Cornwall is famous for so many wonderful sights and landmarks to delight the whole family. You can explore its fascinating mining history with a trip to Geevor Mine or perhaps delve into more recent history but visiting the world renowned, Eden Project. The county offers something for all tastes!
We have asked our social media following to give us a few suggestions of the best tourist attractions in Cornwall, and they did not disappoint!
Newquay Zoo, Newquay
Newquay Zoo is set within 13 acres of lush tropical gardens just a short stroll from Newquay town centre. During your visit you can get close to over 1,000 of the world’s rarest and endangered animals whilst also learning about the conservation work carried out by the zoo. Watch the lions devour their lunch and then adventure into the Tropical House (if you’re brave enough) and meet some of the more unusual residents including a sloth! If that isn’t enough, they have activity trails, face painting, a children’s play area, a Tarzan trail and Dragon maze to keep the little ones busy. Prices are £14.55 for an adult, £10.90 for children aged 3- 15 years and children under 3 go free!
https://www.newquayzoo.org.uk
Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
The Minack is one of the world’s most famous open air amphitheater’s with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and the inspiring story of its creator Rowena Cade who built it back in 1932 with her gardener. The theatre see’s 150,000 visitors each year, with 80,000 making the trip to see one of the productions. They put on a full programme of drama, musicals and opera every summer, including music, comedy and story-telling. If you cannot make a show, do endeavor to visit and have a walk around – it’s simply a must see! Prices are £5 for Adults, £2.50 for 15 & under and for 11 and under its just 50p.
https://www.minack.com
St Michaels Mount, St Ives
St Michael’s Mount is a small tidal island in Mount’s Bay which is a civil parish and linked to the town of Marazion by a man-made causeway of granite setts, passable between mid-tide and low water. During your trip you can discover legend, myth and over a thousand years of incredible history. Children will be excited to walk across the granite causeway where a legendary giant once walked and discover a medieval castle. For a family outing, a tour of the castle and visit to the gardens makes for a great day out! Through time and tide the Mount creates moments to remember. What will yours be?
https://www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-days-times
Geevor Tin Mine, Penzance
Ever wondered what it would feel like to walk through an ex-working mine? At Geevor tin mine you actually can! Whilst visiting Geevor you can take part in a guided underground tour into Wheal Mexico, an 18th-century mine. It’s a unique experience where you will get to witness what it really would have been like for the miners working in such harsh conditions. Geevor tin mine is one of the largest preserved mine sites in the country which also has various outbuildings and mini museums to explore during your route through the site. There’s even a great café overlooking the sea which does great pasties! This is fantastic for history fans.
https://www.geevor.com
Tate Gallery, St Ives
Visit the iconic Tate St Ives, situated in a stunning location a stone’s throw away from Porthmeor Beach. The gallery was built to celebrate the Modernists as well as the surroundings and atmosphere that inspired them. The St Ives Modernists included such artists as Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson. In fact, its unique architecture recalls the ‘White Relief’ works of the artist Ben Nicholson, as well as the unexpected twists and turns of the town of St Ives itself. Exhibition admission includes free daily guided tours, access to online books in the Studio Resource Room, family trails and activities
https://www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-st-ives
Tintagel Castle, Tintagel
Tintagel Castle is arguably one of Cornwall’s most iconic sites, set in a truly remarkable location along Cornwall’s dramatic Atlantic coastline. The site is full of magic and myth to tickle the senses of young and old. Legend has it King Arthur himself was born there! Visitors walk along the coastal footpath, across a bridge and up to the castle which is a truly beautiful and breathtaking experience. When the tour is done you can take a look in the Tintagel Castle Information Centre, Exhibition and Shop, grab a bite to eat in the café or relax on the beach and discover the famous Merlin’s Cave.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/
Eden Project, Par
The Eden Project is the world’s largest rainforest in captivity with steamy jungles and waterfalls, an incredibly popular visitor attraction and has been dubbed the eighth wonder of the world. With a worldwide reputation, and recognised by the British Travel Awards as the Best UK Leisure Attraction 5 years running, Eden barely needs an introduction, but this epic destination definitely deserves a day of your undivided attention. It’s a dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes that nestle in a crater the size of 30 football pitches. The biomes consist of hundreds of hexagonal and pentagonal, inflated, plastic cells supported by steel frames. The largest of the two biomes simulates a Rainforest environment and the second, a Mediterranean environment. Inside the two biomes are plants that are collected from many diverse climates and environments. A fascinating location, but, more importantly, Eden is a fun and family-friendly day out.
https://www.edenproject.com/#pkOJuBrQyxr0okLt.97
Screech Owl Wildlife Park, Saint Columb
At the Screech Owl Sanctuary you get chance to meet a large collection of owl species from all over the world and enjoy a unique chance to learn about owl conservation and education. Located near Indian Queens just off the A30 they are easy to reach from towns and seaside resorts including Bodmin, Wadebridge, Padstow and Newquay. The whole family will be able to experience close encounters with the hand-tame owls under staff supervision, allowing you to stroke and feed the animals. There are also falconry displays daily with owls and birds of prey, Tiggy’s tearoom for drinks and cold snacks and an indoor education centre available for groups.
https://screechowlsanctuary.co.uk
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Saint Austell
Explore the wild and wonderful land of Heligan, Britain’s real life “secret garden” that was lost amongst weeds, rediscovered in 1990 and restored to its Victorian glory. The garden has many highlights including the iconic statues of Heligan which appear to arch out of the ground itself, 100ft rope bridge which sways above large-leafed ferns and tropical jungle plants and Europe’s only pineapple pit which is used to grow pineapples for The Queen! The wider estate allows you to explore 200 acres of ancient pastures, woodland, ponds and lakes, the bluebells of the Lost Valley, and spot otters, kingfishers and Cornish cattle along the way.
https://heligan.com
Wild Futures’ Monkey Sanctuary, Looe
Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary is a local charity nestled into the side of the south Cornish coast between Looe and Seaton. It has been offering a safe haven for monkeys since 1964, caring for a range of different species, giving visitors an intimate insight to a working sanctuary and a chance to meet some of its amazing monkey residents and wildlife inhabitants. There’s a lot to do for the whole family who can take a tour of the monkey enclosures and learn about these fascinating animals from the team of expert carers. It’s not just monkeys though! Kids will love the wild play area where they can learn about the environment around them and let off some steam in the playground. You can also enjoy a delicious lunch at the Treetop Café!
https://www.wildfutures.org
