In the village of Washaway stands Prior’s Cross, a medieval wayside cross with a distinctive feature: it is one of only two known wheel crosses with a fleur-de-lys motif, and the only one with this motif on both main faces. The cross is 3.24 metres high in total. For travellers interested in medieval art history, it offers a clearly defined point of interest. The combination of a motif on both sides and a precise measurement draws attention to both the monument’s design and its dimensions.

Church and distinct historical periods

Another point of interest in Washaway is Church of St Conan. The church was built in 1883 to a design by Bishop E.W. Benson. The font may be of Saxon origin. This brings together two different historical statements: the church’s construction year is precisely given, while the font’s origins remain a possibility. If you enjoy comparing historical details, the distinction between a dated building and a cautiously attributed earlier origin is right at the heart of the subject here.

Pencarrow: gardens and circular walks nearby

Near Washaway is Pencarrow, registered as a park and garden of special historic interest. The gardens range from formally landscaped areas to ancient woodland, where rhododendrons and camellias also grow. Pencarrow thus adds garden spaces with varied character to the village’s historical points of interest. This offers a distinct focus when making your choice: the emphasis here is not on individual buildings, but on the gardens’ design and the contrast between formal areas and woodland.

The gardens have short and long circular walks, some of which are wheelchair accessible. This gives you two specific questions to consider when planning: which length of walk suits you, and is a route designated as wheelchair accessible important to you? Bear in mind that only some paths are accessible, rather than assuming this applies to the entire network of paths.

Tours and a break at the Peacock Café

Pencarrow also offers tours of the historic house. The Peacock Café serves cream tea. Alongside the garden walks, you can choose a tour as a cultural and historical activity, as well as a place to stop for refreshments. If a house tour is important to your visit, check the current dates in advance so you do not plan your stay around an unconfirmed tour.

To decide whether Washaway suits your stay, it helps to distinguish between the village’s historical points of interest and nearby Pencarrow as an additional option. You can weigh up whether to focus on the cross and church or also include garden spaces, circular walks and a house tour. This makes it easier to define the cultural focus of your stay without treating the village’s attractions and those in the surrounding area as the same.

Discover more destinations: Constantine Bay, Coverack, Gorran Haven, Penrose, Crugmeer, Gerrans, Constantine, Millendreath

For the broader travel overview: Cornwall.