St Just in Roseland is a village and civil parish in Cornwall, England, located six miles south of Truro and just north of St Mawes. It is known for its church and subtropical gardens
This secret Cornish haven is bursting with stunning scenery and features one remarkable ancient building just six miles south of the bustling tourist destination, Truro.
St Just in Roseland stands out as a notable village and civil parish renowned for its spectacular church and incredible subtropical gardens.
Positioned just north of St Mawes, this hidden gem sits discreetly along the Cornish coast, providing peaceful views far from the usual tourist trail.
The star attraction of this spot is its 13th-century Church of England parish church, referred to by locals as St Just’s Church.
This historic building is surrounded by waterfront gardens, which are home to some of Britain’s most unusual plant species, reports Cornwall Live.
St Just’s Church perches gracefully on the banks of a tidal creek, looking like something straight out of a storybook, sitting serenely beside the Carrick Roads, away from the main village.
A delightful pathway constructed from granite stones leads visitors to it, featuring engraved uplifting Bible verses and quotations.
The grounds encircling this spot are overflowing with verdant palm trees, blooms, greenery and more, forming an enchanting miniature Eden around the medieval building.
One TripAdvisor reviewer describes St Just in Roseland as having “tranquil” gardens, calling them “the most beautiful” they’ve witnessed at any church, reports the Express, reports Cornwall Live. One delighted visitor said: “I have been to many wonderful churches, but this one is very special. For almost 1,500 years there has been a church on this site; even today there is a sense of peace and solitude.
“The graveyard is really a semi-tropical garden and compares well with some of the famous gardens in Cornwall.The church is relatively plain inside but provides a magic space to leave behind the modern world and all its troubles.”
Another added: “This church and area are just so beautiful. The church and grounds are just so serene and peaceful and pretty. The views over the water from the church are beautiful.
“Lovely old graves and a well-kept graveyard. Definitely worth a visit if you love churches.”
The church’s interior remains open to respectful guests, functioning as a place of worship and prayer, whilst also providing a “sanctuary of calm” for the wider community.
The website states that St Just in Roseland Church offers a destination “you will never forget you have visited”.
It adds: “St Just church is open daily from 9am to 6pm in the summer and 9am to 4pm during the winter months.Please note there may be times when the church is closed – such as for a funeral or reflective service.”
The site also boasts the charming Renwicks Café, a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike, tucked away amidst the subtropical gardens. To find it, visitors need to venture beyond the main village, following a narrow side lane that leads to the hillside church entrance.
While parking on the premises is limited, roadside spaces provide an option for those travelling through the area.