Cornwall

Heritage Attractions

Heritage

Castles, Historic Monuments, etc

CHYSAUSTER ANCIENT VILLAGE

Chysauster is located 2½ miles NW of Gulval, North of Penzance off the B3311
Tel: 07831 757934
Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk

Open: Daily from 10am-5pm - April to October (6pm July & Aug, 4pm Oct)

The inhabitants of this deserted ancient Romano-Cornish settlement occupied the site almost 2000 years ago. The village consisted of stone-walled homesteads known as courtyard houses, which are only found on the Land’s End peninsula and the Isles of Scilly. Each had an open courtyard surrounded by rooms thatched with turf, actually forming one of the oldest ‘village streets’ in the country.

Today the walls survive amongst the natural landscape of wild flowers and windswept heather giving a glance at what life must have been like in ancient Cornwall.

For further information on this attraction near Penzance, Cornwall see our website.

CORNISH MINES & ENGINES

Agar Road, Pool, Redruth, Cornwall, TR15 3NP
Tel: 01209 315027 or 01209 210900 (Booking)
E-mail: cornishmines@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The engines were originally powered by high-pressure steam, introduced by the local engineer Richard Trevithick. Today one is rotated by electricity. The site also includes the Industrial Discovery Centre at East Pool, which provides an overview of Cornwall’s industrial heritage and incorporates a fascinating audio-visual presentation. Also part of the world heritage site for Cornish mines.

CHARLESTOWN SHIPWRECK & HERITAGE CENTRE

Quay Road, Charlestown, Cornwall, PL25 3NJ
Tel/Fax: 01726 69897
Web: www.shipwreckcharlestown.com

Opening Times: March to end October - Daily 10.00am-5.00pm. Open later in peak season. THE ALL WEATHER - AWARD WINNING ATTRACTION WHERE CHILDREN GO FREE!

Located in a historic china clay building, visitors get an insight into the history of Charlestown and shipwrecks. The largest exhibition of artefacts recovered by divers, on public display in the UK. Walk through underground tunnels where clay trucks were pushed out to the ships in the port. Attractions include: Animated scenes of village life with a typical cottage scene of days gone by. A blacksmith in his forge. The master copper making barrels. Royal Yacht Britannia scale model. A well stocked shop offers a wide range of maritime and Cornish gifts, souvenirs, cards, books, fudge, beach goods, clothing, badges, toys, confectionery and much more.

Restored working watermill and agricultural workshops.




Tucked away in dense woodland, the mill is a fine reminder of the recent past when corn was ground here for the local community.




Flour is again produced regularly and is available for sale.




Nearby, a range of outbuildings containing a collection of blacksmiths’, carpenters’, wheelwrights’ and saddlers’ tools is presented as workshops, giving an insight into the working lives of local craftsmen.

Cotehele Mill - Photo: Claire Ward CCL

ST MICHAEL’S MOUNT

Manor Office, Marazion, Cornwall, TR17 0EF
Tel: 01736 710507 or 01736 710265 (Tide & Ferry)
E-mail: mail@stmichaelsmount.co.uk
Web: www.stmichaelsmount.co.uk

Courtyard, St Michael's Mount - Photo: Richard Thomson CCL

Climb the ancient, cobbled path to the inspiring medieval castle, gaze down at the beautiful gardens and enjoy magnificent views across the bay to Penzance.

Bodmin Gaol - Photo: Phil Williams CCL

A visit to the former Cornwall County prison can be a scary experience for those of a fearful disposition.



The grim building dates back to 1776 and the exhibition within its austere walls has doubled in size since it first opened.



Nothing daunted, however, we bought our tickets and having been pointed in the right direction, set off below stairs to the dungeons, the comforting words, "See you in the morning!" ringing in our ears. More...

Cornwall is a popular holiday destination, but apart from the obvious tourist attractions, it's also home to a host of ancient relics.






For families wanting to explore areas off the beaten track, there's plenty on offer. More...

Hurlers Stone Circle -
Photo: Phil Windley CCL

Tintagel Castle - Photo: chestertouristcom CCL

High on the jagged cliffs of England's south western coastline lay not only the remains of a long abandoned castle but the mythical birthplace as well of one of this country's most enduring legends: King Arthur. 
 

More...

Cathedrals, Churches, etc

TRURO CATHEDRAL High Cross, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 2AJ Tel: 01872 276782     Fax: 01872 277788 E-mail: colin@trurocathedral.org.uk Web: www.trurocathedral.org.uk  Stunning Gothic Cathedral in the heart of Cornwall's only city. Three soaring spires and beautiful stained glass. Unique 'church within a church'.

Free Guided tours Mar to Oct.

Free Friday lunchtime organ recitals Mar to Oct.

Free Entry.

Stately Homes & Gardens, Country Houses, etc

TREVARNO ESTATE GARDENS & NATIONAL MUSEUM OF GARDENING

Trevarno Manor, Helston, Cornwall, TR13 0RU
Tel: 01326 574274       Fax: 01326 574282
E-mail: enquiry@trevarno.co.uk
Web: www.trevarno.co.uk

An unforgettable gardening experience combining beautiful Victorian gardens with the splendid Fountain Garden Conservatory, unique range of craft workshops and the amazing National Museum of Gardening. Vintage Soap Collection. Toy Museum (additional charge).

