About Cornwall
Packed with Character
Amazing art and captivating culture, discover the magic of the heritage of Cornwall, from mine engines to clay museums, historic houses to art galleries, festivals, events and the spectacular Minack Theatre.
There’s so much to see, so much to learn and so much to enjoy from the traditional to the trendy. Cornwall is unforgettably fascinating. If you think a holiday in Cornwall is all about the beaches, think again. This ancient and mysterious peninsula has plenty more to offer. Let yourself be surrounded by a diverse and dangerous past, a history as charming as it is charismatic and experience the wonderful and the weird.
To unlock our history and heritage you needn’t look too far. From ancient stone monuments which stand as reminders of Cornwall’s Celtic legacy and the iconic tin mines and engine houses which stand as a reminder of an industrial heritage; to steam fairs, steam railways and fertility celebrations, Cornwall has it all to enjoy, which is why we’ve been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. What does that mean? It means Cornwall’s historic mining landscapes are up there with the Great Wall of China and the Taj Mahal as places with “outstanding value to humanity.” Watch processions commemorating giants, Golowan (Midsummer) or Gorseth (an organisation dedicated to Cornwall’s unique Celtic spirit). Join in the madness and rugby-like chaos of St Columb’s Shrovetide hurling game. The town is transformed into a 31-anda-half square mile pitch so grown men and brave women, from town and country can chase after a silver ball. Dance, sing, shout and party in Padstow with the locals. Obby Oss Day features various hobby horses, parades, a may pole, songs, marching bands and an early start to witness it all.
This is a unique place with unique traditions. Time it right and you get to enjoy it as part of your holiday for free. Entertain the kids with tails of the beast of Bodmin Moor as you explore this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s a place of mystery, legend and intrigue. Check out Dozmary Pool too if you’re of a literary inclination. It’s thought to be the lake where Sir Bedivere threw Excalibur to The Lady of the Lake. If you like that, don’t forget Tintagel – where legends tell us King Arthur built his castle. Back to the Moorland and you can witness the Cheesewring, a curious pile of huge granite slabs that can be likened to Stonehenge itself. There are plenty of other interesting rock formations throughout the county too. Many are English Heritage sites with free admission. They range from underground chambers to monoliths. Rock on.
Whilst, we’re on the subject of myths, mystery and folklore, we can offer you plenty to indulge your imagination. If you love a good ghost story, Cornwall has enough spooks to spare with sightings and rumours of hauntings throughout the county, like The Cornish Arms Hotel in St Blazey, Daphne Du Maurier’s Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor, Boscastle’s Wellington Hotel or even Carn Kenidjack – a rocky outcrop near Penzance. It is said that there “the spirits” of the Celts, possibly the spirits of yet older people, dwell amidst those rocks and the dead hold undisputed possession of all around.” And it’s not just ghosts that haunt these shores but tales of piracy and smuggling.
Quaint fishing villages abound with these stories and apart from the odd modern day exception, like RNLI stations and ice cream stalls, not much seems to have changed in hundreds of years. Transport yourself into our history further with visits to our stunning castles – such as Pendennis and St Mawes which Henry VIII built – and our grand manor houses like Lanhydrock, Trerice, Godolphin, Antony House where Johnny Depp filmed scenes for the latest “Alice in Wonderland” film.
If you can’t get enough of the culture buzz then you should head to St Ives and Newlyn. Both beautiful harbour settings and both boast an impressive history. I’m told it’s something to do with the quality of light there but two of Britain’s most important art movements began in these very towns. The streets are packed with wonderful little galleries that you can peruse at your own pace and the main event is our very own Tate Gallery. You don’t have to be an art maestro either to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and quite simply, beautiful pictures of this beautiful county. Besides artists; poets and writers such as Dickens, Tennyson, Hardy, Sir John Betjeman, Winston Graham and Rosamunde Pilcher have all loved Cornwall.
Find inspiration yourself in what has inspired for centuries. One place where the art and beauty of our spectacular county combine for a magical experience is the Minack Theatre in Porthcurno and no wonder. This is the most famous cliffside theatre in Britain, possibly in the world, and your seats are carved into the sheer granite rocks overlooking the breathtaking panorama of Porthcurno Bay. This is once in a lifetime stuff.
Where else can you enrich your mind, satisfy your curiosity and humble your heart in one day…then be back on a beautiful beach the next?
