A tranquil haven for nature lovers, this reserve boasts a rich tapestry of habitats, including woodland, heathland, and grassland. The landscape is dotted with ancient monuments, including the iconic Goonhilly Earth Satellite Station, a relic of the Cold War era. As visitors wander through the reserve, they may spot an array of wildlife, such as Dartmoor ponies, cattle, and a variety of bird species. The scenery is particularly stunning during the summer months when the heather is in bloom, casting a purple hue across the landscape. With its unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, Goonhilly Downs is a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive outdoor experience.
This is as close as you now get to satellite dishes. No longer a tourist attraction with high security fences all around. The Downs walks gives opportunity to take in the natural habitat as well as plenty of history. RAF Dry Tree ("secret" early warning station) is in the Nature Reserve, but can easily miss it as grown over. Go up to roof for views over area and read about history (check out the double blast walls). Mostly flat walks and carpark is small with picnic tables nearby.
Nice place to walk the dogs (there are a few little snakes though) Small car park Some well overgrown areas Overall a lovely place
Nice place for a Sunday afternoon walk and cool to see the satellites. Parking for maybe 8 cars and a portaloo, and some picnic benches.
Not much here but worth a visit. Is historical. Can be very muddy and waterlogged so inaccessible. Small car park. Payment by Ringo app. Lots of dog poo around that careless owners have not picked up.
Amazing nature reserve! Dogs loved the walk as well. Parking is in theory free however you can pay through an app on your phone but very cheap. There are quite a few pathways to choose from and you can get quite close to the Goonhilly earth station and the huge satellite dishes. There is a lot to explore, and many hidden buildings for you to discover. We managed to find an entrance to a building with metal stairs where you can learn about the RAF history at the site - It was a secret communications centre! Unfortunately, some people take advantage of the site and litter everywhere (in buildings especially), but it is relatively clean most of the time. Great time though!
Goonhilly is a really interesting place to visit it's situated near Helston in a nature reserve where you can walk around the goonhilly boundary and get a good look and the ranging sizes of satellites. Sadly it is no longer allows visitors to go in but you can park for free in the nature reserve car park and take the different trials around the area. It's peaceful and atmospheric, you can also find the day tree stone which is a landmark for where 4 parishes meet. The stone itself has an interesting history. Definitely worth a visit even if you drive by in the car to take a look!
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Hiking
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Dogs allowed
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This is as close as you now get to satellite dishes. No longer a tourist attraction with high security fences all around. The Downs walks gives opportunity to take in the natural habitat as well as plenty of history. RAF Dry Tree ("secret" early warning station) is in the Nature Reserve, but can easily miss it as grown over. Go up to roof for views over area and read about history (check out the double blast walls). Mostly flat walks and carpark is small with picnic tables nearby.
Nice place to walk the dogs (there are a few little snakes though) Small car park Some well overgrown areas Overall a lovely place
Nice place for a Sunday afternoon walk and cool to see the satellites. Parking for maybe 8 cars and a portaloo, and some picnic benches.
Not much here but worth a visit. Is historical. Can be very muddy and waterlogged so inaccessible. Small car park. Payment by Ringo app. Lots of dog poo around that careless owners have not picked up.
Amazing nature reserve! Dogs loved the walk as well. Parking is in theory free however you can pay through an app on your phone but very cheap. There are quite a few pathways to choose from and you can get quite close to the Goonhilly earth station and the huge satellite dishes. There is a lot to explore, and many hidden buildings for you to discover. We managed to find an entrance to a building with metal stairs where you can learn about the RAF history at the site - It was a secret communications centre! Unfortunately, some people take advantage of the site and litter everywhere (in buildings especially), but it is relatively clean most of the time. Great time though!
Goonhilly is a really interesting place to visit it's situated near Helston in a nature reserve where you can walk around the goonhilly boundary and get a good look and the ranging sizes of satellites. Sadly it is no longer allows visitors to go in but you can park for free in the nature reserve car park and take the different trials around the area. It's peaceful and atmospheric, you can also find the day tree stone which is a landmark for where 4 parishes meet. The stone itself has an interesting history. Definitely worth a visit even if you drive by in the car to take a look!
