With the final bank holiday of 2023 coming up at the end of August, we’re sharing our ideas for great days out in Cornwall. We all love to make the most of the extra days off work, spending time with family and friends and we’ve put together a list of Cornwall’s top attractions.
From country houses and castles to mines and museums, gardens and galleries to theme parks and railways – Cornwall has a wealth of attractions to choose from. Whether you’re visiting for a short break or happy to call this place home, make each day a discovery.
Learn about the unbreakable ties between the people of Cornwall and the briny blue. The exhibitions at this independent Falmouth museum unravel fascinating tales of life on the ocean, from plucky Packet Service crews to […]
Stir up your sense of adventure at English Heritage Pendennis Castle, a coastal fortress with unmissable sea views. Travel back to wartime Cornwall, climb to the top of the keep, and enjoy acres of green […]
The stunning Cornish coastline around Pendeen was once at the heart of the Cornish mining industry, providing jobs and community around the tin and copper mines. Today, the award winning Geevor Tin Mine gives visitors […]
Dig deep and discover the special ingredient in our everyday lives that still shapes Cornwall and our world today – china clay! It hides in your toothpaste, mugs, paper, tyres and even your cosmetics. A […]
This award-winning museum and art gallery is home to a treasure-trove of art and artefacts that tell the story of all that is unique and captivating about Cornwall. The Mineral and Nature Galleries offer immersive […]
Discover how St Ives became an art capital of the world, and how a small fishing town became a famous centre of modern art. Tate St Ives is an iconic gallery showcasing some of the […]
A place like no other, the world-famous Minack Theatre is a must-see for visitors to Cornwall. Perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay, you might think ancient Greeks had carved it […]
Go on a legendary day out at English Heritage’s Tintagel Castle, a clifftop fortress where history and legend intertwine. Cross the new bridge to the ‘island’ and explore the medieval Great Hall, high above the […]
Discover the amazing story of our interconnected world at the Museum of Global Communications — from the first undersea telegraph cables to the wonder of today’s internet. Listen to knowledgeable experts at the museum as […]
Take an open air dip in the UK’s largest and most celebrated saltwater lido. Swim outdoors at this illustrious and historic outdoor swimming pool overlooking Penzance seafront. Opened in the 1930s, the triangular art deco […]
Bodmin Jail is a remarkable historical site that stands as a testament to the darker aspects of Cornwall’s past. Built in 1779, this imposing structure has been witness to some of the most notorious crimes […]
Escape to the westernmost point of Cornwall, famed for its unique location and breathtaking coastal landscapes. Immerse yourself in over 100 acres of outstanding natural beauty at the far end of our county, and don’t […]
The Eden Project is a global garden, educational charity and social enterprise all in one. Begin your journey in the Outdoor Gardens, where wild landscapes are juxtaposed with Europe’s largest collection of useful plants – […]
Imagine crazy golf – but supersized, and played by kicking a football. Everyone will enjoy the unique outdoor experience with spectacular views over the coast, found just five minutes from the Eden Project. With hazards […]
Discover the nostalgia of steam travel with a journey back in time on Cornwall’s leading full-size railway operated by steam locomotives. Relax in style and enjoy a leisurely 13-mile round trip, taking in the sights, […]
High Wire Adventures, Via Ferrata Course, Zip Wire safari In need of an epic adrenaline adventure? Via Ferrata, the ultimate high wire adventure with a zip wire finale? Or if you just love zip-lining, […]
Explore the home of Rattler Cyder and uncover a world of apples, imagination, and adventure at Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm! Meet their friendly farm animals, experience traditional Cornish jam making, venture above the cyder production […]
A trip to St Austell Brewery’s Visitor Centre is a must for beer lovers. Most famous for its flagship beer, Tribute Pale Ale, the brewery’s range of award-winning beers (including Proper Job IPA and Korev […]
With exciting new attractions for 2024, get ready for non-stop fun and thrills at Camel Creek – Cornwall’s greatest Adventure Park! Experience breath-taking family rides, energetic adventure play and enchanting animals. With over 40 rides […]
Discover the only attraction in Cornwall that transports families on an exciting nostalgic train ride into a secret world of traditional fun and family adventures. Children will delight in the thrill of trains and boats, […]
