Are you visiting one of the many holiday parks in Cornwall?
You will be delighted to know that there are plenty of things to do in Cornwall!
Beautiful Cornwall has so much on offer, including gorgeous stretches of rugged coastline, a superb choice of golden beaches, stunning moorland, huge cliffs, tropical gardens and, notably, many castles!
It’s sometimes a good idea to plan some days out before you go too; if you research and book ahead online, you can save time and money – most attractions have various ‘book ahead’ discounts and offers.
There are far too many attractions to mention in this article, so we thought we would handpick some of our recommended favourites. Here are our top 10 tourist attractions in Cornwall that you may like to check out!
1. Saint Michael’s Mount – Mount’s Bay, Marazion
Saint Michael’s Mount is one of Britain’s 43 ‘tidal islands’ that can only be reached by foot and at low tide. Today, this area is managed by the National Trust.
- A 30-minute walk at low tide from Marazion Beach across the purpose-built causeway.
- To visit, you must book in advance; online ticket bookings are only for choices of Garden Terrace and Castle.
- There is plenty to explore on the island: gardens, castle, Barge House, the village and harbour area, the island’s history and the Aubyn Family history.
- It is possible to book a guided tour ahead of your visit; don’t forget to check the tide times before arrival!
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 9:30 AM to 5 PM, Sunday to Friday
- Address: Marazion, Cornwall TR17 OHS
- Standard Adult Price: £15
2. The Minack Theatre, Porthcurno, Penzance
Minack Theatre is a breathtaking open-air theatre that juts into the ocean at Portcorno, with beautiful sub-tropical gardens to explore.
- Located approximately 4 miles from Land’s End, the visiting season runs from May until September.
- Book a show, whether it be a play, comedy or a storytelling performance.
- Book a general visit to the theatre and gardens, plus a special garden tour.
- You must book tickets online in advance, prices vary depending on the show. Storytelling shows start at only £1 for small children and £3 for those under 15.
- Bring your dog; they are allowed for ‘Story Telling’ events but need to be seated towards the back of the theatre and be well-behaved!
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: Box Office open from 10 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Address: Porthcurno, Penzance, Cornwall, TR19 6JU
- Standard Adult Price: Theatre tickets may start at £10
3. Land’s End Landmark Attraction, Penwith, Penzance
This famous landmark is located on the most westerly point of England, just outside Penzance. Land’s End Landmark is a headland and also a holiday complex.
- Experience the stunning clifftop walk and discover more about the local nature and wildlife at the visitor’s centre.
- Fantastic for wildlife lovers, chances to see; Gannets, Fulmars, Kittiwakes, Shags, grey seals, basking sharks and perhaps even dolphins!
- There is a lovely gift shop – ‘First & Last House’, with lots of souvenirs on sale. You can also eat and drink at the café, restaurant/bar or the Last Inn.
- Check online for various discounts and offers on accommodation, food etc.
- Don’t forget to visit the iconic Lands End – New York – John O Groats signpost!
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Address: Sennen, Cornwall, TR19 7AA
- Standard Adult Price: Varies per activity
4. Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen
Located on the same peninsula as Land’s End, in the heart of the rugged Cornish coastline – between the villages of Pendeen and Trewellard, Geevor Tin Mine offers the opportunity to check out a real mine that used to produce tin and copper.
- The tin mine is recognised as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site for Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.
- Explore the Hard Rock Museum with interactive activities for all the family, or the mine and it’s collections.
- Adventure underground! Have a tour through the ‘Wheal Mexico’ mine
- Family ticket discounts are available and the mine is open all year round.
- Dogs are allowed across the site but not in the underground mine area.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 9 AM to 5 PM, Sunday to Friday
- Address: Pendeen, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 7EW
- Standard Adult Price: £18.90 (full admission)
5. Pendennis Castle, Falmouth
Pendennis Castle is located in a stunning seaside location on the headland overlooking the town of Falmouth. This seaside castle is one of Henry VIII’s finest sites and is rich in history.
- Explore the historic 16th-century castle, with remarkable stone staircases and gunrooms.
- You need to book in advance online, family discount tickets and other concessions are available, so it’s necessary to book a time slot.
- Various family events throughout the year, such as half term, Halloween and Christmas events.
