2021
This was our first ever school group visit, Gorran Primary School. They were a joy to work with and their passion for a Greener Future was an inspiration for everything that has followed.
Their aspiration for the day was to make a film for Cop 26. We achieved the rough content, whilst also enjoying a fab walk into the woods, in the space of about 5 action-packed hours. You can see the finally edited film here or find our YouTube channel and simply type in Cop 26.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plt46JeU57U
2025
Four years on we have refined and made many improvements. We now provide groups with exclusive use of the site for the duration of their booking. This also means entitlement to a member of staff, who will show them round and explain the opportunities, providing extra support, as needed. We can do this for a modest charge by integrating pre-recorded stories and ‘learning conversations’ that feature our talented staff, guest actors and outside experts – all in all, a fascinating insight into Cornish Mining past, present and future. Please select one of the Session options and send your email to enquiry@themeadowbarns.co.uk to start us off, planning your visit.
Session Prices, for small group visits (larger groups POA)
The charges shown for each session are for a group of up to 6 people, with under 3 years free. Because this price involves setting up the site in a bespoke way for your group, it is one price, even for a single visitor. Also we strongly advise that around 6 is the very best number for enjoyment, but please do feel free to ask for alternatives, which we can price accordingly. Cold drinks and bowls of healthy snacks are in the price, but you are welcome to bring more of your own, or pay extra for other options. If you have bona fide reasons for needing a price reduction e.g. for dietary or other factors, just email your request.
For Session 2 in particular, which is like a barbecue, you may opt to change or add more food items. You could even turn it into a bigger adult Social Do or a Child’s Birthday event, as we have 3 different Fire Pits around the stie and another in the woods!
And for Session 3 there is a follow-on walk in Luxulyan Valley, for which we can provide a map and illustrated guide to exploring. We are a mile or so away from the aqueduct and waterwheel pit, but still we make the offer that you may give us an SOS call, using Whats App and video, if you need help for any reason. We will come to the rescue.
Other places, and other session options
Content of our home sessions may be adapted and presented for e.g. local history groups, libraries, schools or – as above, other heritage centres and partners, like Wheal Martyn, Newquay Orchard and Kresen Kernow.
If there is demand in future, we will also offer a half day course to learn about spraying Cork Render onto walls and roofs. This is our most recent eco-building development, to improve the appearance and insulative properties of the library and we are excited at the possibility of training others in this skill.
Generally there is a minimum group size for the Cork training of 4 participants and max of 20. Visits are always tailor-made, so please send an initial email to enquiry@themeadowbarns.co.uk, explaining who you are and what you hope to achieve.
How to Find Us
The entrance to our little lane, off the steep Penpillick Hill A390 main road, is tricky to see.
Please call in advance, 07967 653346 to be talked through. And also we will email the map with full instructions.
Postal Address
The Meadow Barns
Penpell
Par PL24 2SA
Cornwall
Directions from the South & West
Drive 2 miles from St Blazey towards Lostwithiel on the main road, A390. You will go over a level crossing and drive about 1 mile on the level (called TYWARDREATH HIGHWAY).
Start to ascend the hill and immediately pass a left turn to PONTSMILL. Keep going up. It’s about 3/4 mile or so til the LEFT TURN that you need to take.
Look for 4 cottages beside the road – the turning drops away in front of the first house. There is no sign, other than saying WEAK BRIDGE. Turn into the country lane, then immediately go down into a dip (take care it is narrow here), then up and reach a slightly wider level area. Look out for a turning to the right and a large wooden sign. Meadow Barns is up the farm track and left.
Directions from the North
This route is different from Google Maps, in order to avoid a challenging right turn across 2 lanes of fast traffic.
Take the main A390 road from Lostwithiel towards St Blazey. After 3 miles, arrive at the top of Penpillick Hill – on a fine day you should see a clear view of St Austell Bay.
Start to descend the hill and slow down, looking ahead for a left turn to Treesmill and Tywardreath. Take the left turn and drive past one small lane on the right at approx 150m. Go a further 50m and take the 2nd turn right, all the way to the bottom of the hill. Look carefully then enter a waiting box to cross lanes then go back up the hill. Keep in the left lane and take the next left turn, before a group of 4 cottages. There is no sign, other than saying WEAK BRIDGE. Turn into the country lane, then immediately go down into a dip (take care it is narrow here), then up and reach a slightly wider level area. Look out for a turning to the right and a large wooden sign. Meadow Barns is up the farm track and left.