Top Holiday Attractions in Cornwall - what to do, where to go and what to see
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If you are heading to Cornwall for a cottage holiday or self catering short break we have compiled some of the must see places and the best things to do. Whether you are looking for some family fun, visit relaxing and peaceful gardens or immerse yourself in the history and culture of Cornwall then take a look at some great ideas below.
And, if you are still to book your self catering accommodation we have listed some great Cornwall cottages and apartments close to the attractions and available direct from independent owners and leading holiday operators.
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Royal Cornwall Museum, Truo
Attractions in Cornwall
See a myriad of minerals, view a naked mummy and discover Cornwall's unique culture. Admire the collection of Newlyn School paintings in the decorative arts gallery. The museum presents a range of changing exhibitions form textiles to contemporary art.
East Pool Mine, Redruth
Attractions in Cornwall
Learn the story of Cornwall's industrial heritage and find out what life was like for the miners of tin, copper and china clay. You can also see the enormous working beam engine and find out about the fascinating geology of the area.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, St Austell
Attractions in Cornwall
Spectacular gardens set in 80 acres of grounds. Learn how these gardens have been restored to glory and see the many subtropical species that thrive here.
Trethorne Leisure Farm, Lauceston
Attractions in Cornwall
This farm and leisure park offers more than 45,000 square feet of indoor attractions. They include a virtual climbing wall, Jolly Roger Ball Blaster, ball pools, assault course and pony rides. Visitors can also pet and hold the animals
Newquay Zoo, Newquay
Attractions in Cornwall
A great day for the family, Newquay Zoo is home to many of the world's endangered species. With a great collection of animals and a rainforest Tropical Zone there is plenty to see.
Dairyland Farm, Newquay
Attractions in Cornwall
Dairyland Farm is Cornwall´s Award Winning Family Attraction - You are assured a warm welcome at Dairyland. The sights, sounds and smells of a real working farm.
The Eden Project, St Austell
Attractions in Cornwall
One of the UK's leading tourist attractions. Visit the biodomes to experiences the tropical rainforest. Mediterranean fruit groves and the fields of California. So much to do, see and learn and look out for their special events.
Tintagel Castle, Tintagel
Attractions in Cornwall
Tintagel Castle is steeped in legend and mystery; said to be the birthplace of King Arthur, you can still visit the nearby Merlin's Cave. The castle also features in the tale of Tristan and Isolde. With a history stretching as far back as the Romans, Tintagel Castle is one of the most iconic visitor attractions in the south west.
Glendurgan Gardens, Falmouth
Attractions in Cornwall
These delightful subtropical gardens include an extensive laurel maze, the Giant's Stride swing and a reconstructed 19th Century schoolroom. The gardens run down to the sandy beach of Durgan, with good swimming and rock pools.
Bodmin and Wenford Railway, Bodmin
Attractions in Cornwall
Discover the excitement and nostalgia of steam travel with a journey back in time on the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, Cornwall's only full size railway still operated by steam locomotives.
Tehidy Country Park, Cambourne
Attractions in Cornwall
Enjoy an active day at this country park in 345 acres of woodland, lakes and ponds, with 9 miles of footpaths to explore. There is also the opportunity to follow horse, cycle and woodland trails.
Holywell Bay Fun Park, Newquay
Attractions in Cornwall
Great rides, go-carts, crazy golf and a maze are just a few of the attractions at this fun park. Others include bumper boats, children's fun rides, a climbing wall and a beach near by.
Lanhydrock House, Bodmin
Attractions in Cornwall
One of the finest houses in Cornwall built in the last 19th Century. IT is set in wooded parkland and surrounded by a garden with rare shrubs and trees. ‘Below stairs' has a huge kitchen, larder, dairy and bake house.
Charlestown Shipwreck & Heritage Centre, St Austell
Attractions in Cornwall
Learn about diving, rescues and shipwrecks in this major display of maritime history, the largest shipwreck artefact collection in the British Isles. There is also an exhibition about the Titanic.
