Delabole is a 20th century village, the third highest in Cornwall, consisting of three hamlets, namely Pengelly, Meadrose and Rockhead. Delabole also falls under the Delabole Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, thus attracting a huge tourist population.
Delabole, which is renowned for its slate quarry, is the biggest in England and has been used since the 15th century. There are quite a few churches, chapels and other places of worship in Delabole, which are of tourist interest. St. John’s Anglican Church is one of the oldest and most popular churches built by St. John in 1880. The architecture, murals and the stone blocks speaks volume about the religion and the practice carried out through the ages.
Every year in July, Delabole attracts a lot of tourists in and around Cornwall, for its annual carnival, which has been revived after a gap of forty years, in 2001. This is the time to rejoice and make merry for the locals who look forward to the celebrations.
The ideal time to visit Delabole is in the months of July to September as the weather is conducive for outdoor activities and sightseeing. For the adventure seeker, there is Big Dunk’s Paintball, which is like a streak of modernity in this gorgeous piece of land where nature is present in myriad hues.
If you are done with Delabole and want to explore beyond here, there are a few places which can be visited, including the old post office at Tintagel, a few beautiful pristine beaches which are about two miles away and there are small little towns with loads of structures of historical relevance.
Enjoy a round of golf on the golf course, at Bowood Park Hotel and Golf Club. It is pretty well maintained and a pleasant course to play, and is open for the use of the guests and locals. This is a number one choice for golf enthusiasts holidaying in Delabole.
Bettle and Chisel Inn is an English pub in Delabole, which serves delicious home cooked meals. Sherry and John, the couple who owns the restaurant and the free camping site are extremely warm hosts. They have regular patrons returning time and again for their hospitality, friendly staff and good quality food. The best thing about this place is that it is both camper van and pet friendly, which is a bonus for tourists travelling on their own, or accompanied by a pet.
A visit to Delabole with its old world charm is sure to remind you of the good ‘ol days. Smugglers Fish and Chips is a takeaway joint which we would recommend for the best fish and chips platter. Their Chicken burger too is quite popular with the nearby campers and people with a caravan.
Delabole has some of the best self-catering properties to stay in where you can enjoy the outstanding natural beauty of the area. Choose from a host of holiday homes in the area. These lovely properties will allow you to enjoy the best that nature has to offer.
Delabole can be approached by air, rail and road. Newquay Cornwall Airport is the nearest airport and it takes a further fifty minutes by road to reach Delabole in a taxi. The road passes by Padstow and Port Isaac to reach Delabole. The nearest railway station is Bodmin, taxis ply frequently to get tourists to and from Delabole. Delabole can also be easily accessed by the A39 trunk road. Local buses depart from Camelford, Tintagel, Bude and Wadebridge to and from Delabole.