Days out in and around Cornwall

Whilst in Cornwall...

In the last decade Cornwall has emerged as one of the world's most iconic destinations. From the dramatic coastline of the north to the sheltered bays in the south, from ancient moorland to soft river estuaries, surfers, walkers, sailing buffs, gastronauts and visitors simply seeking a break from a hectic world have discovered a fascinating, vibrant culture, food to die for and a naturally thrilling adventure playground.

Eden Project

The Eden Project is one of the UK's top gardens and conservation tourist attractions located in just outside of St Austell. The Eden Project is one of the UK's top gardens and conservation tourist attractions located in Cornwall. A living theatre of plants and people, the Eden Project is wholly owned by the Eden Trust, an educational charity. The Eden complex comprises of a number of magnificent domes that house plant species from around the world, with each emulating a natural biome. The first dome emulates a tropical environment, the second a warm temperate, Mediterranean environment. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo has a total of 130 different species including African Lions, Siberian Lynx and a Red Panda. Set in lush sub-tropical lakeside gardens. From the amazing open rainforest exhibit to the beautiful oriental garden there is something for all ages and abilities with large new exhibits, such as the African Savannah featuring many species including Ostriches, Wildebeest and Zebras. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

National Maritime Museum

Housed in an award winning building on the Falmouth harbour side, the museum transports visitors into the world of small boats and Cornish maritime history. The Museum has many fun and educational activities for all the family including collections of maritime objects, boats, art and books plus interactive exhibits that give visitors an insight into the art of navigation and meteorology. In the Tidal Zone visitors can go underwater and look out into the harbour through two large windows. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

Bluereef Aquarium

Situated on Towan Beach in the centre of Newquay, the Blue Reef Aquarium is a stunning visit. Be amazed by the local marine species from the Cornish coast to hundreds of tropical species in the gigantic ocean display complete with underwater tunnel. Open-top tanks allow close encounters with friendly rays while 'hands-on' tide-pools and crashing surf displays recreate the seas' many different aspects. At the heart of the visit giant ocean tanks with spectacular underwater walkthrough tunnels offer unforgettable journeys through exotic coral reefs - home to sharks and shimmering shoals of brightly-coloured fish. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

Flambards

The Flambards Experience is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the South West of England. With unique undercover exhibitions boasting the Flambards Victorian Village, Britain in The Blitz and Memory Lane exhibitions. There is a fabulous undercover soft play area for young children - The Cool Zone, which is now open separately during the winter season Flambards offers a great value day out for the whole family, whatever the weather. There is a fantastic variety of rides for all ages and entertainment for all the family during the Main Season including the Extreme Force, which boasts a 360 degree spin, the ultra speedy Hornet Rollercoaster and Thunderbolt, which has thrilling speed and awesome G force high above the ground. And for those who don't mind a little splash the Canyon River Log Flume is not to be missed. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

Tate St Ives

Situated on the South Western tip of Cornwall, St Ives is surrounded by idyllic white sand beaches and with arguably the best natural light in the UK has been a home for many top artists for near on 100 years. The Tate St Ives, which in itself is a work of art with is at the centre of Cornish Art. Home to regular exhibitions the Tate St Ives presents modern and contemporary art, often created in or associated with Cornwall.

Overlooking the spectacular Porthmeor Beach to the West of the main St Ives town the gallery is just a few minutes walk from the bus stops in St Ives. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

Minack Theatre, Porthcurno

This unique historical open air theatre has a stunning ocean back drop. Visit during the day or attend a performance in the evening. First run a late service in the summer months back to Penzance so you can relax and enjoy the fine performances. The box office can be contacted on 01736 810181 or visit the website for full details of the 2009 programme.

Land's End

A dramatic cliff top setting for mainland Britain's most westerly point, Land's End is home to numerous attractions. Visit the Return to the Last Labyrinth is multi sensory theatre show that recounts many of the myths and legends associated with the Land's End peninsular, including those of wreckers, smugglers and witches. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details of exciting new attractions opening in 2011.

St Michael's Mount, Marazion

Cornwall's oldest charter town Marazion overlooks Mount's Bay where you will see the splendour of St Michael's Mount dominating the bay. St Michael's Mount is truly unique; a tiny, rocky island filled with astonishing history and natural beauty, yet still a living, working community of people. The castle lies 200 yards off shore and at low tide can be reached by walking across the sandy causeway (at high tide boats can ferry visitors to and from the island). The island Mount has a harbour, shops and a restaurant. The castle and gardens are open to the public. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

Hall For Cornwall Theatre, Truro

The Hall for Cornwall is the largest theatre in Cornwall offering a mix of live theatre shows from musicals, children's shows, gigs, drama, plays and music shows. Situated in the heart of Truro performances scheduled for 2011 include Fiddler on the Roof, The Nutcracker, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Jimmy Carr. Please visit the website for full details of the 2011 programme.

Fistral Beach, Newquay

Probably Newquay's most famous beach Fistral is 750 metres long and is popular with surfers for its high exposure to swells, ensuring consistent waves. Fistral is a site for major international surfing competitions and the British Surfing Association is based at the north end of the bay, alongside the Newquay Surf Life Saving Club and the Newquay Boardrider Club. The bay is also overlooked by the famous Headland Hotel which was used in the film The Witches. Fistral is also home to a surf museum, surf shops and daily board and wetsuit hire facilities so there is plenty to see and do!

Fowey Harbour

This small historic Cornish town has much to offer the visitor. You could join one of the guided walks leaving the Town Quay every Tuesday morning, or visit St Catherine's Point where you can see the ruins of St Catherine's castle - a medieval fort. Or you could call into the Daphne du Maurier literacy centre to learn more about the town's association with the famous novelist. For those who like to shop Fowey is also home to some lovely little stores from galleries selling the work of local artists to shoe and craft shops. Or if all this sounds like too much hard work, just enjoy an ice-cream while looking over the beautiful harbour.

Porthcurno Telegraph Museum

This fascinating museum tells the story of the 'Victorian Internet' the forerunner to modern the history behind telecommunications, including learning how to use Morse Code, there is also an interesting exhibition dedicated to Brunel's Great Eastern ship.

Bude

Bude is Cornwall's special unspoilt place "where coast meets countryside". The Bude area offers its visitors a spectacular heritage coastline, designated areas of outstanding beauty, and a unique sea-lock and canal with easy disabled access. Bude has a friendly town centre with mostly locally owned shops.

Wayside Museum & Trewey Watermill, Zennor

An evocative collection of artefacts from 3000BC to the 1950s, set within the garden of a 16th century Miller's cottage and fully working watermill producing organic stoneground flour– a peaceful haven in a stunning landscape and well worth a visit if you're heading to this part of Cornwall. Please visit the website for opening times.