Holiday Home, Marazion

North Wing

Beautiful holiday home with stunning panoramic sea views

Sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms (+ cot) Friday arrival Sorry no dogs
The Retreat

North Wing is a beautiful apartment is set in a historic castle and boasts sweeping panoramic views over Mount’s Bay. You have immediate access to miles of coastal path, and a choice of great beaches. North Wing offers accommodation for 4, but is not too big to make a delightful bolt-hole for two.

Built in 1775 as a country house, Acton Castle was created to command the view over Mount’s Bay, one of Cornwall’s most dramatic and beautiful stretches of coastline. A fascinating part of local heritage and a building listed by Historic England, today Acton Castle comprises seven unique and exclusive dwellings. North Wing is on the first floor, and so benefits from outstanding views of the coastline. The accommodation centres around a large open-plan living area, ideal for relaxed coastal living.

Inside North Wing holiday apartment near Perranuthnoe Cornwall

Inside North Wing

You will approach Acton Castle down a twisting and slightly bumpy country lane. Turning a corner the view suddenly and dramatically opens before you — you can see the sea stretching to the horizon, and the castle set in an elevated position above the bay. Acton Castle has been painstakingly restored, and North Wing cleverly combines a traditional historic feel, with all the contemporary features, including beautiful wooden floors throughout, you’ll need for a relaxed and carefree escape, at any time of year.

The owners have given careful attention to colours and textures, with relaxing greys, greens and moody blues throughout the interior, complimenting the wooden floors, natural exposed stonework and coastal surroundings. Guests are welcomed into a large open plan living and dining room, combined with a well-equipped modern kitchen. There is ample comfy seating, a large 55” Internet TV with Freeview, and a dining table seating six. The elevated position and large windows give panoramic views over Mount’s Bay to St Michael’s Mount and the Penwith peninsula.

The master bedroom, along the main corridor, has a super king sized bed, hanging space, and a huge window that floods the room with natural light. Next door is the small twin bedroom with a 20” TV and a chest of drawers. Both bedrooms are decorated in neutral whites and greys and have bleached wooden floors. You will also find a lovely bathroom with luxury double-ended bath, shower, heated towel rail and under floor heating — as well as a separate WC. Please note there is limited storage space in the main bedroom.

View of Mount's Bay from North Wing holiday apartment near Perranuthnoe Cornwall

Outside the property

In front of the property, you’ll have access to a formal communal garden set out with separate lawned areas, sub-tropical planting and an ornamental fish pond — and of course sharing the same breathtaking views as the accommodation. This space is perfect for soaking up the sun from the sheltered and cleverly positioned garden benches. There is also designated private parking for you.

From the garden, over a stile and across one field, you are immediately on the South West Coast Path — making this a perfect base for walkers. A twenty minute stroll along the coast path will bring you to Prussia Cove, taking in dramatic Cudden Point and little Piskies Cove along the way — or wander a similar distance in the other direction and you’ll find the beach and village of Perranuthanoe, with its seafront café, excellent gastro-pub and several other places to eat and explore. The coves here were once a smuggler’s haven and still have a secretive feeling to this day.

A very short drive away is the superb lifeguarded beach of Praa Sands, with a café and shop, and a little further away you can explore Porthleven, Marazion, Penzance, Newlyn Harbour, Mousehole, or even the Lizard Peninsula, St Ives and Penwith.

A little history, and other things we love…

Acton Castle was built in 1775 for John Stackhouse – a marine biologist before such a profession existed. Working extensively in the area he conducted fieldwork and ground-breaking analysis and categorisation of seaweed. The architect was John Wood the Younger – who had recently completed designs for the world famous Royal Crescent in Bath. Cornwall’s most famous real-life smuggler “The King of Prussia” (real name John Carter) was for a time also caretaker of Acton Castle.

There are said to be smuggler’s tunnels running from the castle to the coast — although these have never been found. Find out more about the fascinating story of John Carter here. Of course all of this was happening at the same time as the fictitious Poldark stories were taking place — and indeed many of the plotlines in Poldark can easily be imagined right here.

