With so many Cornish attractions to choose from, we have selected just a few of our favourites.
For garden lovers, the National Trust offers some stunning places to explore. Glendurgan, on the Helford, is a tropical paradise that winds down to the water, and even has its own maze to keep the children entertained! Trelissick, near Truro, is a more majestic offering with open parkland and tall trees, and further west you’ll find the garden at Trengwainton, near Penzance – a lovely place for a stroll.
While you’re ‘down west’ in Penzance, the famous St Michael’s Mount is a must-see Cornish attraction. You can either walk across the causeway at low tide or take the ferry across. The paths that wind up to the Mount are a gateway to a by-gone era of myth and legend. You could also carry on to Land's End, famous for its unique westernmost, ‘end of the country’ location and stunning scenery.
Privately owned, Trebah Garden, which you’ll find adjacent to Glendurgan, offers its own tranquil paradise and private beach and if you fancy travelling further afield, The Lost Gardens of Heligan is the most magical of Cornish attractions, with endless footpaths and garden follies at every turn. We must also mention the Biomes at the Eden Project – a mastery of engineering and ingenuity, housing the largest rainforest in captivity.
If you prefer to spend time near the water then why not explore one of our local harbours? The closest are Mullion Cove and Coverack, where you can find a sunny spot on the harbour wall and watch the world and fishing boats go by. Porthleven also has a bustling, working harbour surrounded by plenty of great places to eat or grab an ice-cream.
St Ives is Cornwall’s art hub and Tate St Ives, along with the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden, hold a national collection of British art from 1500 to the present day, including international modern and contemporary art. The Terence Coventry Sculpture Garden in Coverack is a free year-round Cornish attraction for all to enjoy, and you’ll find galleries in most Cornish villages showcasing local artists and makers. For theatre-goers, the Minack Theatre near Porthcurno is a must. Carved into the rock, this incredible place hosts open-air productions through the warmer months. Look out for local performances from the incredible Kneehigh theatre company and the magical mystery of Rogue Theatre, whose immersive woodland performances are enchanting.
History buffs will love Helston’s Museum of Cornish Life. Tucked away up a cobbled side street, it is a treasure trove of local memories and curiosities. Alternatively, discover Cornwall’s incredible mining history at Poldark Mine, or further west at Geevor Tin Mine.
Wildlife lovers won’t be disappointed either. In addition to exploring the wildlife, flora and fauna that appears at every turn in Cornwall, there are also some great Cornish attractions you can visit. The Cornish Seal Sanctuary in Gweek is a charity that rescues and rehabilitates grey seal pups from around the Cornish coastline. Here you’ll also find sea lions, penguins and more. Paradise Park in Hayle is a wildlife sanctuary, with tropical birds in exotic gardens and a huge Jungle Barn indoor play area for children, perfect if the weather is wet!
And finally, no trip to Cornwall would be complete without a visit to Helston’s very own theme park, Flambards! With rides and activities galore, as well as a full indoor Victorian Village to explore, there’s no wonder it’s become known as the ‘best day of the week’!