Cornwall Sightseeing, Attractions & Activities Guide

200 acres of world-renowned 19th century gardens, now restored after decades of neglect, offering secret corners and stunning displays

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

Island home to a medieval castle, reached by causeway, with Norman church and sub-tropical gardens.

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

stunning scenery and natural beauty at Cornwall's most westerly point with cliff top walks, the First & Last House, famous signpost

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

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

rescue centre in picturesque setting, specialising in seal rescue, rehabilitation and release. With daily feeding times and talks

with over 40 naturally themed habitats, an underwater tunnel and interactive educational displays, this is the ultimate underseas safari

miles of trails in this mixed woodland, popular with dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders with stunning viewpoints, picnic and BBQ areas

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

Victorian international telegraph cable hub, once the largest telegraph station in the world, now a communications technology museum

unique china clay mining museum with "historic" or "nature" trails and view into working pit, with interactive displays with Cornwall's largest working waterwheel. children's trail and play area

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

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

fascinating displays of military weapons, uniforms, medals, badges. The collections ranging from the Battle of Waterloo to the Berlin Wall

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

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

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

explore the rich natural wetlands and western dry heath a result of the extensive mining operations. 7 mile circular multi use trail

a site of archaeological importance surrounded by dunes, beaches, a medieval church and a reedbed rich in wildlife

historic house and grade 1 Cornish gardens with the national camellia collection within 865 acre park on Rame Peninsula

harbour-side Museum telling the story of Cornwall's rich maritime heritage - promotes an understanding of boats & their place in people's lives

the estate has been occupied by the Molesworth family since 1500s. Boasting a superb collection of pictures, furniture and porcelain

world's largest collection of witchcraft-related artefacts and regalia demonstrating the historical beliefs and practices of whithces and magicians

historic dual-purpose viaduct and aqueduct. The outcrop affords a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

exhibitions explaining the house's history, extensive gardens, walking trails and art gallery showcasing contemporary local artists

a fine Georgian house surrounded by outstanding gardens with an International Camellia Society Garden of Excellence, as well as collections of rhododendrons, magnolias and Campion Trees

gain an insight into the Cornish penal life over the centuries. This includes evening ghost walks and a look into the cold, dank cells

historic harbour and short canal, now a regeneration project with visitor centre. Rowing boats for hire and a great place for a leisurely walk

with friendly teachers offering year round daily lessons on Summerleaze beach. Indoor and outdoor changing facilities with hot showers

award-winning vineyard on sun-drenched slopes with tours, tasting and shop in an idyllic setting, practising traditional viniculture

Excellent preserved ancient villages, with an excellent example of an underground stone-walled passage, known as a ‘fogou'

underground journey through former slate mine, with three underground caverns of cathedral proportions and a crystal clear subterranean lake

remains of 2,000 year-old settlement with traceable village street and houses, with an underground passage, known as a 'fogou'

relax & leave the car behind and take this circular route around West Cornwall - hop on, hop off - visiting the major sites

ancient and atmospheric estate with walking trails, medieval garden, mine remains and historic house (house open on limited dates).

awe-inspiring coastal views of St Ives Bay and the sheltered coves and sandy beaches, including a view of Godrevy Lighthouse

beauty spot on the edge of Bodmin Moor with spectacular cascades and a number of well defined walking trails and teeming with wildlife

living steam trains in a magical setting with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities including canoes, pedaloes, crazy golf and children's play area

public art gallery presenting contemporary work in all media by regional, national and international artists, with a supporting programme of events

Penlee House displays works from The Newlyn School of artists, as well as local photography, decorative arts and archaeology collections

like most houses, Port Eliot has a front door and about there the similarity ends. There are 11 staircases, 15 back doors and 82 chimneys

surrounded by the striking Bodmin Moor, with a wide range of activities including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and fishing. Outdoor children's playground

immerse yourself in history, myths and stunning scenery at Tintagel Castle set high on Cornwall's rugged north coast. Inextricably linked with the legend of King Arthur

hosting thousands of exotic plants and the famous golden pheasants that roam freely in the stunning gardens, carefully designed around the Abbey ruins

a traditional park with open spaces, attractive floral bedding and a recently updated children's play area

covers the history of Bude and the surrounding area, including natural history, maritime and industrial heritage, and development of tourism

120 acres of woodland garden, home to the National Magnolia Collection. Guided tours of house and garden available

atmospheric Tudor house with medieval roots, working mill on historic quay with a restored Tamar Sailing Barge and glorious gardens

19th century working watermill surrounded by outbuildings, now used as estate and craft workshops, short walk from Cotehele Quay

farm visit with animals, pony rides, promoting a better understanding of farming; large indoor play area and an adventure playground

two great beam engines, preserved in towering engine houses with industrial heritage discovery centre

relax & leave the car behind and take this sightseeing passenger ferry sailing between Truro and Falmouth with hop on, hop off

multi-award winning gallery featuring works by Old Masters, major Victorian artists, British Impressionists and contemporary painters

