eden Project, Bodmin Moor, Padstow, Fowey, Charlestown, and the Camel Trail cycling/walking route.

Reviews (7)

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Richard Harriss

Jun 17, 2022 Report

Interesting place, would have been something to see back in the day. Shame someone spoiled what's left by building a windmill in the ruins! There's a bench with an audio guide in it that gives more information which is worth checking out. If you're passing by on a boat I would definitely recommend mooring up and taking a look.

Stephen Mudge

Mar 19, 2022 Report

An nice place with a interesting history. Unfortunately, there is not a lot left to see anymore. The gatehouse with the former mill are the main remnants of the abbey and these are good in themselves but there is little else to see. There is plenty of parking for boats (mooring points) on the river side allowing visits at any time of day or night.

Claire Skidqueen Sales

Feb 20, 2022 Report

Beautiful piece of history, still proudly standing. Worth a walk round if you're in the area. Muddy underfoot, not very wheelchair friendly, but if you've had your Weetabix, or you have a good 'pusher' then this is accessible via wheelchair. Small parking area nearby. Lovely views all round, especially in good weather. Boards and plaques explain the history of the structure.

Henner

Feb 05, 2022 Report

A far flung must-see attraction, highly recommended for those into early Norfolk history. I went on a very sunny day, with amazing views across the broads. Not many people around in January so it was lovely and peaceful.

John Mann

Jan 21, 2022 Report

A remote monument, very different. Very little of the old building left but it has an interesting 18th century mill built into the gatehouse, much loved by artists and photographers, especially combined with the atmospheric Norfolk skies. Good views across the marshes. Little else, used regularly by dog walkers.

Ste Four

Jan 12, 2022 Report

Great place to visit, sits right on the broads, has a couple of benches would be a good place for a picnic

Neil Bowron

Aug 06, 2021 Report

Visited here on our boat trip on the broads. Nice stop over spot to relax and stretch your legs for a while.