First & Last Cottages - Planning Your Holiday in Cornwall

Things to do in West Cornwall

There is so much to do in this area, it's choosing where to go that's hard. Here are some suggestions:

Minack Theatre

Operates in the summer season only but the exhibition centre is open all year round. Buy your tickets as soon as possible because the most popular performances are sold out way in advance.

Land's End

The exhibitions are definitely worth seeing. On Tuesdays and Thursdays in August there are spectacular firework displays.

Geevor Tin Mine

An excellent tour of one of the last mines to close down. Geevor and the surrounding area has been awarded World Heritage Status - more information on the Cornish Mining website.

Turn of the Tide art gallery, St. Just

Worth a browse around.

Porthcurno Telegraph Museum

A secret wartime communications centre with fascinating interactive exhibits.

St. Michael's Mount

Check the tide to see if you can walk across - if not phone the Manor office to check the sea conditions.

Surfing

Surfing lessons can be arranged at Sennen Cove.

Beaches

Some fantastic beaches within walking distance including Sennen Cove, Nanjizal, Gwenver, Porthchapel and Porthcurno.

South West Coastal Path

Passes close to the properties in both Sennen and Porthcurno.

Isles of Scilly day trips by helicopter

The helicopter departs from Penzance or you can go with Skybus from Land's End Airport, or by boat from Penzance. A visit to Tresco is particularly recommended.

Land's End Airport scenic flights

An opportunity to see the area from the air

Geneaology

The Cornwall Family History Society may be able to help you trace your family tree.

Marine Conservation & Diving Centre, Penzance

Marine Discovery

Exhilarating wildlife boat trips from Penzance.

Gardens

There are some excellent gardens in the area including Trengwainton, Trewidden, Trebah and the Lost Gardens of Heligan - these are especially worth visiting in the early spring.

Trewidden Garden (Open until 2 October, 1030-1730, Wednesday to Sunday. July/August open 7 days.)

Trengwainton Garden (Open until 31 October, 1030-1700 closed Fridays and Saturdays.)

Eden Project

Even if you're not keen on plants the engineering project alone is worth seeing.

National Maritime Museum, Falmouth

A mixed reaction from people on this one but worth combining with a river cruise afterwards.

Mousehole

Visit the Ship Inn to find out about Stargazey Pie - this can be eaten in most of the pubs on Tom Bawcock's Eve (23rd Dec).

River Fal boat trips

Just turn up and choose on the day. Cruising up the Helford for a cream tea is a favourite.

Flambards, Helston

You can spend a whole day here and there are things to do for both adults and children.

Paradise Park, Hayle

Parrots, penguins, otters, red pandas and more. An excellent place for a picnic.

St. Ives including the Tate Gallery

Lots of art galleries including the Tate which has an excellent coffee shop, plus craft shops, excellent beaches and high quality restaurants.

Birdwatching

A fantastic area for birdwatching, particularly at Porthgwarra.

Climbing

Lots of places in the area are used for climbing, particularly around Bosigran.

Penlee House Gallery & Museum

Usually free on Saturdays. Some lovely Newlyn School paintings and an excellent café.

Gweek Seal Sanctuary

Try to time your arrival at feeding time - a nice setting for a picnic.

Cape Cornwall Golf & Leisure Centre and West Cornwall Golf Club

Both worth a visit.

Fishing

Stithians Lake permits from 01209 860301, Marazion Angling Club - day tickets from West Cornwall Angling 01736 362363, Trout Fishery Hayle 01736 850889.

Sea fishing

Various trips daily in the summer 01736 368565.

St Austell Brewery Guided Tour

Not suitable for children under 8, or those with mobility problems. A chance to sample the beers and have a freshly cooked lunch in The Hicks Bar.

Cornish Way Cycle Path

The Cornish cycle path starts at Land's End plus information on other cycle paths is available from Sustrans.

CATA - Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions - this site gives you lots of information on places to go, especially for children.

 

Car free days out are being promoted by Devon & Cornwall rail partnership and there are two websites which you might find useful www.carfreedaysout.com and www.railaletrail.com