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

awarded the national Green Flag Award, a peaceful garden left as a legacy from the Fox family including many varied species

one of the UK's largest preserved mine sites telling the story of Cornwall's industrial mining past and mineral panning for the children

described as a "small piece of heaven on earth" by their founders, these gardens cover three valleys leading to the Helford River

largest, best-preserved of several mysterious tunnels associated with Iron Age settlements, thought to date from 5th or 4th century BC

located on one of the top 5 family beaches in the UK - secure storage, changing facilities & surf hire - ASI accredited surfing school -

making award-winning cyders, wines, spirits, juices, preserves, and sauces for nearly 40 years. Tractor rides, farm animals and a jam kitchen

a great fun day out for all the family with pay-as-you-ride system including blaster boats FI karts, pitch and putt, trampolines and thunder racing

onboard, underwater camera with boat trips to the Isles of Scilly, snorkelling safaris with equipment provided, fully licensed by the MCA

recently restored 1930s art deco lido, the largest natural seawater bathing pool in the UK. A fabulous venue for swimming or sunbathing

hop-on board to see the spectacular coastline for one hour cruise with toilets onboard and indoor and outdoor viewing areas

5 acre connoisseurs' garden planted by a husband and wife team, enjoying panoramic views - well designed and well labeled

400 acres country park surrounding one of the highest hills in the area - which may have had religious significance in prehistoric times

running through the Kensey Valley, this 5 mile round trip uses Victorian steam locomotives with a small museum at Launceston Station

high-up on the exposed cliffs of the 'Tin Coast' and part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site. At its heart, the restored 1840s beam engine

overlooking what is still one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, where Marconi undertook some of his pioneering radio experiments

view the stunning Cornish coastline whilst watching out for sea wildlife with knowledgeable and experienced guides for 1.5 and 3 hour trips

restored 15th century stone cottage suggested as the home of Mary Newman, the first wife of Sir Francis Drake - atmospheric

fun for all the family, professional family run business sailing out of the historic port with 2 or 4 hour fishing trips

bought in 1888 for the princely sum of £3,120. Originally created in 1841, they are now home to a surprising variety of plants, shrubs and trees

one of the largest folk museums in the South West, reflecting the social and industrial past of The Lizard Peninsula with regular art exhibitions

over 130 rare and exciting creatures with keeper talks and animal experiences - children's play area, Dragon Maze and activity trails

chronicling the history of the Port of Padstow over the past two centuries - interesting collection of artefacts with plenty to interest the children

wildlife sanctuary and indoor play centre, home to World Parrot Trust with a fabulous, colourful collection of rare and endangered parrots

one of Henry VIII's finest coastal fortresses, defending Falmouth from Tudor times to the Second World War, with displays of big guns

local museum covering local history with collections covering all aspects of local life including a replica Cornish kitchen

a must see for any horticulturist with over 6000 labelled plants set in different garden zones including a Japanese Garden

18th century tin mine with mine tours, searching for gemstones and gold panning. First recorded site of tin stamps

providing a sanctuary for a wide variety of exotic animals with animal talks, demonstrations and animal petting area. Picnics welcome

diverse collections, mainly relating to Cornwall's heritage including the Rashleigh mineral collection

well-established owl sanctuary, with owls from all over the world, plus other animals, petting area, falconry and play area

UK's largest exhibition of its kind offering an insight into the history of Charlestown and shipwrecks with treasure recovered from the deep and walk through an underground tunnel

pony centre with farm animals and extensive children's activities with a giant indoor play barn, go-karts and outdoor Astra Wave Slide, trampolines, rowing boats

commanding views across the Fal estuary and beyond. Famed for its military history for centuries, there are big guns, batteries and fortifications to discover. With level paths from the car park to the headland

unrivalled water sports facilities as well as cycle trails and lakeside walks with pirate themed children's play area

a great family day out with British and Asian Short Clawed Otters and wallabies. Muntjac and Fallow deer roam the 21 acre grounds and enjoy a woodland walk with conservation activities

largest area of woodland in West Cornwall with 9 miles of paths from easy going to more challenging set in 250 acres of peaceful woods and lakes. Picnic area

18 mile largely traffic free, surfaced and virtually level multi use trail which provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line between Wenfordbridge, Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow

sea ferry journey from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly, with terrific views and wildlife and providing sea tours of the coast with informative commentary

an intimate Elizabethan manor and a Cornish gem, little changed by the advances in building fashions over the centuries, thanks to long periods under absentee owners, creating a tranquil spot much prized by visitors

endless opportunities for fun & games with indoor play area and large outdoor park including crazy golf. Picnics welcome. Pony rides, bottle feed lambs, hand milk cows and stroke the animals

elegant example of 18th C. country architecture - outward appearance hardly changed since 1715 - filled with fine furniture, objets d'art & paintings - garden with 24 champion trees - rare shrubs - exotic fern collections & tree top viewing platforms