We love the history, but North Wing is also hard to beat in terms of its location and panoramic views. We love being able to walk to a range of little beaches, but also having a wide choice of bigger ones just a few moments away. If you are a foodie you are also really well served here – get you own culinary ingredients from brilliant little Trevelyan Farm Shop, book an evening table at the excellent Victoria Inn in Perranuthanoe (you can walk back with a torch!), or take advantage of Rick Stein’s, Amélies or Kota in Porthleven. Nearby Goldsithney Stores provides a daily delivery service which is well worth it if you fancy having a lazy morning (phone your order and pay cash when they deliver)!

A visit to St Michael’s Mount, wandering back bare-booted across the causeway as the tide laps in over your feet is a must. And of course, back at North Wing, enjoy breathtaking sunsets looking west towards the twinkling lights of Penzance, Mousehole and far off Land’s End. North Wing has its own Facebook page, why not have a look?

Wonderful
We have been here many times before, three weeks this time, had a wonderful time as always. We will be back next year.
Paul & Judith — July 2022
Features

Retreat Features

  • Incredible apartment in an 18th Century castle
  • Secluded location but in walking distance of an excellent pub/restaurant!
  • Hidden coves and beaches just a coastal stroll away
  • Private parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Stunning views of St. Michael's Mount
SLEEPING
Principal bedroom: super king bed
Bedroom two: twin beds
All bed linen and bath towels provided
LIVING & RELAXING
Superfast Fibre Broadband
Comfortable sofa seating up to four
Two large armchairs
55’’ Internet TV with Freeview, Freetime, Freesat and Blu-ray DVD player
Large collection of DVDs, books and games
Portable wireless music player
COOKING & DINING
Modern and well equipped kitchen
Electric oven and grill, induction hob, large fridge, freezer, dishwasher, microwave
Nespresso coffee machine (please bring your own capsules)
Washing machine / tumble dryer
High quality utensils and equipment
Dining area seating for six
Tea towels provided
PETS
Sorry, no dogs
BATHROOM
Bathroom with large double-ended bath, separate shower, wash basin, underfloor heating, heated towel rail
Additional separate WC with wash basin
Bathroom towels provided
OUTDOORS
Spectacular views across Mount’s Bay
Direct access to the South West Coast Path
Ornamental pool with beautiful fish
North Wing is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
HEATING
Electric radiators
BABIES & TODDLERS
Toys and games for little ones
Travel cot (no linen)
High chair
PARKING
Allocated parking for two cars
ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES
Friday standard changeover
Check in after 4pm
Check out before 10am
Location

MOUNT'S BAY

This beautiful expanse of Mount’s Bay sweeps in a gigantic horseshoe shape from Porthleven to Mousehole on Cornwall’s south coast. It’s Cornwall’s largest bay and boasts panoramic ocean views from dramatic cliff tops, pristine sandy beaches and unspoilt fishing villages – plus of course many miles of the south west coast path waiting to be explored right on your doorstep. There is simply no better place to be.

Travel times

  • North Wing is about 6 miles from the nearest mainline station at Penzance. Regular and convenient services run from all over the UK.
  • North Wing is on Trevean Lane, near Penzance. Driving time from London is just over five hours in normal traffic while Exeter is around two hours away. We’ll send you detailed route information before your departure.

Things we love

  • Incredible vistas from inside and outside the apartment
  • A rural stroll down to the wonderful Victoria Inn
  • The area is drenched in the history of smugglers
  • Discover hidden coves right on your doorstep

The mount's bay guide

Beaches near Mounts Bay holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

Beautiful beaches

Mount’s Bay has more than its fair share of stunning beaches, from sheltered coves and quiet bays to huge expanses of sand where wind and kitesurfers whip up tricks out to sea. From Porthleven to Mousehole, this epic sweep of coast is peppered with rugged cliffs, historic engine houses and tiny fishing harbours, stunning scenery, and — with few hills and easy, level paths — some of the most accessible stretches of the South West Coast Path.

