This hidden gem on the Roseland Peninsula attracts visitors from around the world and is just six miles south of Truro
Emily Malia GAU Writer and Jane Lavender
08:00, 17 Dec 2025
The village has a 13th century church(Image: Western Morning News)
This secluded Cornwall hideaway is teeming with natural beauty and boasts a remarkable historic structure just six miles south of the tourist hotspot, Truro.
St Just in Roseland stands as a distinguished village and civil parish renowned for its stunning church and surprising tropical surroundings. Positioned just north of St Mawes, this destination is discreetly nestled along the Cornwall coastline, providing tranquil vistas away from traditional Cornish attractions.
What makes this location so extraordinary is its 13th-century Church of England parish church, known locally as St Just’s Church. This historic building is situated amongst waterside gardens, home to some of the nation’s most unusual species.
St Just’s Church sits elegantly on the banks of a tidal creek, resembling something out of a fairy tale, peacefully alongside the Carrick Roads, beyond the main village. The approach to it is a delightful pathway constructed with granite stones that feature inscribed meaningful Bible verses and quotations.
There are also lush tropical gardens(Image: John Husband)
The gardens surrounding this spot are filled with lush palm trees, flowers, vegetation and more, creating an enchanting miniature wilderness around the ancient building. One TripAdvisor review describes St Just in Roseland as housing “tranquil” gardens, claiming them to be “the most beautiful” they’ve seen at any church.
Another 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 visitor 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 visitors, functioning as a sanctuary for prayer and worship, whilst also providing a “haven of tranquillity” for the entire community.
According to its website, St Just in Roseland Church represents a destination “you will never forget you have visited”.
It continues to explain: “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.”
Also located within the grounds is a delightful café, Renwicks Café, which serves both locals and visitors, nestled amongst the subtropical gardens. To locate it, visitors must journey past the main village via a slender side road that guides to the hillside church entrance.
Although on-site parking is somewhat restricted, roadside spots offer an alternative for those journeying through the region.
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