Heritage near Porthcurno

Carn Euny Ancient Village

18 September 2017

Imagine what life was like as an Iron Age villager. Budding archaeologists will love exploring this ancient, yet well-preserved settlement, which is thought to have thrived from the Iron Age until late Roman times. Carn Euny is probably best-known for its well-preserved fogou (Cornish for 'cave'), an underground passageway over 20 metres long. Fogous are intriguing structures and no one really knows what they were used for. Experts say they may have been used for storage, habitation or rituals, but their true purpose remains a mystery. Dare yourself to enter and make your own mind up. To get there, take the A30 past Penzance towards Land's End, turn right at Drift, then left before Sancreed, park at Brane and follow the footpath. Entry is free.

St Levan Church

This beautiful little village church is steeped in history. The St Levan Stone, situated near the church porch is said to have fertility powers and there are two very unusual "Coffin Rests" at the entrance the churchyard.

The Merry Maidens

One of England's best-preserved stone circles. Legend has it that this stone circle was made when 19 mischievious local lasses were turned to stone for dancing on a Sunday. The two 'Pipers' can be found in a field to the north east of the circle.The Merry Maidens are located in a field next to the B3315 Newlyn - Land's End road, near the village of Trewoofe.