This swathe of coast is also home to some of the UK’s best surfing beaches, such as Porthleven with its challenging reef break. You’ll also find stretches of sands dotted with lively beach bars, pop-up food trucks and coastal cafes, and dramatic coves steeped in smuggling history, such as the rocky cove of Prussia Cove. This area has the perfect mix of beaches for visitors who aren’t afraid to get off the beaten track and find their own adventure.

Walking the past

Take a moment to step away from the coast you’ll discover an area rich in history. From Neolithic stone formations to pre-Christian sites, all can be explored on foot. The jewel in the crown is undeniably the St Michael’s Mount. With a castle dating back to the 12th century, this statuesque landmark holds tales of giants, pilgrims, fisherman and soldiers. Walk across the causeway at low tide or catch the ferry at high tide.

Head back into Marazion to seek out Madron Well, a holy well shrouded in Pagan mystery. Visit armed with a coloured piece of fabric to add to the ‘clouties’ tied on the tree before visiting the 12th century ruins of St Madron’s Chapel. Travel a little further inland to Lanyon Quoit, a megalithic (4000-2500BC) stone structure, or visit Carn Euny and Chysauster and explore the eery remains of an ancient village. 

Pub near holiday cottages in Mount's Bay by Forever Cornwall

Fine food

Newlyn, Mousehole, Penzance and Perranuthnoe all have restaurants that are a must visit, each serving fantastic dishes packed with local produce. In Mousehole, dine at 2 Fore Street for a bistro style meal, or, for a killer Sunday lunch with a view, head to The Old Coastguard. Visit Newlyn’s Mackerel Sky, a seafood bar serving tapas-style dishes from mid-March and over the summer. If you’re looking for something a little more central to Penzance, sample a cocktail or two before enjoying a decadent meal at The Cornish Barn.

It is well worth making the trip to The Victoria Inn at Perranuthnoe for stunning food at very reasonable prices. A little further along the coast and you’ll find Porthleven, south Cornwall’s new foodie capital, where Amélie and Kota Kai on the historic harbour should definitely be on your hit list.

Beaches
Beach in Mount's Bay near holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

Praa Sands

Excellent waves, white sands and plenty of amenities on hand, Praa Sands is the perfect family friendly beach — and big enough to have room to yourself all year round. There’s easy access from the carpark and watersports are available from Boatshed Activity Centre, from coasteering and kayaking to surfing and paddleboarding. Gwithian-based Global Boarders also run surf lessons from here, and there are a number of good places to eat. There’s lifeguard cover from May to September, and dogs are welcome from September through till June.

Beach near Marazion holiday cottages by Forever Cornwall

Perranuthnoe

With its small car park and limited lifeguard cover, Perranuthnoe is a little hidden gem and stays mostly under the radar of visitors. It’s a lovely, soft sandy beach (which disappears almost entirely at high tide so check the tides before your visit!), with huge rocks to clamber  at one end. There are a number of places to eat nearby, including the The Cabin Beach Cafe right on the beach, and the wonderful Peppercorn Cafe further up. Lifeguards man this beach from July till early September and dogs are welcome from September through till June.

Marazion and Long Rock

Marazion and Long Rock beach together make up the stretch of coast from St Michael’s Mount to Penzance. A safe beach, when the tide is out the waters are particularly shallow and great for paddling. When the wind picks up, this is a great spot for kitesurfers — watch them soar above the waves from the cafe above the beach with an ice cream (you can also do kitesurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking from here). Marazion has lifeguard cover from mid-July until early September and dogs are allowed on the beach all year except July and August (10am-6pm).

Food & drink

Mousehole and Newlyn

For the freshest Cornish ingredients and superb harbour views, head to the ever popular 2 Fore Street, whilst the family-friendly Mousehole Deli and Kitchen serves up small plates to share; they also have a brilliant takeaway menu, including things like a half lobster with fries. Wander along the seafront to The Old Coastguard for an easy-going atmosphere, stunning views from the terrace and superb food. In neighbouring Newlyn the restaurant at the hip Newlyn Filmhouse is the place for a pre-film haddock and chips, whilst The Tolcarne Inn has won all sorts of awards for its delicious Cornish fare. Argoe, which opened in 2021, cooks up fish which literally comes straight off the dayboats in front. Also worth a visit are the little wine bar Lovetts (artisan coffee and pastries by day, cocktails and charcuterie by night) and the Mackerel Seafood Bar.

