Wellbeing, Spa, Swimming and Golf
There are several options available if you would like some relaxation or a massage.
The China Fleet Country Club
- 01752 854672
- SN PL12 6LJ
The China Fleet Country Club is in a stunning location overlooking the Tamar. We provide complimentary membership of the Club – ask us for the membership cards and then pay for the facilities you use. Membership also gives you a 10% discount on any spa or beauty treatments or sports kit, green fees, and in the brasserie. They have a health & beauty suite – The Barn – which offers pampering treatments and a hair salon. The spa next to the pool includes a Jacuzzi, 2 Steam Rooms, Sauna, Laconium, Monsoon Showers, ice bath and relaxation area with heated beds. They also have an Under 5’s crèche, children’s fun zone, nature trail and a choice of Restaurants, Brasserie and Bars.
Access – fully accessible. There is a ramp and water wheelchair for use in the pool.
St Mellion ELEMIS Spa
- 2.5 Miles from Kernock
- SN PL12 6SD
- 01579 351351
St Mellion (only 2.5 miles from Kernock) is a Championship Golf Resort, with super ELEMIS Wellness Spa open to non-members (book online). Non-members can play golf as casual visitors. The cafe/restaurant is also open to non-members.
Access – most areas are accessible and there are accessible loos and changing rooms. Staff undergo disability awareness training and are happy to help.
Reflexology
- 07547 501692
The lovely Suzie Bastable Gardner (MAR) is the only Level 5 clinical reflexologist in the West (Level 5 is the only reflexology level recognised by the NHS and private health clinics for referrals). She is locally based, and will come to your cottage for your treatment. She brings her own zero gravity chair for the treatments. Great for palliative, fertility, menopausal issues, stress, anxiety, chronic pain, IBS, and safe for pregnant women. Advance booking required.
Greenhouse Spa
- 1.4 Miles from Kernock
- SN PL30 3EF
- 07396 257167
Greenhouse Spa in the middle of a stunning Cornish garden, you will find the Greenhouse Spa. This is a tranquil oasis where you can enjoy a relaxing spa day including a cream tea, a treatment, and use of the hot tub and barrel sauna. Alternatively you can just pop in for a treatment. Advance booking is required.
Onsite Therapist in your Cottage
For total indulgence, why not treat yourself to a luxury visit in your cottage from a professional beauty therapist in the comfort of your cottage. Glo Pamper is a luxurious and truly indulgent beauty therapy service delivering 5 star quality organic treatments to guests staying in stylish and award winning holiday homes and retreats across the UK. Your treatments are carried out by our carefully selected therapists, who ensure you are enveloped in calmness, serenity and relaxation from the moment you embark on your treatment journey.
Sit back, relax and enjoy your experience, feeling your aches and pains dissolve under the skilled fingers of the therapists.
Private Hot Tub
Don’t forget your lovely private hot tub at your cottage. Relax and unwind any time of day. Put on some music or listen to the wildlife on the estate. Watch the buzzards or switch on the fairy lights, sit back, relax and enjoy the views. We provide toweling robes in your cottage, for a luxurious and indulgent touch.
In the Blue – Swimming
Take care when swimming, be aware of the tides and currents and swim at your own risk.
Sea swimming
Sea swimming is a popular activity in Cornwall with many believing in and enjoying the benefits of a dip or longer swim in the sea. Cawsand, Millendreath and Looe beaches (see beaches section) are perfect and popular places for a swim.
Charlestown and Talland Bay
Featured in this article in The Guardian (from the book Wild Swimming Walks by Matt Newbury and Sophie Pierce) combine walking with swimming or just head for the swim. Swim spots recommended are at Porthpean beach, a short walk along the coast path from Charlestown is Duporth beach (no car park and so a quiet spot).
The beautiful Talland Bay is a good place to swim irrespective of the tide.
Quarry swimming
If you want quarry swimming, Kit Hill quarry is only 6.5 miles from Kernock. Deep and potentially dangerous, you need to know what you are doing if you are going to venture into a quarry for a dip.
River swimming
Bodmin Road Viaduct
Piskie dust bridge, park at Respryn Bridge for a direct swim or park at Lanhydrock NT car park and incorporate a walk (OS Map 109 available in your cottage – SX 104 639)
Golitha Falls
A good place for a dipping pool. Follow the wooded valley along the river Fowey’s cascading waterfalls for as long a walk as you desire. The first part of the walk is level and fairly accessible; the pools can be found further along the river – some steep climbs to get to them.
Kilminworth Woods, Looe
Kilminworth Woods, Looe takes a walk through the woods to Watergate where you can access the river and swim back along the Looe estuary to the Millpool car park. Best at high tide. Spring tide best; you may have to wade out through mud on a neap tide. This walk/swim is featured in The Guardian article (from the book Wild Swimming Walks by Matt Newbury and Sophie Pierce).
