Things to Do in Cornwall
153 attractions - from ancient castles to boat trips, family adventure parks to hidden gardens.
Cornwall has 153 attractions across 20 categories - from the world's largest indoor rainforest at the Eden Project near St Austell, to the cliff-carved Minack Theatre above Porthcurno, to underground tin mine tours at Geevor on the far west coast.
Gardens are one of Cornwall's standout draws. The Lost Gardens of Heligan cover 200 acres near Mevagissey, with a jungle valley abandoned after the First World War and restored in the 1990s. Trebah Garden drops 60 metres to a private beach on the Helford River. The Eden Project operates two biomes - tropical rainforest and Mediterranean - inside a former china clay quarry, with outdoor gardens and summer concerts.
Castles and heritage span three millennia. Tintagel Castle perches on an Atlantic headland connected by a modern footbridge. Pendennis Castle guards the mouth of the Fal Estuary, built by Henry VIII in the 1540s. English Heritage maintains 17 monuments across Cornwall; the National Trust holds several more, including St Michael's Mount and Lanhydrock near Bodmin.
Family days out range from Camel Creek Adventure Park near Wadebridge to the National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek. Adrenalin Quarry near Liskeard runs a 490-metre zip wire across a disused quarry. Indoor options include the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth and Bodmin Jail.
Arts and culture centres on Tate St Ives above Porthmeor Beach, the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives, and Truro Cathedral - the only cathedral in Cornwall. Browse by category below, or jump straight to what suits your trip.
Must-See Attractions
Cornwall's most iconic destinations
GardensThe Eden Project
World-famous biomes and gardens exploring the relationship between people and plants.
st austell
TheatreThe Minack Theatre
Spectacular open-air theatre carved into the cliffs above Porthcurno.
porthcurno
HeritageSt Michael's Mount
Iconic tidal island with a medieval castle and subtropical gardens.
marazion
GardensThe Lost Gardens of Heligan
Restored Victorian pleasure gardens and jungle valley near Mevagissey.
mevagissey
Arts & CultureTate St Ives
World-class modern art gallery overlooking Porthmeor Beach.
st ives
HeritagePendennis Castle
Henry VIII's coastal fortress guarding the entrance to Falmouth harbour.
falmouth
Places to Eat
28 attractions
Golf Courses
21 attractions
Castles & Heritage Sites
20 attractions
Pubs & Nightlife
19 attractions
Family Days Out
19 attractions
Gardens
13 attractions
Museums & Galleries
12 attractions
Tidal Pools
12 attractions
Outdoor Activities
10 attractions
Lighthouses
10 attractions
Unusual Things to Do
9 attractions
Dog-Friendly Attractions
8 attractions
Wildlife & Animal Attractions
5 attractions
Theme Parks & Adventure Parks
4 attractions
Boat Trips
3 attractions
Indoor Attractions
3 attractions
Theatres
2 attractions
Watersports
1 attraction
