Cornwall Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities Guide

recommended places to visit and things to do throughout Cornwall


  • editors' choice!
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The Eden Project is an ecological wonder, featuring massive biomes housing diverse global plant species, educational exhibits, and sustainability-focused initiatives.

  • garden
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  • natural landscape
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  • viewpoint
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • film
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  • TV

world famous open-air theatre in stunning cliff-side location, with visitor centre and exotic, sub-tropical, coastal garden. An exhibition tells the life and times of Rowena Cade, the founder

  • natural landscape
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  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • walking
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stunning scenery and natural beauty at Cornwall's most westerly point with cliff top walks, the First & Last House, famous signpost

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • history
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  • social history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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200 acres of world-renowned 19th century gardens, now restored after decades of neglect, offering secret corners and stunning displays

  • aquarium
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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with over 40 naturally themed habitats, an underwater tunnel and interactive educational displays, this is the ultimate underseas safari

  • natural landscape
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • cycling
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  • nature
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  • walking
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miles of trails in this mixed woodland, popular with dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders with stunning viewpoints, picnic and BBQ areas

  • fortress
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  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • place of worship
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  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • religion
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  • walking
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historic island, linked to mainland by causeway and surmounted by former Benedictine Abbey with medieval castle and gardens creating a micro climate in which all sorts of unlikely plants flourish

  • art gallery
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  • seasonal opening
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  • art

modern art gallery, presenting three special exhibitions each year, with the accent on the St Ives School of Art

  • art gallery
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  • museum
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  • open year round
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  • art
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  • nature

Barbara Hepworth's former studio and garden, exhibiting large collection of her work

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • history
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  • industrial heritage
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  • jewellery

mentioned as far back as 300BC and is strongly woven into the lives of the Cornish people. This is the sole tin mine still producing tin items

  • tourist railway
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • transport
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  • trains

13 mile steam heritage railway through beautiful countryside creating the atmosphere of a 1950s Cornish branch line

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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fascinating displays of military weapons, uniforms, medals, badges. The collections ranging from the Battle of Waterloo to the Berlin Wall

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • antiques
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  • geology
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  • history
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  • social history

from minerals and fossils to a representation of a Cornish kitchen, WWII, the fire service, wildlife and law and order

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • seasonal opening
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • antiques
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  • furniture
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  • nature
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120 acres of woodland garden, home to the National Magnolia Collection. Guided tours of house and garden available

  • theme park
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • limited opening
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a great fun filled family day out with over 100 acres and a variety of rides to suit all ages with indoor and outdoor activities

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  • National Trust
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  • nature
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dramatic section of the coast with spectacular views across Bedruthan Beach, rock stacks and walks along the coastal path. Steep cliff staircase

Flambards

Helston

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  • theme park
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • antiques
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  • history
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  • military history
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  • social history

major family-friendly attraction with walk-through historic street scenes, theme park rides and special exhibitions

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • cycling
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  • nature
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explore the rich natural wetlands and western dry heath a result of the extensive mining operations. 7 mile circular multi use trail

Gunwalloe

Penrose

  • natural landscape
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • National Trust
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  • archeology
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  • nature
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  • walking
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a site of archaeological importance surrounded by dunes, beaches, a medieval church and a reedbed rich in wildlife

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

magnificent late Victorian country house, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home, including a rare book collection

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