Lerryn
Fowey estuary (25 miles from Kernock) – This is a super little village and lovely place to swim at high tide, especially from the quay at St Winnow Church. SN PL22 0LF
Golf
There are plenty of golf courses in Cornwall. Below are some of the more local ones and some of those considered the finest.
St Mellion
- <2 Miles from Kernock
- SN PL12 6SD
- 01579 352000
St Mellion has two 18-hole golf courses – the internationally renowned championship Nicklaus course (6626 yards, par 72), and the Kernow course (5927 yards, par 70). Green fees vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year.
China Fleet
- 4 Miles from Kernock
- SN PL12 6LJ
- 01752 854665
With wonderful views over the River Tamar, China Fleet in nearby Saltash claims some of the most dramatic scenery in the South West. The 18-hole championship course is 6551 yards and par 72. Spa, swimming pool, leisure activities and crèche also available.
Lostwithiel
- 20 Miles from Kernock
- SN PL22 0HQ
- 01208 87382
Off the A390, is set in wooded hills above the banks of the river Fowey. 18 hole course (5984 yards, par 72). Green fees vary depending on time of year and day of the week. They also do day passes for the gym, tennis courts and indoor pool.
Launceston
- 15 Miles from Kernock
- SN PL15 8HF
- 01566 773442
Launceston is another attractive course.18-hole course (6385 yards, par 70). Spectacular countryside views over both Dartmoor and Bodmin Moors, with majestic views of the historic town and castle.
St Enodoc
- 30 Miles from Kernock
- SN PL27 6LD
- 01208 863216
St Enodoc at Rock has 2 courses. The main course is the Church Course (6243 yards, par 69) which has good sea views. The Holywell course, which is shorter (4103 yards, par 63) does not have the sea views.
Trevose
- 40 Miles from Kernock
- SN PL28 8JB
- 01841 520208
Trevose at Constantine Bay, Padstow, is another renowned course. 18-hole championship course (6608 yards, par 71); handicap certificate required for 18-hole course. They also have two 9-hole courses: 3031 yards, par 35, and 1360 yards, par 29. Other facilities include tennis courts and outdoor pool.
As we are close to Devon, the courses at Yelverton, Tavistock and Dartmouth are also all within easy reach (30-45 minutes drive).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there spa facilities near Kernock Cottages?
Yes. The China Fleet Country Club and St Mellion ELEMIS Spa are both nearby and open to non-members. Guests at Kernock receive complimentary membership to China Fleet, giving access to the pool and spa facilities, plus discounts on treatments, dining and golf.
Can I book a massage or treatment in my cottage?
Yes. Local therapists can visit your cottage for private treatments. Options include Glo Pamper luxury beauty therapy and Level 5 clinical reflexology with a qualified practitioner. Advance booking is recommended.
Do I need to book spa treatments in advance?
Yes. It is recommended to book spa treatments and private therapists in advance, particularly during weekends and peak holiday periods. Popular options such as the Greenhouse Spa and in-cottage treatments can become fully booked during busy times.
How much do spa treatments cost in Cornwall?
Spa treatments typically range from £50 to £120, depending on the treatment and spa. Spa day experiences may start from around £85 per person, while private in-cottage treatments can range from £80 to £150 depending on the service booked.
Are spa and leisure facilities accessible?
Yes. China Fleet offers full accessibility including a ramp and water wheelchair for pool use. St Mellion has accessible toilets and changing rooms, and staff are trained in disability awareness.
Are there places for sea or wild swimming near Kernock Cottages?
Yes. South East Cornwall offers several locations for sea and wild swimming. Popular spots include Looe, Cawsand and Millendreath beaches for sea swimming, as well as rivers and natural pools at places such as Golitha Falls and Lerryn. Always check local conditions, tides, and safety advice before entering the water.
Is wild swimming safe in Cornwall?
Wild swimming can be a wonderful way to experience Cornwall’s coastline and rivers, but conditions can vary. Always check tides, currents, weather conditions and local safety guidance before swimming. Some locations such as rivers and quarries may have hidden hazards, so swimmers should only enter the water where it is considered safe.
Are there golf courses close to Kernock Cottages?
Yes. St Mellion Golf Resort is less than two miles away and offers two 18-hole courses. China Fleet, Lostwithiel, Launceston and several other championship courses are also within easy driving distance.
Can visitors book tee times at golf courses near Kernock Cottages?
Yes. Many golf courses in South East Cornwall welcome visitors. Courses such as St Mellion, China Fleet, Lostwithiel and Launceston offer visitor tee times throughout the year, although booking in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and peak holiday periods.
How much does it cost to play golf in Cornwall?
Green fees vary depending on the course and season, but typical guide prices in South East Cornwall include:
- St Mellion Golf Resort: around £40–£125 depending on the course and time of year
- China Fleet: around £45–£65 per round
- Launceston or Lostwithiel Golf Club: typically £30–£50 per round
Some championship courses on the north coast may charge higher green fees. Booking tee times in advance is recommended during peak holiday periods.