Penzance

Top of the list should be The Shore Restaurant for outstanding food, wine and impeccable service, and The Cornish Barn at the Artist Residence on Chapel Street. For more laid-back fare, grab a tasty woodfired pizza at tiny Totti in the heart of town or pop into The Cornish Hen, an award-winning deli, which sells the best coffee in town and an assortment of local deli goodies. The new bar and kitchen at 45 Queen Street is a bustling place and event space focussing on local food, beers, wine and cocktails (using their own gin, Tinkture) in a converted redbrick warehouse in Penzance’s backstreets.

Marazion and Perranuthnoe

These small villages halfway between Porthleven and Mousehole offer some of the best relaxed eateries in the area. For a real taste of Cornwall, grab a pasty from Philps in Marazion or enjoy a delicious pastry or scone with Cornish clotted cream at The Copper Spoon, just off the highstreet. We also love Craby’s Beach Bar & Terrace (walk-ins only) tucked behind the seawall for its barbecue feasts and zingy cocktails. For the best pub in the area, make a beeline for the Victoria Inn, a 12-century pub with good food at its heart. If you’re in need of a beach day refreshment, The Cabin Beach Cafe at Perranuthnoe is a delight, selling a range of tasty treats; it’s just off the coast path so makes a great stop off for walkers.

Porthleven Pub

Porthleven

This pretty harbour village has become a bit of a foodie hotspot in recent years. When the sun is shining, it’s hard to beat The Mussel Shoals, which serves up big bowls of mussels and jugs of cider on trestle tables on the quay. Multi-award winning Kota Restaurant and its more laid-back sister restaurant Kota Kai bar and kitchen next door (‘Kota’ means shellfish in Maori) specialise in Asian fusion dishes (there are plenty of non-fish options too!), and don’t miss Amelie’s for delicious Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates. Porthleven is also home to brilliant coffee Origin and their cafe, The Roastery Cafe, slightly out of town (they also serve tasty toasties) — they have a tiny cafe right on the harbour, too. For the best fish in chips in town, head to the Top Chippy — take them to eat on benches on the harbour or watch the surfers down on Porthleven beach.

St Mount’s Bay Local Food Guide

With some of the county’s most vibrant, independent communities, Mount’s Bay is a great place to get your hands on local Cornish Produce, The town of Penzance is chock-full of places to stock up on local food, from delis and bakeries to farm shops and weekly markets, whilst neighbouring Newlyn, one of the UK’s largest fishing ports and home to the Newlyn fish market, is the place to go for fresh fish and seafood.

Take a look at our handy Cornish Food Guide to find out where you can buy local produce in the Mount’s Bay area. 

Things to do

St Michael’s Mount

You can’t go to Mount’s Bay and not visit the iconic St Michael’s Mount, the imposing medieval castle and church set on a tidal island just off Marazion beach. At low tide, you can cross the causeway to the island on foot; at high tide there’s a ferry that will take you over. Now owned by the National Trust, it makes an incredible day trip — learn the tale of Cormoran the giant and the history of the castle, wander around the subtropical and terraced gardens surrounding the castle (seasonal opening times), explore the harbour and village, visit the art gallery or enjoy afternoon tea at the Harbour Loft at the top.

Potter around Penzance

Recently voted as the best place to live in Cornwall, Penzance is one of Cornwall’s most vibrant, creative communities, an eco-minded hub full of art and culture, independent shops and galleries, top notch places to eat, a beautiful coastline and some amazing places to visit nearby. You could easily spend a morning popping in and out of local boutiques, such as the beautiful Handworked Shop, stopping off for a delicious lunch in Penzance centre before taking in an exhibition at The Exchange art gallery followed by a dip in the Art Deco lido on the seafront.

Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens

These beautiful sculpture gardens on the outskirts of Penzance are home to 22 acres of exotic, sub-tropical planting and inspiring art, sculpture and installations, like the James Turell’s Sky Space — a domed chamber from which to view the sky above — plus a restaurant, plant nursery, shop and the Tremenheere Gallery (one of the largest purpose built galleries in Cornwall) with a constantly changing programme showcasing the work of local, national and international artists. Set into a sheltered valley overlooking St Michael’s Mount, the gardens are open between February and October.

Jubilee Pool, Penzance

After a huge renovation project, the Art Deco lido on Penzance’s seafront was opened to the public in 2020. The largest seawater pool in the UK, it contains 5 million litres of water and can be used by up to 600 saltwater swimmers at any one time. The separate geothermal pool (you’ll need to prebook tickets), which remains at a balmy 35 degrees, works by extracting warm water from a geothermal well nearly half a mile below ground, making it one of the most carbon efficient pools in the country. The Jubilee Pool Cafe, which serves local, seasonal produce as well as craft beers and wines, is a great place for a bite to eat afterwards.

Guests Say
  • A wonderful time as always

    We have been here many times before, three weeks this time, had a wonderful time as always. We will be back next year.

    Paul & Judith — July 2022
  • Super

    We have been to Acton Castle once before. Each time has been super. This time we went: bodyboarding in St Ives, cycling in Penrose, swimming at Prussia Cove and coastal walking. This trip has been amazing, I hope it's not our last.

    Lucy aged 11 — May 2022
  • A favourite place

    A favourite place. Stunning coastline and history. Amazing apartment — will be back.

    Sue — October 2021
  • Will be back!

    Another lovely stay in this beautiful place! Will be back! Thank you.

    Jan & Gary — June 2021
  • Fourth time here

    Fourth time here — lovely property in a lovely spot. Will be back next year.

    Paul & Judith — June 2021
  • Beautiful spot

    We had a wonderful stay at this beautiful spot. We loved the walking trail and beaches. Our daughter's especially loved climbing down to the secret beach. Long list of plans for a return trip.

    The Mahon family — June 2021
  • Wonderful place

    Our first stay at North Wing. What a wonderful place, couldn't be better. We enjoyed being able to walk the coast path without having to drive to it first. Will be back I'm sure.

    Roger & Jo — May 2021
  • Perfect for us

    A beautiful spot! We have had an adventure-packed week, going on day trips all around Cornwall. We have also enjoyed the SW coast path both ways. The apartment was perfect for us. Fascinating smuggling books on your bookshelf bring the history alive! Thank you for your hospitality.

    Eva, Michael & Hannah — April 2021
  • A very special place!

    Wow, what an amazing place! We have enjoyed every minute and have re-charged our energy after a long lockdown. Coastal path was a joy both ways and the bonus was seeing seals in the cove. We visited our favourites — Porthleven, Porthcurno and of course the Beach Hut cafe in Perranuthnoe. Thanks for sharing a very special place! We will be back ASAP.

    Sally & Stuart — April 2021
  • Totally enjoyable and unique

    What an amazing time we have had exploring this region of Cornwall. Your beautiful, well appointed apartment with its gorgeous sea views have made the experience totally enjoyable and unique. Thank you for the welcoming flowers and cream teas! A week was far too short but we managed to do lots of exploring around Prussia Cove, Kynance Cove, St Michael's Mount and The Minack Theatre. We will be back!

    The Lloyds — May 2019
  • Beautiful

    This is our first time here. Beautiful property, beautiful gardens and beautiful views! We are coming back in June!

    The Knowles — May 2019
  • A magical place!

    When we planned this holiday, my one request was to visit St Michael's Mount — I wasn't expecting expecting to see such wonderful views of it from the property. This has been a great place to stay, to explore this beautiful part of the world. Our day out on St Michael's Mount didn't disappoint — it is a magical place! With hardly a cloud in sight all week we have enjoyed walking much of the coast paths; highlights include exploring The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno beach, Sennen cove coastal path to Land's End, and the train ride along the coast to St Ives. Also being able to walk from North Wing along the coast has been a real treat and the sunsets over St Michael's will long live in our memories.

    The Youles — March 2019
  • Another fab week at North Wing!