Cornwall's Crealy, Wadebridge
Attractions in Cornwall
A day out at Cornwall's Crealy is maximum fun guaranteed. If you like thrill rides and aren't afraid of heights then we have some perfect choices for you. And let's hope you're not frightened of water.
National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Falmouth
Attractions in Cornwall
The museum is a hands-on, 21st century, new generation of visitor attraction that will appeal to landlubbers and sailors alike. More than just a museum about boats, it´s all about the sea, boats and Cornwall.
Mount Edgcumbe House and Park, Torpint
Attractions in Cornwall
For 400 years this was home to the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Its landscaped park overlooking Plymouth Sound has fallow deer, woodland and coastal walks. Mount Edgcumbe offers the opportunity to experience life as a Victoria, including trying on costumes.
Lands End Visitor Centre, Penzance
Attractions in Cornwall
The Heritage Centre can be found amidst the beautiful scenery that marks this famous 'end' of England. The Centre includes the 4D The Curse of Skull Rock Experience.
Poldark Mine and Heritage Complex, Helston
Attractions in Cornwall
Poldark and its 18th century tin mine, described as one of the most atmospheric mine tours in Europe. Now a hive of activity with its pottery makers, wood turners, local craft workshops and candle makers.
Lappa Valley Steam Railway, Newquay
Attractions in Cornwall
Enjoy a 2-mile steam train journey, boating, crazy golf, a maze and woodland walks in scenic countryside. There are three separate miniature railways running through this oasis of conservation, where wildlife thrives in a protected environment.
Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary, Liskeard
Attractions in Cornwall
A place where families can enjoy close contact with domestic, exotic and wild animals. Discovery and surprise are all part of the fun as you feed the ducks, chickens, goats and deer. There are also zebras, lemurs, raccoons, wallabies and many more.
Spirit of the West American Theme Park, St Columb
Attractions in Cornwall
A theme park dedicated to the Wild West with Native American artefacts and live street-action shows. Set in 100 acres there are two themed towns. Pan for gold, fish at Retallack and visit the museums. There's also a Western store and a photographic palour.
Flambards Experience-Victorian Village and Gardens, Helston
Attractions in Cornwall
Flambards Experience is one of the most popular days out in Cornwall. You can explore over 50 life-size Victorian shops, homes and traders set in cobbled streets with carriages and fashions, or visit the Britain in the Blitz Exhibition and War Galleries showing Cornish involvement in WWII.
The Monkey Sanctuary, Looe
Attractions in Cornwall
There's a lot to do for the whole family; you can take a tour of the monkey enclosures and learn about these fascinating animals from our team of expert keepers; take a gentle stroll around the beautiful woodland gardens, a haven for native wildlife; or stop for a bite to eat in our award winning Tree-Top Cafe.
National Seal Sanctuary, Helston
Attractions in Cornwall
The National Seal Sanctuary is a rescue, rehabilitation and release centre for seals. With Nursery pools, Convalescence and Resident pools, and a specially designed Hospital.
Springfields Fun Park and Pony Centre, St Columb
Attractions in Cornwall
Have fun along the nature walk; try pond dipping, then sample the indoor and outdoor play zones, free-fall slides, trampolines and more. There are ponies that can be ridden, groomed or they can always take you on a ride around the park in a carriage.
Looking for Accommodation close to Cornwall
If you are looking to spend a short break or holiday in Cornwall there is a lot of great quality self catering accommodation, ranging from apartments and cottages to lodges and chalets, to choose from. Of course, you will also find some lovely guest houses, bed and breakfast and hotels in Cornwall. Find out more by using the links below:
- Self catering cottages and apartments in Cornwall
- Lodges in Cornwall
- Holiday parks in Cornwall
- B&B and Guest House in Cornwall
- Hotels in Cornwall
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