- Enjoy a family picnic in the castle grounds, or grab a treat from the Castle Café.
- If you book early, you can tie the knot and marry at Pendennis!
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 5 PM, Daily
- Address: Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4LP
- Standard Adult Price: £12.50
6. Tate St Ives, Pothmeor Beach, St Ives
Tate St Ives is a contemporary and modern art museum with various collections on show in a host of different galleries.
- A collection of modern artists who are connected to St Ives and other iconic modern artists.
- Various abstract sculptural forms from artists in Britain and abroad.
- Works on the show by Piet Mondrian, Eileen Agar and Pablo Picasso.
- Other galleries highlight iconic artwork from Dame Barbara Hepworth, William Scott, and Naum Gabo.
- It is necessary to book a timed ticket in advance of your visit – become a Tate member and obtain free entry!
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 5:20 PM, Daily
- Address: Porthmeor Beach, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 1TG
- Standard Adult Price: £10.50
7. National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow
It’s the perfect chance to find out the life of a lobster! The National Lobster Hatchery is on South Quay in Padstow and is a Marine Conservation site.
- It is an award-winning tourist attraction with a great visitor centre.
- Discover some amazing facts about lobsters – such as – how they evolved over 140 million years ago!
- Go behind the scenes and discover the journey of a hatchery-reared lobster!
- It’s possible to adopt a lobster or purchase gifts at the shop, where proceeds go towards charity.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 4 PM, Daily
- Address: South Quay, Padstow PL28 8BL
- Standard Adult Price: £7.50
8. Bodmin Jail
The brand new Bodmin Jail visitor attraction, the biggest investment in 2020 in Cornwall’s tourism, opened in October 2020!
- There was recently a £8.5 million investment into this attraction to provide every visitor with access to some fantastic state-of-the-art technology.
- An introduction to the all-new ‘Dark Walk’ experience!
- A choice of guided tours like; the Bodmin Town and Jail Heritage Ghost Walk, or the Scary Cinema and Paranormal Tour.
- Other experiences available include; Halloween, After Dark, and try to check out the Bodmin Jail Hotel!
- You can pre-book tickets online. There are many concessions and family booking/group options worth checking out.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 9:30 AM to 8:30 PM, Daily
- Address: Berrycoombe Road, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 2NR
- Standard Adult Price: £18.50
9. The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Explore the magic and wonders of Heligan – 200 acres of gardens and wildlife hidden under the brambles since the outbreak of WWI.
The mysterious estate is now the largest garden restoration project in Europe since it reopened in 1990.
- Over 200 acres of magical gardens, woodland walks and farmland to explore – the best natural playground available.
- Dogs on leads are welcome to join in the exploring and fun at Heligan!
- Enjoy a traditional Cornish Cream Tea or locally grown fruit and vegetables in the Heligan Kitchen and Bakery.
- Heligan is ideal for enjoying in all seasons. Explore the Victorian Productive Gardens, Pleasure Grounds or the UK’s only outdoor jungle!
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 6 PM, Daily
- Address: Pentewan, St.Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN
- Standard Adult Price: £22.50
10. Flambards Theme Park
Flambards is a theme park located on the outskirts of Helston in southwest Cornwall. Flambards makes a great family day out with its mixture of rides and attractions.
- Indoor attractions include The Victorian Village, Britain in the Blitz and Chemist Shop Time Capsule.
- Large selection of rides to suit the whole family, including Sky-Force, Log Flume and Hornet Rollercoaster.
- Themed events throughout the year.
Visit the Flambards website for details on opening times, prices and booking.
Good To Know:
- Opening Time: 10 AM to 3/5 PM, Daily
- Address: Flambards Helston, Cornwall TR13 0QA.
- Standard Adult Price: Starts from £9.95
Final Thoughts Things To Do In Cornwall
Cornwall is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered, from its rugged coastline adorned with golden beaches to its historic towns filled with art, culture, and mouthwatering cuisine.
So come find out what all the fuss is about and make your own memories in this enchanting land that perfectly blends natural beauty with rich tradition. It’s even fun during the rain.
There’s truly no end to the adventures you can have here, making Cornwall a destination that many find themselves returning to time and time again.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Cornwall? We’d love to know!