St Hilary brings together a layered church history with art, broadcasting and a clearly defined landscape. From the medieval tower to a circular walking route with its own distinctive stiles, there are plenty of themes to consider when planning a stay.
Architecture, art and local history
Two building phases can be distinguished at the Church of Saint Hilary: the tower dates from the 13th century, while the rest of the building was rebuilt in 1855 by William White after the 1853 fire. A medieval structure and a building renewed in the 19th century thus stand side by side; this helps avoid reducing the church to a single date of origin.
The restored Old Church House is next to St Hilary Church and houses a Heritage Centre. Its exhibitions explore the church’s history and art, as well as local genealogy. The Centre also conveys St Hilary’s historical connections with St Michael’s Mount.
The close links between St Hilary Church and the Newlyn School are evident in a specific historical contribution: in the 1920s, artists from the school helped decorate the church. The uniquely painted choir stalls and rood screen depict legends of Cornish saints. There is also a Roman inscribed stone inside the church.
The village’s broadcasting history is another distinctive feature: in 1926, the BBC broadcast Bernard Walke’s play Bethlehem live from St Hilary. This was the BBC’s first outside broadcast.
Church and coastal landscape
The Church of Saint Hilary stands on a hill between St Ives Bay and Mount’s Bay. The St Hilary Parish Neighbourhood Development Plan, published in 2024, identifies the part of St Hilary Parish south of the A394, extending down to Prussia Cove and Cudden Point, as part of the Cornwall National Landscape. These details relate to different geographical areas: the church’s elevated position between the bays, and a part of the parish south of the A394 that extends to the named coastal locations. The stretch of coast in this area is designated as County Wildlife Site (CWS) P3.1 “Prussia Cove to Stackhouse Cove”. Cudden Point is also part of a County Wildlife Site and is designated as a geological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Circular walk and a possible stop
According to the route description updated on 27 August 2026, the St Hilary and Hayle Valley circular walk has only grid-like coffin stiles. A description published on 29 August 2026 names Guy’s Butterfly House as a possible stop along the route and recommends booking a visit in advance. The route is described as a circular walk; the Butterfly House remains a possible stop, not a guaranteed part of the walk. If you would like to include a visit, bear in mind the recommendation to book ahead.
Discover more destinations: Saint Just in Roseland, Saint Tudy, Herodsfoot, Gweek, Porthallow, Egloskerry, Bodinnick, Trelash
For the broader travel overview: Cornwall.
