Ker Tihydin
Welcome to Tehidy Round – a place where people farmed, built homes and lived together over 2,000 years ago, long before the trees you see today were here.
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Around 2,000 years ago, long before the trees in this woodland were planted, a small farming community lived here at Tehidy Round. This type of settlement is called a ‘Round’ a name used in Cornwall for ancient enclosed farms. Even though Tehidy Round is more square with rounded corners, it still counts. Families here lived in roundhouses with thatched roofs, built safely inside an earth bank and ditch, with a wooden fence and gateway to keep out danger and stop their animals escaping. The people were farmers who used simple stone and metal tools to grow crops and care for animals. Today, most of the Round has been worn away, but you can still spot parts of the northern bank and ditch through the trees. These remains are protected by law because they help us learn about life in Cornwall during the Iron Age and Roman times.
Tehidy Round was part of Cornwall National Landscape’s A Monumental Improvement Project, which aimed to ensure that 40 scheduled monuments across Cornwall National Landscape were better protected, identified and enjoyed by a wider range of people. Between 2022 – 2025, the Project delivered conservation repairs, installed new heritage interpretation signage, ran a range of community volunteering events and developed new website resources. The Project was primarily funded thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from our other partners – Cornwall Council, Historic England, The National Trust, Cornwall Heritage Trust and Cornwall Archaeological Society.
Tehidy Round is really special because it shows us how people lived in Cornwall over two thousand years ago. It’s part of a big story that stretches all the way back to the Iron Age and Roman times. The people who lived here weren’t kings or warriors they were ordinary families who worked the land, kept animals and built strong homes with what they had around them. Their roundhouses and the big earth bank around the settlement helped keep them safe and made it easier to look after their animals and crops. That tells us a lot about what mattered to people back then.
Today, Tehidy Round is a scheduled monument, which means it’s protected by law because it’s so important to our history. Even though much of it has faded over time, archaeologists can still learn a lot from the remains hidden in the ground. Just by looking at the shape of the land, they can figure out where people walked, built homes and dug ditches. Every part of this site helps us understand Cornwall’s past not just the big events, but everyday life for the people who once called this place home.
Gallery
Video Gallery
This webinar explores an animation created by Cornwall College gaming students of a digital reconstruction of Tehidy Round
Cinematic demonstrating how an Iron Age Round situated in Tehidy Woods might have looked like. Created by students on BA Hons and FdA Games Design for Industry students based at Cornwall College Camborne.
If you look closely, you can still spot the edge of the old earth bank and ditch that once wrapped around the whole settlement. These were built to keep people and animals safe inside. The bank may have had a wooden fence, called a palisade, on top. There was also a gateway with a path leading in, this might be where the track ahead of you crosses the bank today. In spring, the ground here is covered with bluebells, which are protected plants. They make the site extra special, but they’re delicate, so it’s important to enjoy them from the path and not walk through them.
Tehidy Round is full of wildlife, especially in spring and summer. Bluebells bloom across the ground in a purple carpet they’re beautiful but also protected, so it’s best to admire them from the path. Birds like robins, blackbirds and wrens often dart through the trees. If you’re quiet and patient, you might even spot a deer moving between the trees. The woodland around the Round is home to all sorts of plants and animals that make this a peaceful place, full of life.
You can help protect Tehidy Round just by sticking to the paths and not climbing on the earth banks. These banks might look like fun to walk or ride on, but they’re part of an ancient monument and can be damaged really easily. In spring, try not to step on the bluebells, their leaves and bulbs can be crushed underfoot. Every little bit of care helps keep this place safe for wildlife and for future visitors to enjoy and learn from. Taking your litter home and being kind to nature all makes a big difference!
Looking after a place like Tehidy Round takes a lot of care. Because the banks and ditches are so old, they can wear away over time, especially if people walk or cycle over them. Bluebells and other plants can also be harmed if the ground gets squashed. Rangers, archaeologists and volunteers work hard to protect the site by clearing scrub, checking for damage and sharing its story. But it’s a big job; weather, tree roots and even curious animals can all cause changes to the land. That’s why it’s so important we all do our bit to help keep this special place safe.
Check out the conservation efforts carried out by the Monumental Improvement team at Tehidy Round.
Tehidy Round becomes Ker Tihydin in Cornish.
It means ker – fort, ti – house and Hydin – personal name.
Plan your visit with essential details on transport and parking options, available facilities, route descriptions and accessibility information to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience at any of our historical monuments.
When enjoying the countryside, it’s important to follow the Countryside Code to protect nature and preserve its beauty for everyone. This includes simple, respectful actions like not littering always take your rubbish home or dispose of it properly in bins. Stick to designated paths to avoid damaging crops or wildlife habitats, and keep gates and property as you find them, whether open or closed. Be mindful of livestock and wildlife by keeping dogs under control and not disturbing animals. By following these guidelines, you contribute to the protection of the environment and ensure that others can enjoy the countryside as well.
The path to Tehidy Round is mostly flat and follows a woodland trail, but it can be uneven or muddy in places, especially after rain.
There are no toilets or visitor facilities at the site itself, but nearby Tehidy Country Park has car parks, toilets and a café, just a short walk away.
The nearest parking is at Tehidy Country Park, where you can leave your car and follow waymarked trails through the woods to reach the Round.
You can play a part in preserving its beauty and history for future generations. Volunteering opportunities range from helping with conservation efforts to assisting with educational programmes and community events. Whether you have a passion for nature, history, or simply love the outdoors, there’s a way for you to contribute. Join us and make a difference while connecting with others who share your enthusiasm for Cornwall’s heritage. Contact us to find out more about how you can get involved!
Cornwall National Landscape is a non-profit organisation that conserves the unique landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage of Cornwall. Volunteering for the protected landscape provides a rewarding experience of giving back to the community and preserving the Cornwall's natural beauty.
Discover a wealth of knowledge in our Resources section, where you can download detailed research documents, reports, and source material compiled by our archaeology team to enhance your understanding of the site.