    Another fab week at North Wing! We enjoyed exploring the coves, swimming at Perran Sands and views of the Mount.

    The Warburton family — August 2018
  • The most wonderful and fun packed week!

    We have had the most wonderful and fun packed week! The location was perfect for everything we wanted to do. Our final day was a trip to St Mary's in quite rough weather — we took the ferry and would definitely recommend taking the Skybus in similar conditions!

    The Cholerton family — August 2018
  • Magnificent

    What a magnificent building and location! We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here at North Wing. We would highly recommend driving over to Porthcurno Beach (about 35 minutes) to see turquoise blue water and golden sand! Thanks for a wonderful stay.

    The Burney family — August 2018
  • Luxurious!

    It's been an amazing week, I have loved it! Just looking out of the window makes me feel at ease, and pretty giddy. Most nights I would sit on the bench sipping a hot chocolate and marshmallows...in the distance you could hear the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the rocks, it was luxurious! It was my favourite holiday I have ever been on.

    Cara (aged 9) — July 2018
  • A beautiful apartment

    A wonderful week in such a beautifully situated, equipped, furnished and decorated apartment. We've enjoyed exploring the area and also enjoyed spending plenty of time lazing in the apartment, stopping now and then to take another look at the Mount.

    The Hartnups — July 2018
  • Outstanding

    We stayed two fantastic weeks in this wonderful apartment; it is outstanding and so is the fantastic view we will never forget. It's our eight time being in Cornwall and we have never stayed in a place like this. Thank you for letting us stay here, and all the best!

    The Minten family — June 2018
  • Two amazing weeks!

    Two amazing weeks at North Wing has come to an end! We had a great time in Cornwall. We found a new smuggler's secret in the bay, and saw dolphins and numerous seals. Thanks for the great time!

    The Saeger family — June 2018
  • We have had a lovely week

    We arrived at the same moment as storm Brian hit this part of the coast — rain was lashing down and the wind was fierce! We stepped into warmth, and a Cornish cream tea was waiting for us — how lovely — not a bad place to be in a storm. Thankfully the weather soon improved and we have had a lovely week enjoying the castle and garden, the coastal path and beautiful Cornwall.

    The Swarts family — October 2017
  • The views can't be beaten!

    We have enjoyed a relaxing break here in Cornwall. We have explored the beaches and coves as well as a visit to St Michael's Mount. We have really enjoyed the property and were able to relax with all our home comforts. The views can't be beaten!

    The Woodbridge family — September 2017
  • Rotated Seal
    The Warburtons — August 2017
  • Great place and location!

    Enjoyed walks from the castle going east and west along the coastal path. Further afield we drove to St Agnes, with a fantastic beach and a plethora of caves to explore as well as a nice walk along the coastal path. The kids also enjoyed the cows in the field just outside the castle! Great place and location — thank you!

    The Carrs — July 2017
  • 10/10

    After a long journey we arrived at Acton Castle, North Wing, and what a fantastic place for our stay. The views are far better then we could have imagined. The Minack Theatre was great to see as had only been viewed on TV before, such a lot of history about Rowena Cade, well worth a visit. The highlight of the week must be the visit to St Michael's Mount. The walk up to the castle was a bit of a struggle in places but we made it, the views were great and to look back and see Acton Castle was a bonus! We have been to a number of little coves and beaches — a great one was Praa Sands. Such a lot of lovely places to see, a week was not long enough. Your information folder must rate 10/10, everything might need to know was in there. Well done, we will be back!

    Joe & Keith — July 2017
  • The sunset is spectacular

    The view from North Wing is just about as good as views get and the sunset is spectacular too. We have been very comfortable.

    Mr Eaton — April 2017
  • The views are amazing

    The views from North Wing's dining table kept us amazed every day. Sitting next to the window you can feel at ease. We really enjoyed the walks on the coastal path as well as the visit to the 'secret cave' as instructed by the owners. This was our first visit to North Wing, and it has become our favourite in Cornwall. We will be back!

    Unknown — April 2017
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Please note, we only release dates 11 months ahead, so please check back or enquire for more availability.

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