For history-lovers, there’s plenty to see. At Bodmin Jail, learn what life was like as a prisoner in historic Cornwall and peer into the grisly Execution Shed: a restored Victorian hanging pit. Just down the road, experience the nostalgia of Bodmin and Wenford Railway. Travel by steam on Cornwall’s only full-size railway, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era.
If you’re looking for excitement, the theme parks of Camel Creek at Wadebridge and Flambards at Helston are just the ticket, with rollercoasters, thrill rides and gentler fun for the little ones. Or get your adrenalin pumping at Hangloose at the Eden Project, where you can pick from one of nine heart-racing activities – including a world-famous zipline over the top of the biomes.
Next door is the Eden Project itself – a must on many Cornwall to-do lists. At this living theatre of plants and people, you can experience a rainforest in one biome and the Mediterranean in another. Not far away is The Lost Gardens of Heligan: another impressive site with a fascinating story. One of the most mysterious gardens in England, it was lost for decades before being rediscovered by chance.
Visiting with children? Ride a steam train into a hidden valley of adventure at Lappa Valley, near Newquay. And at Dairyland Farm World, discover all the fun of the farm, including tractor and pony rides, and feeding time with the animals. Let the kids run off steam and get some friendly competition underway at Cornwall Football Golf near St Austell; all ages will love this maddeningly addictive outdoor game.
If you’re keen to try a Cornish tipple or two, take a trip to Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm – home to the famous Cornish Rattler.
Legendary Jamaica Inn, immortalised by Daphne du Maurier’s novel of the same name, is perched on wild and windswept Bodmin Moor. While being home to many of the author’s personal possessions, it also hosts an intriguing smuggling museum. And if that ignites your interest in all things maritime, wonder at Europe’s largest collection of shipwreck finds at the Shipwreck Treasure Museum in Charlestown.
Land’s End is famed for its unique location and spectacular views, but there’s also fun to be had at this family attraction. Enjoy the interactive entertainment before you embark on stunning coastal walks – and don’t forget to have your picture taken at the landmark sign!
Take an open air dip in Jubilee Pool, the UK’s largest and most celebrated saltwater lido. Swim outdoors at this illustrious and historic outdoor swimming pool overlooking Penzance seafront, and enjoy lunch at the Jubilee Pool Cafe. Opened in the 1930s, the triangular art deco seawater pool has provided a bracing swim to holidaymakers and Cornish residents alike for many years and 2020 saw Jubilee Pool launch a geothermal pool – a UK first, offering you the chance to bathe in natural salt water heated to 35 degrees by their own hot water well.
Be curious and explore the best our beautiful county has to offer – read some of our other blogs to discover more places to visit. Uncover the stories behind some of our most beautiful gardens and houses, be excited at our fascinating attractions and theme parks, and learn and discover about Cornish heritage, culture and art. Find out what some of our attractions are doing to ensure conservation of important species, and what others are doing to raise awareness of plastic pollution and sustainability issues. There’s so much to discover!
