D o y d e n  P o i n t  T o w e r

Five miles from Padstow around the headland lies the tiny fishing village of Port Quin. There is no commercialism here, not even a public toilet. However, On Doyden point, the headland rising above the village, a curious little tower can be found. This site for a folly is remarkable.

Doyden Tower is two stories high and built literally less than a stones throw to the edge of the cliffs. A perfect location for an individual who wanted to reside in absolute solitude. It has a squat, box like appearance with slight castellations, miniature spirelets and several gothic windows. This would enable the inhabitant a full panoramic view around the headland and the ocean below. Had there ever been a luxury hermitage, this would be the perfect example!

When it was built is unclear but it is generally thought it was around 1830 by a Mr Samuel Symons, as a venue for gambling parties. A second story tells that is was built by a very rich man who in despair, desired to occupy his tower and there drink himself to his eventual demise. But the truth may be that the tower was built to commemorate the terrible loss of the Port Quin fishing fleet.

The replaced first floor windows somehow just don't look the same..

The Tower has seen many film crews over the years filming here including the BBC "Poldark" drama and more recently Chatsworth Televisions 1989 action/adventure game "Interceptor" where the lead character used the tower as his "Lair" 

Visiting

The tower is built on National Trust land and is accessible to the public. very limited car parking is possible in the lane, before following the N.T path across the headland to the tower on foot.

The National Trust also let this folly out as a holiday home with all mod cons provided. It can be booked by visting the N.T Site  

The towers position at the cliff edge.. maybe too close....

Co-ords 196700 080500 / SW 967 805  

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