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Visit Cornwall's Attractions

This is a selection of the visitor attractions in Cornwall, including the 'must-do' highlights..

Eden Project

The Eden Project is near the town of St Austell in Cornwall. It was the brainchild of Tim Smit who wanted to turn a desolate, former china clay quarry into a thriving area, full of life. His vision to build a bubble-shaped greenhouse or biome, was brought to life and is now one of the most visited attractions in Cornwall. 


It is a unique concept where tropical rain forest plants have been brought to the UK and housed in one of the largest greenhouses in the world. A second greenhouse showcases a Mediterranean environment. The Eden Project aims to educate people about our impact on our environment and inspire change.

Minack Theatre

The Minack Theatre is an open air theatre build by Rowena Cade in the 1920s. Initially, it was the venue for the local comminity to stage amatuer performances. Rowena Cade did not perform; instead she was busy backstage, designing and making costumes. 


The popularity of the venue grew and grew until it became the commecial success it is today. During the summer season, it hosts a variety of performances for all ages. 


It is possible to explore the theatre during the day when there is no performance. A fee applies. 

Tate St Ives

Part of the Tate Britain family, the gallery displays permenant exhibits of Cornish art, complimented by guest artists. On the site of a former gas works in St Ives, the rotunda was designed to mimick the shape of the gas works. 


It opened as a joint venture with Cornwall Council in 1993., and, unlike other Tate galleries, there is a charge to enter. 

Land's End

At the western most tip of Cornwall is Land's End. Today it is a tourist attraction with the infamous mileage sign.


In the Victorian era, local guides accompanied travelogue writers who documented their experiences. Rocky outcrops were given names, e.g. Dr Syntax's head.


The South West Coast Path runs through the complex and offers stunning views. On clear days, the Isles of Scilly are visible.


In the 1980s, the area was developed into a theme park and today it offers a hotel, cafes, gift shops, theme park and animal petting farm.  It is also a wedding venue.

Pendennis Castle

Pendennis Castle is a Tudor defense fort near Falmouth. 


Together with it's sister castle, St Mawes. tt was built by Henry VIII to defend England against the Spanish Armarda. Although it has never seen active service, it was extended over the following centuries and played a vital role in defending the River Fal until WWII. 


Today it is managed by English Heritage and guided tours are offered.

Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle is an historic site of interest near the town of Tintagel in Cornwall. Evidence suggests that gold, tin and copper was traded with Mediterranean countries, including the Phoenicians for spices and olive oil in the 7th century, maybe before.


Tintagel is thought to be the mythical home of King Arthur. The legend tells how Merlin found Arthur as a baby in a cave on Tintagel Haven beach. 


Today, the site is run as a visitor attraction by English Heritage offering a cafe, toilets and visitor centre. The remains of a 13th century castle  build by Richard Earl of Cornwall are still visible on the island which is accessible by a modern bridge.  There is a modern statue in the style of Arthur, called Gallos, a very popular opportunity for a social media photograph.

Lost Gardens of Heligan

The Lost Gardens of Heligan follows a story of discovery. The estate of Heligan was thriving until the first world war when many of the estate workers signed up to fight. When they did not return, the estate fell into decline and became overgrown and lost. In the 1990s, it was rediscovered and became the largest restoration project in Europe, 


Today, Heligan attracts a large number of visitors. eager to see how an Edwardian estate worked, looked and felt. From a pineapple pit to graffiti on the privy walls, the estate workers that did not return from WWI are remembered here. 

St Michael's Mount

Set on a small island, about a quarter of a mile off shore near Marazion in Cornwall, the fairy tale castle sits proudly at the top of a granite outcrop. Established as a monastery in the 12th century, it has been inhabited ever since and has a fascinating history. 


The Castle has its place firmly in Cornish folklore with the tale of Jack the Giant slayer who defeated Cormoran, a giant who lived on the island and terrorised the local people.


Today, the castle is lived in by Lord St Levan and his family and some rooms are open to the public in partnership with the National Trust. Lady St Levan has redesigned the south facing gardens, with  help from a team absailing the sheer cliff to plant speciment plants.

Trebah Gardens

Trebah Gardens is situated on the north bank of the River Helford. It was once the home of the Fox family who owned and managed the harbour at Falmouth.  


The family cultivated a garden from plant collecting expeditions to China and the Himalayas, filling it with specimen magnolias, camelias and rhododendrens. 


Today it is a privately run garden with cafe, gift shop, plane sales and exhibition area. With its own private beach, it is a complete day out.


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