What will you discover? Life and loss at sea. The lure of the search. The reveal of the find. The Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown is one of peril and possibility, where a seabed of […]
“Heligan is so much more than just a garden—it is a place in the soul.” Thirty years ago The Lost Gardens of Heligan were rediscovered from the brambles of time. Today, Heligan remains one of […]
Expect the unexpected in this park full of puzzling challenges. Immerse yourself in some baffling trails, solve the clues, shrink, grow and appear upside down. Every corner you turn, reveals quirky goings-on and much amusement. […]
A welcoming garden set in an estate with stunning maritime views and lovely woodland walks. Trelissick is set on its own peninsula, with panoramic views over the Fal estuary. You can explore the meandering paths through the garden, […]
A sheltered garden that’s nestled between the moors and the sea and nurtures an award-winning plant collection. Winding wooded paths climb to an open, grassy terrace with sea views across Mount’s Bay. A gentle stream […]
Experience the magical essence of Trebah, a sub-tropical paradise with a coastal backdrop, steeped in heritage, creativity and the spirit of innovation. Four miles of footpaths wind through dazzling exotic planting, transporting you from one […]
The Eden Project is a global garden, educational charity and social enterprise all in one. Begin your journey in the Outdoor Gardens, where wild landscapes are juxtaposed with Europe’s largest collection of useful plants – […]
An atmospheric Tudor house with Medieval roots, a working mill on an historic quay, a glorious garden with valley views and an expansive estate to explore. Cotehele was the ancestral home to the Edgcumbe family […]
A delightful small Tudor manor house with fine interiors and delightful garden, Trerice is an architectural gem hidden away from the world in a web of narrow lanes and still somehow caught in the spirit […]
Stroll down through the peaceful, exotic and playful valley to a sheltered beach at the bottom. There are three valleys of Glendurgan to lose yourself in – full of fun, informality, natural beauty and amazing plants. […]
A magnificent late Victorian country house with garden and wooded estate, the National Trust’s Lanhydrock, near Bodmin, is the quintessential country house and estate, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home. After […]
The island world of St Michael’s Mount is one of the jewels in Cornwall’s crown. Hop on a boat – or walk across the causeway during low tide – to a community where modern life […]
Meet over 1,000 of the world’s rarest and most endangered animals at Newquay Zoo. This education and conservation charity, owned by Wild Planet Trust, gives you the chance to get up close to many animals, […]
Based on the edge of Goss Moor nature reserve, Screech Owl Sanctuary is a haven for sick and injured owls. The team at this vital rescue and rehabilitation centre work tirelessly with birds in need […]
Experience pioneering marine conservation in action on the beautiful estuary in Padstow and be inspired to make a difference. An award-winning visitor centre, you can get up close with rarely seen lobster babies, pregnant lobster […]
At Wavehunters, we’re passionate about sharing the beauty of the Cornish coast through surf lessons, sea safaris, yoga, and fitness classes. Our sea safaris let you explore Cornwall’s stunning coastline and wildlife by boat. With […]
Set in beautiful exotic gardens with views to the sea, Paradise Park is home to over 1,200 birds plus rare red pandas, otters, red squirrels and tiny harvest mice. You’ll meet stunningly colourful birds – […]
Take the family to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and learn about its work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of seals around Cornwall’s coastline. Based in Gweek, commanding panoramic views of the Helford River, the […]
Be curious and explore the best our beautiful county has to offer. Uncover the stories behind some of our most impressive and intriguing gardens and houses, be excited at our attractions and theme parks, and learn more about Cornish heritage, culture and art. Find out what some of our members are doing to ensure conservation of important species, and what steps others are taking to raise awareness of plastic pollution and sustainability issues. There’s so much to discover!
Every destination featured is a member of the Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions (CATA). As a collective of almost 40 top attractions, we’ve been creating Cornwall’s best visitor experiences since 1974, working together to meet and raise industry standards. We’re passionate about Cornwall, and love inspiring visitors with ideas for new and varied experiences. Our aim is clear: to create quality days out that you’ll remember for years to come.
