One of the prettiest villages in Cornwall lies in the valley of Penpont Water just off the A30 trunk road. Altarnun has retained its historic charm and character, something the Parish Council and residents work hard to keep up, including its picturesque packhorse bridge by the church, a variety of traditional cottages, the village hall which houses the local shop and post office and the church hall which was formerly a national school dating from early Victorian times until 1935 but now hosts many community and social events.

The stunning parish church of St Nonna, known as the Cathedral of the Moor, was built largely in the 15th century in the Perpendicular style, with its bell tower standing 109 ft (33 m) high. It is notable for a fine Norman font and old woodwork, including the screen, bench-ends and communion rails which date back to 1684. The screen is one of the finest 15th century examples in Cornwall; it has three gates and the carved cornice of vines and tracery, and vaulting are extraordinary.

More modern evolvements are a thriving primary school situated just up the hill at Five Lanes, numerous sports and social clubs, for both the young and more mature and our twinning with Gueltas in Brittany, France.