West Cornwall Cottage Holidays

St Buryan

West Cornwall abounds with a rich selection of traditional country villages and hamlets. They are, quite simply, what makes this part of the world so special. Set among rolling farmland and located three miles inland from Porthcurno, the delightful village of St Buryan can be found. Named after the Irish Saint Buriana, the centre of the village is dominated by the 14 century church which acts as a distinctive landmark for miles around together with its and its circular graveyard. The church is a grade 1 listed building and its six bells are said to have the heaviest peel in the country. Legends state that the 6th century saint (Buriana) was buried here after perishing whilst trying to kidnap a local king, despite Cornwall's patron Saint Piran's attempts to save her. Agriculture is strong in St Buryan, with ploughing competitions and horse shows still a regular part of summer festivities. This rural village is surrounded by several stunning ancient monuments. The famous Merry Maidens stone circle and The Pipers standing stones, to name a few, and there are ancient Christian crosses all around the neighbouring area. A few miles to the north of St Buryan lays the Carn Euny Prehistoric Village, an ancient settlement dating back to the Iron Age, which was active during Roman times.