Tolverne

There are only a few places that are considered to be unique and Tolverne and the Smugglers Cottage come into that category. Situated on the banks of the River Fal, on the Roseland Peninsula, very near the King Harry Car Ferry, Tolverne can be reached by land or water.

Smugglers Cottage

Tolverne has a history spanning at least 500 years and it is thought that the cottage was originally built to house a ferryman as this was a river crossing, taking travellers across the river to Truro. This route was also used by pilgrims travelling from London to St Michael’s Mount. The ferry ceased in 1933 when car traffic increased, being accommodated by the King Harry Ferry.

The Newman family first came to Tolverne in 1934, operating passenger steamers up and down river making a stop at the Cottage for refreshments, much the same as today.

Another part of the business is looking after laid-up shipping as Ship Agents’ Liaison. To the visitor it is always an incongruous sight to see large ships laid up in such a picturesque setting. However the river has seen ships since before the First World War - some of note were HMS Ajax in 1947 and in the early 1970s the cruise ships 'Southern Cross', 'Carmania' and 'Franconia' were laid up awaiting sale. Over the years the Newmans have played host to thousands of seamen from all over the world.

In 1985 the 'Uganda' came to the river to spend her last 13 months. During the Falklands Conflict she was used as a hospital ship and then as a troop-ship, after her cruising days not only with holidaying passengers but also with school children on educational cruises. One room in the Restaurant at the Cottage is devoted to the 'Uganda' with pictures and memorabilia covering the walls. In fact the whole cottage is full of ships’ memorabilia.

During the Second World War, the Cottage was requisitioned by the Government as the Area headquarters for the Normandy Invasion. The beach, slipway and road were built especially for the occasion. General Eisenhower came to the Cottage to visit the thousands of American troops who left Tolverne Hard in 13 LSTs, heading for Omaha Beach on the Normandy coast. There is a plaque to commemorate D-Day 1944.

Tolverne and Smugglers Cottage are well worth a visit to enjoy delicious home cooked food in such a tranquil and beautiful setting.