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Altarnun (Alternonn in Cornish) is a village and civil parish on the north-eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, seven miles west of Launceston. The village sits in the valley of the Penpont Water.

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The Jamaica Inn
The Jamaica Inn

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Altarnun: the Bodmin Moor village with the "Cathedral of the Moor"

Altarnun (Alternonn in Cornish) is a village and civil parish on the north-eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, seven miles west of Launceston. The village sits in the valley of the Penpont Water. The parish covers about 15,000 acres, which makes it the largest parish in Cornwall, and it takes in Fivelanes, Bolventor, Treween and Trewint. At the 2021 census it had 1,100 residents, including Bowithick.

Moorland lies to the west of the village towards Rough Tor, and to the south towards Dozmary Pool. Halvana Plantation, a large conifer plantation also known as Wilsey Down Forest, is in the parish. The A30 divides the parish and passes close to Fivelanes, a former stagecoach stop.

The church is dedicated to St Nonna, the mother of St David. A Norman church stood here in the 12th century, and the present building is mainly 15th century and built of moorstone from Bodmin Moor. It is the largest parish church on the moor and is known as the Cathedral of the Moor. It is in the Perpendicular style with a 109 foot bell tower, and it has a fine Norman font and a 15th-century screen with three gates, which is considered one of the finest of its period in Cornwall. A Celtic cross stands by the churchyard gate.

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Good to know

  • Setting: Village in the valley of the Penpont Water on the north-eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, seven miles west of Launceston
  • Landscape: Moorland towards Rough Tor and Dozmary Pool, with conifer plantation in the parish. No coast in the parish
  • Getting here: The A30 divides the parish and passes close to Fivelanes. Launceston is seven miles east
  • Known for: The 15th-century church of St Nonna, the Cathedral of the Moor, and its Methodist links
  • In the village: Church of St Nonna, a former Wesleyan chapel with a carved head of John Wesley, and a Celtic cross by the churchyard gate

Useful things to know

Questions about staying in Altarnun

Where is Altarnun?

Altarnun is a village and civil parish on the north-eastern edge of Bodmin Moor, seven miles west of Launceston. Its Cornish name is Alternonn.

Why is Altarnun church called the Cathedral of the Moor?

The church of St Nonna is the largest parish church on Bodmin Moor. It is mainly 15th century, built of moorstone, with a 109 foot bell tower, a Norman font and a screen considered one of the finest of its period in Cornwall.

What is the Wesley connection at Altarnun?

John Wesley often visited Trewint in the parish and lodged at Digory Isbell's home, now a museum of Wesley and Methodism. The former Wesleyan chapel in Altarnun has a carved head of Wesley over its door.

Is Jamaica Inn in Altarnun parish?

Yes. Jamaica Inn is at Bolventor, a hamlet in the civil parish of Altarnun. It is the setting for Daphne du Maurier's novel Jamaica Inn.

Can I bring my dog or book a family room?

Policies vary by property and sometimes by room. Check your dates, the number and size of dogs, extra charges, bed arrangements and any age restrictions with the provider before paying.

Does this page show live prices and availability?

No. This is a directory to help you compare places and locations. Use the Check dates and prices button for current prices and availability, or open a listing and contact the property directly for availability and cancellation terms.

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