Little Castle Vean

Island in Cornwall

England

Little Castle Vean

Field with prehistoric cairn and field system To the east of Barnaby Lane, which runs just over the wall on the right.

Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1015002 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015002?section=official-list-entry" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1015002?section=official-list-entry">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Field with prehistoric cairn and field system Credit: David Lally

Little Castle Vean is a small, picturesque island located off the coast of Cornwall, England. Situated in the Fal Estuary, this tiny island measures only about 0.1 hectares in size. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its rocky coastline, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the surrounding turquoise waters.

The main attraction on Little Castle Vean is its namesake, a charming little castle that dates back to the 19th century. The castle, with its fairytale-like appearance, is a Grade II listed building and has been meticulously restored to its former glory. It features a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic and Tudor, and boasts a beautiful walled garden that adds to its enchanting atmosphere.

Access to the island is restricted, making it a tranquil and secluded destination. Visitors can reach Little Castle Vean by boat, as it is only accessible during low tide. The island offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the island's abundant wildlife, including a variety of seabirds and marine animals. The surrounding waters are also home to a rich diversity of marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and diving.

Little Castle Vean is a hidden gem in Cornwall, offering a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and tranquility. It is a must-visit destination for those looking to escape and immerse themselves in the beauty of this idyllic island.

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Little Castle Vean Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 49.887457/-6.3483827 or Grid Reference SV8707. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Field with prehistoric cairn and field system

To the east of Barnaby Lane, which runs just over the wall on the right. Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1015002 Link

David Lally

Table laid-out for the St Agnes Coronation Street Party

The “street” in this case is Old Lane. No traffic order is required to close the road here! The Island Hall on the left had tables groaning under the weight of many cakes and other treats.

David Lally

Remains of a 19th century gig-shed

On the north east edge of Per Askin. Of all the islands St Agnes as it is the most south westerly was in the best-placed to spot incoming vessels and launch a pilot-gig . Per Askin at the south west of the island would further increase the chance of getting a pilot aboard first. St Agnes pilots (typically named Hicks) would then guide the ships as far as Bristol or the south coast ports. A major source of income for the Island throughout the 19th century. A Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1009280 Link

David Lally

A stile to Browarth

A tad more conventional than 15 years ago SV8708 : Crate Based Stile.

David Lally

Two post-medieval quays

These quays are believed to have been built to land coal for the St Agnes lighthouse. For more details see the details on their Historic England listing: List Entry Number:1016512. Link

The named quay “Uncle Tom’s Quay” is the more eroded of the two but can still be discerned to the right of the picture surmounted by a herring gull.

David Lally

A fork in the path

Compare with SV8908 : A Fork in the Path taken by me one day short of fifteen years ago.

David Lally

The Bar from Gugh

A picture postcard scene, but a must to take on a walk around Hoe point today

David Lally

Sunrise over Gugh

David Lally

Sunrise over Penninis

Glad I decided to walk this way this morning.

David Lally

Crooked Rock

One of the named granite outcrops on Wingletang.

David Lally

Refloating Elvera

This small launch is probably about 90 years old now. It's spent the winter in a nearby field undergoing "months of work" according to its owner (on the right of the picture standing on the slipway.) I expressed surprise that they had towed it down at such a low tide "You are going to let the tide float her?" "Yes, she's full of leaks".

David Lally

The St Agnes Lighthouse and attached house

From Old lane. The lighthouse is both a Grade II* listed building List Entry Number:1328835 Link

and a Scheduled Monument List Entry Number:1014999 Link

The house is Grade II List Entry Number:1218288 Link

David Lally

Aboard The Sapphire

It was great to have this fine Association (Link

) open boat to ourselves. It had just dropped off a full load of day-trippers from St Mary's on the St Agnes quay. We "hitched" a ride back to St Mary's as the Spirit of St Agnes was out of service due to engine trouble.

David Lally

Refloating Elvera

Taken a few minutes before SV8708 : Refloating Elvera. This shows a family group bringing an heirloom back into use. 60 years ago this little launch would take my family (weather permitting) to Catholic Mass on St Mary's when holidaying on St Agnes . It would be sailed by the father of the man on driving the tractor and grandfather of the two men at the stern of the boat.

David Lally

Refloating Elvera

Taken a minute or two after SV8708 : Refloating Elvera. See that for a bit of history.

David Lally

Dropnose just before sunrise

David Lally

Old Lane

A small group of isolated cottages between the lighthouse and Periglis do not merit even a Scillonian recognition as a "Town".

David Lally

Tresco will be busy today

Three cruise ships in The Road today. No doubt the most popular shore trip will be to Tesco's famous sub-tropical gardens. As long as they keep away from St Agnes, that will be fine. The boat heading into Perconger is the St Agnes boating's sea taxi craft "Enterprise".

David Lally

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Little Castle Vean is located at Grid Ref: SV8707 (Lat: 49.887457, Lng: -6.3483827)

Division: Isles of Scilly

Unitary Authority: Isles of Scilly

Police Authority: Devon and Cornwall