Discover Jacobstow: History, Walks and Local Flavours

Jacobstow combines impressive traces of medieval history with tranquil paths, wells and a strong local character. Those who want to combine culture and activity on their holiday will find various opportunities here to explore the area at their own pace. Your choice of accommodation may depend on whether you want to focus on historic sites, walks or regional specialities.

Penhallam Manor and the History of Jacobstow

The low, grass-covered ruins of Penhallam Manor are particularly striking. They are the remains of a manor house built by Andrew de Cardinham in the 13th century and surrounded by a moat. Penhallam Manor is one of very few medieval moated sites in South West England. Today, the grounds form a peaceful nature reserve in a wooded valley. Historical significance and an understated landscape therefore come together in this place.

Jacobstow parish church is also dedicated to St James. A special detail in its history is its six church bells: they were cast on site in 1769 in the grounds of Jacobstow’s old vicarage. For visitors interested in culture, the church therefore offers just as tangible a link to the past as the ruins of Penhallam Manor.

The historic character of the area also includes the Holy Well of St James and St James Well. The Holy Well of St James has medieval origins, although it was probably rebuilt. St James Well lies in a hollow at the source of a stream that flows past Jacobstow parish church. Those interested in religious traditions, landscape features and the connection between settlement and water can view these places as distinct facets of the village’s history.

Footpaths with Different Routes

Jacobstow can also be explored via several described sections of footpath. Footpath FP 1 passes Bury Court and crosses Jacobstow’s only listed bridge. These two points give the walk a cultural and architectural dimension without limiting it to a single attraction.

Another section is FP 6. It leads a few metres up Witchy Pool Lane into a field and ends at the A39. If you would like to visit the Holy Well of St James, continue further up the lane. When planning your day, take the specified route for each section into account and choose your itinerary according to the places you would like to link together.

From the church, the first lane, School Lane, runs eastwards to Water Gate. If possible, you can take the old holloway route or follow the edge of the hedge along a permitted path to Blagdon. From Witheven Lane, another path crosses a pasture stile and a field to a packhorse bridge. Such specific route details make Jacobstow particularly interesting for travellers who want to experience history not just at a single site, but along a variety of landscape features.

Local Flavours as Part of Your Stay

The Wainhouse Country Store offers another regional perspective. It sells local cheese and cream, fresh bread and cakes, as well as freshly baked Barnecutts pasties made on site. This selection adds a culinary dimension to the historical and scenic impressions. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage in Jacobstow, you can therefore consider whether you want to focus your trip primarily on culture, walks and nature, or also on regional products.

Further Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to discover other places as well as Jacobstow, you can continue your research with Tywardreath, St Winnow, Edmonton, Stratton, Sancreed, Cardinham, Morval and Budock Water. This allows you to consider different travel ideas before selecting suitable accommodation for your stay.

For the main travel overview: Cornwall.