get a bird's-eye view of West Cornwall from this 90 ft high granite obelisk on top of Carn Brea with a winding staircase to the top

tropical and traditional planting with stunning views fo the sea and estuary, shell grottoes and an Edwardian bandstand

the most southerly point on mainland Britain this 250 year old working lighthouse offers interactive displays

fishing & angling trips from Newquay Harbour - MCA licensed & insured up to 60 miles offshore - half-day, full day & evening trips

set in the beautiful cove in Sennen, near Lands's End, learn to ride the waves with private, family or group lessons with single day to 5 day courses and ample changing facilities

set amidst the narrow cobbled streets in the former mariners' church, the society was founded in 1927 and now houses a permanent display as well as temporary, contemporary art exhibitions

discover 1,500 years of legend with an exhibition room recalling the legends and history of King Arthur. Brass rubbing, nature trail and children's quiz

set in beautiful woodland, taking care of four different species of monkeys. Visitors receive an intimate insight into a working sanctuary with informative talks by keepers. Children's activity room and frequent workshops

dating from the 14th Century, the name dates from the Victorian period when it briefly held a licence to be the letter receiving station for the district with postal exhibits and samplers and furniture dating back to the 16th Century

beautiful gardens that tumble down to the sea with a superb collection of sub-tropical plants and a water garden. Children's play area and picnics are welcome on the sheltered and secluded beach

great fun for all with personalised surf teaching. All ages and abilities welcome offering various lessons from 1/2 day to week long courses

made famous by the write Daphne du Maurier. There is a room full of her memorabilia. Theatre shows recount the inn's myths and legends

built in the 16th Century as a coastal defence, the long steep walk is well worth the effort for the views

climb the battlements for impressive views from the remains of this 13th Century round tower and keep

fascinating look into the local rich heritage and the town's association with Australia

gain an insight into the areas rich heritage with an interpretation centre fro the Cornwall Mining World Heritage Site

occupying part of a former boat building yard - a broad collection of artefacts tell the history of Mevagissey and its residents -

features the social & maritime history of the twin towns - also documents the transformation into a tourist resort with Samuel Cooke watercolours

offering a large range of fun and exciting activities all in spectacular locations., including school residential trips, family activity holidays

informative displays about bees with educational talks & videos on beekeeping and beeswax candle making - beehives are kept behind glass

commanding fantastic views, these ruins are in remarkably good condition. Picnics welcome

discover the history behind St Austell Brewery with an interactive museum and walk through a Victorian brewery

Cornwall's largest and heaviest prehistoric monolith with wonderful surrounding views

sits atop a rocky promontory, remains of an artillery fort built by Henry VIII to defend Fowey Harbour. Access via a narrow winding foot path

well-preserved and elaborately decorated coastal artillery fortress designed to mount heavy 'ship sinking' guns with audio tour available and picnic area

a fascinating look at the history of St Ives including fishing and mining, with children friendly activities

two lakes offering water sports, angling, walking, cycling and relaxation. Picnic area. Equipment hire and children's play area

three flying displays each day with different birds in each - hawks, owls, falcons, vultures & eagles - other birds & animals - playground - picnic area

historic foot ferry between Cremyll and Plymouth with spectacular coastline views

quirky exhibition space in the town centre, this contemporary art gallery is part of the Newlyn Art Gallery and has events and workshops with changing exhibitions

discover an oasis of tranquillity at this authentic Japanese garden set in one and half acres

visitor centre highlighting the work of the hatchery - promotes the sustainability in fisheries & aquaculture - resident giant lobster - displays a wealth of information about lobsters, the fishery & marine conservation

taking visitors through the process of tin streaming and explaining how tin ore recovered from the stream running through the site is smelted on-site to create exquisite Cornish jewellery

award winning magnolias and rhododendrons and winding wooded paths down to Mount's Bay, a warm and luxuriant garden following in the 1920s footsteps of plant hunters who brought these plants to Britain for the first time

well-preserved, Neolithic 'dolmen' burial chamber - stands 2.7 metres (8.9 ft) high - five standing stones, surmounted by a huge capstone with wide vistas from the top of the mound

soars above the city rooftops, this Victorian edifice boasts some outstanding 19th Century stained glass. Children's trails as well as guided tours

tranquil haven in the city with a traditional Victorian bandstand where summer concerts are held and with a small water garden dating from the original gardens

18th Century cottage & chapel where John Wesley, the founder of Methodism preached & rested - thought to be the smallest Methodist Preaching place in the world - see the Wesley Room - display of 18th Century artefacts

a world in miniature, with over 30 '00' Gauge layout with highly detailed scenery and interactive buttons. Children's railway features Thomas The Tank Engine & Friends

former tin mine with engine houses clinging to dramatic cliffs, filming location for Poldark

privately owned museum in a building that was originally used for making coaches & wagons and covering many aspects of North Cornish life

18th century house with fine collections of paintings, furniture and textiles; landscaped gardens; Alice in Wonderland film location