23 Bodmin Hill, Lostwithiel, PL22 0AH, United Kingdom
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Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Bracken’s Retreat? It’s tucked up on Bodmin Hill in this perfect spot where you can actually hear the River Fowey babbling below if you open your windows at night. I mean, Lostwithiel itself is one of those Cornish towns that most people zip through on their way to the Eden Project or the coast, but honestly – they’re missing out. This little medieval town has more character in its crooked streets than most places twice its size.

The retreat itself feels like someone’s genuinely lovely home that happens to take paying guests. The kind of place where the owner (and there definitely seems to be a hands-on owner here) has thought about the small stuff that actually matters. Fresh flowers in the entrance, proper thick towels that don’t feel like sandpaper, and – this might sound weird – but the lighting is just right everywhere. Not those harsh overhead bulbs that make you look like a zombie, but warm lamps that make you want to curl up with a book. The rooms have this cozy, lived-in elegance that’s hard to fake. Some have views over the town’s rooftops toward the river valley, and if you’re lucky enough to snag one of those, well, you’ll spend way too much time just staring out the window.

What really sets this place apart though is how it sits in the town. You’re literally a two-minute walk down to Fore Street where there’s this fantastic little bakery (grab the pasties early – they sell out), and the Duchy Palace ruins are right there if you’re into wandering around 13th-century stone walls. The Lostwithiel Museum might sound deadly boring, but it’s actually fascinating if you want to understand why this sleepy town was once Cornwall’s capital. Plus, you’re perfectly positioned for day trips – St. Austell and the clay country to the east, Fowey and the coast about fifteen minutes south, or you could hop on the lovely riverside walk that follows the old railway line. Parking’s never been an issue when I’ve stayed (there’s a small lot, and street parking isn’t the nightmare it is in some Cornish towns), and the whole area goes properly quiet after about 9 PM – none of that late-night pub noise you get in busier tourist spots. The 9.2 rating makes total sense once you’ve been there; it’s the kind of place that gets the fundamentals right without any fuss or pretension.

Rooms

  • Estimated price from: $109. One-Bedroom House with 1 double bed for Max persons: 2
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Reviews

  • Phil from United Kingdom – 8 June 2025 (10/10)

    Easy to come and go. Welcoming owner. Clean and tidy.

  • Frank from United Kingdom – 20 May 2025 (9/10)

    Met Annlie at the door, she was a great host. Parking was not a big issue even though the Lostfest was on. Great weekend , must remember next year

    What could be improved: there was nothing to complain about, for the price of our stay it was good value and most comfortable.

  • Kenneth from United Kingdom – 13 May 2025 (9/10)

    Quiet, but accessible location only 5-10 mins from railway station. Own entrance and outside area. We'll appointed self catering accommodation. Excellent hosts, who arranged good weather ! 😀

    What could be improved: N/A

  • Ena from Canada – 22 April 2025 (8/10)

    The kitchen facilities and quiet central location

    What could be improved: No

  • Jo from United Kingdom – 26 August 2024 (9/10)

    Lovely, clean annexe. Lots of attention to detail. Also provided milk and butter to help settle in. Lovely garden and surroundings. Very friendly hosts.

    What could be improved: The parking was a bit tricky.

  • Alissa from United Kingdom – 10 August 2024 (9/10)

    It had everything we needed, including milk, butter, tea and coffee left by the owner which was a nice touch. The kitchen area is very well supplied. The bed was very comfortable, shower was great and the outside sitting area is very quiet and private. The room is surprisingly spacious with plenty of room for our things.

    What could be improved: The TV seemed to take a bit of warming up and was a bit flickery to begin with but this wasn’t really an issue for us. Parking was tricky as they were resurfacing the road we were advised to park on and it was carnival week, but the community carpark is free. We got the last space in it and it’s about a 5 minute walk away. It’s steeply uphill to get to the place. I think normally you’d find a space on the next street along though.

  • David from United Kingdom – 27 July 2024 (8/10)

    Very comfortable and quiet location.

    What could be improved: Lack of on-site parking is a minor quibble.

  • Euan from United Kingdom – 8 July 2024 (10/10)

    Well presented annexe and perfect location in the heart of the town.

    What could be improved: .

  • Kenneth from United Kingdom – 13 May 2024 (9/10)

    A lovely self contained, well appointed "cottage" with all facilities you'd need for a relaxing break. It has its own private access and is as described. Ideal for solo traveller or couple. Only a few minutes walk from the station and a good choice of pubs/eateries/shops. I was travelling by public transport and my host was very accommodating as I changed my original travel plans. They were always available and welcoming and had some much appreciated essentials on hand for the first night.

    What could be improved: Nothing.

  • Turner from United Kingdom – 1 April 2024 (10/10)

    Warm, comfortable and clean flat, well equipped, hot shower, private patio. Very friendly and welcoming owner who helped cater for our needs. We enjoyed our stay.

SURROUNDINGS

What’s nearby:

  • Thorn Park: 18 km
  • Castle Park: 19 km
  • Eden Project: 9 km
  • Squires Field: 9 km
  • Gribbin Daymark: 12 km
  • Restormel Castle: 1.3 km
  • St Catherines Castle: 10 km
  • George VI Playing Field: 300 m

Restaurants & cafes:

  • Restaurant Golden Dynasty: 150 m
  • Restaurant Q Street Coffee: 100 m
  • Restaurant Asquith’s Restaurant: 200 m

Beaches in the neighbourhood:

  • Par Sands Beach: 8 km

Public transport:

  • Train Lostwithiel: 550 m
  • Train Bodmin Parkway: 6 km

Closest airports:

  • Land’s End Airport: 92 km
  • Plymouth City Airport: 49 km
  • Newquay Cornwall Airport: 30 km

Facilities

Bedroom:

  • Linen
  • Wardrobe or closet

Bathroom:

  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Additional toilet
  • Bath or shower
  • Private bathroom
  • Toilet
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Shower

Outdoors:

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Terrace
  • Patio
  • Garden

Activities:

  • Golf course (within 3 km) Additional charge

Living Area:

  • Dining area
  • Seating Area

Accessibility:

  • Entire unit located on ground floor

Miscellaneous:

  • Non-smoking throughout
  • Heating
  • Non-smoking rooms

Outdoor & View:

  • Garden view
  • View

Room Amenities:

  • Socket near the bed
  • Drying rack for clothing
  • Clothes rack
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Private entrance
  • Carpeted
  • Fan
  • Ironing facilities
  • Iron

Languages spoken:

  • English

Media & Technology:

  • Streaming service (like Netflix)
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Satellite channels
  • Radio
  • TV

Reception services:

  • Invoice provided
  • Private check-in/check-out

Most popular facilities:

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Basic free WiFi (15 Mbps)

Building characteristics:

  • Semi-detached

Entertainment and family services:

  • Board games/puzzles
  • Board games/puzzles

Other for your stay:

  • Dining table
  • Cleaning products
  • Toaster
  • Stovetop
  • Kitchenware
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Kitchenette
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Rules

Pets:

  • Pets are not allowed.

Smoking:

  • Smoking is not allowed.

Check-in:

  • From 16:00 to 21:00
  • You’ll need to let the property know in advance what time you’ll arrive.

Check-out:

  • Available 24 hours

Cancellation/prepayment:

  • Cancellation and prepayment policies vary according to accommodation type. Please check what conditions may apply to each option when making your selection.

Guest reviews

Staff:

9.8

Comfort:

9.7

Location:

9.2

Free WiFi:

10

Facilities:

9.5

Cleanliness:

9.8

Value for money:

9.3

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