LANHYDROCK

Bodmin, Cornwall, PL30 5AD
Tel: 01208 265950       Fax: 01208 265959
E-mail: lanhydrock@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
House open: 15th March to 2nd November 2008 (ring for full details).

Approached along a splendid avenue of beech trees, the house gives every impression of being wholly Jacobean. In fact, all that remains of the original house, built between 1630 and 1642 is the gatehouse, entrance porch and north wing. The rest was rebuilt to match the style of the surviving part after destruction by fire in 1881. The result is the magnificent building that we see today.

Below stairs visitors can see the kitchen, larders, dairy, bakehouse, cellars and servants' quarters. Lanhydrock is surrounded by beautiful grounds with some pleasant rides and paths to stroll along. Adjoining the house are lovely formal gardens with clipped yews and bronze urns, while the higher garden is famed for its magnolias and rhododendrons.

THE LOST GARDENS OF HELIGAN

Pentewan, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26 6EN
Tel: 01726 845100       Fax: 01726 845101
Web: www.heligan.com

Heligan is the garden restoration of the Century. situated near the fishing village of Mevagissey. Lost for many years, this was truly the Secret Garden. Eighty acres of superb pleasure grounds plus five walled gardens and a huge vegetable garden.

Voted 'The Nations Favourite Garden' by the viewers of BBC ''Gardeners World'' television programme. Open all year (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).

MOUNT EDGCUMBE HOUSE & COUNTRY PARK

Cremyll, Torpoint, Cornwall, PL10 1HZ
Tel: 01752 822236       Fax: 01752 822199
E-mail: mt.edgcumbe@plymouth.gov.uk
Web: www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk

Former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Miraculously the walls of the red stone Tudor mansion survived the bombs in 1941. Restored by the 6th Earl. Now beautifully furnished with family possessions.

Set in historic 18th century Grade I listed gardens within the 865 acres of Country Park on the dramatic sea-girt Rame peninsula. Follies, forts, National Camellia Collection. Exhibitions & Events.

House & Earls Garden open 23rd March - 30th September (booked groups March to Oct). Sun to Thurs 11am - 4.30pm. Tea Rooms and Shop in the House. Eco Bus operates in the Park when the House is open.

For further information on Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park near Torpoint, Cornwall see our website.

COTEHELE HOUSE & QUAY

St. Dominick, nr Saltash, Cornwall, PL12 6TA
Tel: 01579 351346       Fax: 01579 351222
E-mail: cotehele@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
House open: 15th March to 2nd November 2008, closed Fridays.
Garden open: all year, daily.

The riverside estate and house at Cotehele was built between 1485 and 1627 and was a home of the Edgcumbe family for centuries. The granite and slate stone walls contain intimate chambers adorned with tapestries, original furniture and armour.

Outside, the formal garden overlook the richly planted valley garden. The Quay has interesting old buildings housing an outstation of the National Maritime Museum. The restored Tamar sailing barge Shamrock is moored alongside. Throughout the estate there are a variety of riverside and woodland walks. There is also a shop, restaurant, tearoom and gallery.

THE EDEN PROJECT

Bodelva, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL24 2SG
Tel: 01726 811911       Fax: 01726 811912
Web: www.edenproject.com

A dramatic global garden based in the natural theatre of a china clay pit overlooking St Austell Bay. Nestling within it are two gigantic geodesic conservatories, the largest 200 metres long and 55 metres high - the biggest in the world!

The landscaped gardens cover 12 hectares. This new world class visitor destination has been created to tell the fascinating story of man's relationship with plants.

TRELISSICK GARDEN

Feock, nr Truro, Cornwall, TR3 6QL
Tel: 01872 862090       Fax: 01872 865808
E-mail: trelissick@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Beautifully positioned at the head of the Fal estuary, the estate commands panoramic views over the area and has extensive park and woodland walks beside the river. At its heart is the tranquil garden, set on many levels and containing a superb collection of tender and exotic plants which bring colour throughout the year. The display of spring blossom is particularly delightful. The house is not open, but there is an art and craft gallery, shop, plants for sale, two restaurants and a fine Georgian stable block.

The garden, restaurant, shop and gallery will be open from 3 January 2006 until 10 February inclusive from 11am to 4pm, and from 11th February to 31 October 2006 from 10am to 5.30pm. The Fal Estuary Ferry from Truro, Falmouth and St. Mawes links direct to Trelissick. Visit website for opening times.

ANTONY HOUSE

Torpoint, Plymouth, PL11 2QA
Tel: 01752 812191
E-mail: antony@nationaltrust.org.uk
Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

One of Cornwall's finest early 18th century houses. Antony has been the home of the Carew family for almost 600 years. The grounds have been landscaped by Repton. They include the National Collection of Day Lilies and fine summer borders

The woodland gardens have outstanding displays of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Camelias and Magnolias. There is also a shop and tearoom. Open Easter to October, Tues, Weds & Thurs. Also open Sundays during June, July & August.

Promontory of land with dramatic cliffs and Victorian fort. Brean Down, rich in wildlife and history, is one of the most striking landmarks of the Somerset coastline, extending 1½ml into the Bristol Channel.


At its most seaward point a Palmerston Fort, built in 1865 and then re-armed in World War Two, provides a unique insight into Brean’s past.

Glendurgan Garden -
Photo: Tom Pennington CCL